They're here: the holidays. The busiest shopping season of the year. If the thought of driving all over town to find just the right gift for Aunt Maude leaves you feeling cold before you even get out the door, it could be time to put some excitement back into your errands with a brand new car. Or maybe now is the time to surprise your special someone with the ultimate of all presents. This December, we found great incentives on practical sedans and wagons, with a fun 4-wheel-drive toy thrown in for those who like to play in the great outdoors.
In some instances the incentive is listed as marketing support, which generally means the manufacturer pays that money to the dealer if they sell a car. It's almost as good as cash in your pocket. If you know about this incentive, the dealer might be willing to give up most or even all of that money to sell the car.
Take a look through our latest Top 10 New Car Deals to see if there's a discount for a vehicle on your holiday shopping list.
Page 22010 Volvo XC70
Starting MSRP: $37,950
Base Engine: 3.2-liter inline-6 with 235 hp
Base MPG: 16 city/22 hwy/18 cmb
Incentive: $3,750 marketing support; $1,500 owner loyalty cash
Expires: 1/4/2010
Safety-conscious Volvo lovers rejoice—you could get a good deal on a new XC70 right now, especially if you're a current Volvo owner. The $3,750 manufacturer cash to dealer is a strong negotiating point, and you could get $1,500 cash back on top of that if you already drive a Volvo. With comfortable seats, all-wheel drive, optional integrated rear booster seats, 71 cu. ft. of cargo space, and of course a plethora of safety features, the XC70 is one of the original family alternatives to large SUVs.
Page 22009 Volkswagen CC
Starting MSRP: $27,100
Base Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 200 hp
Base MPG: 21 city/31 hwy/25 cmb
Incentive: $3,000 lease bonus cash or 0% APR
Expires: 1/4/2010
This stylish, stretched version of the Passat is one of those cars you'll turn around to admire as you're walking away from it in the parking lot. The CC's low, sloping roofline definitely makes it a looker, but it also costs you some headroom and the center seat in the back. But if you can live without, the CC makes an excellent midsize sedan. The plush interior is nicely equipped, and the base turbocharged 4-cylinder engine puts out a strong 200 hp and is fairly efficient. A 280-horsepower V6 and all-wheel drive are also available.
Page 22010 Toyota Matrix
Starting MSRP: $16,550
Base Engine: 1.8-liter 4-cylinder with 132 hp
Base MPG: 26 city/32 hwy/28 cmb
Incentive: $750 cash back
Expires: 1/4/2010
The Matrix is the epitome of a practical hatchback, with surprising flair both inside and outside to boot. Top it off with Toyota reliability and nearly as much cargo space as a small crossover, and you have quite a compelling compact. Non-slip rubber floor inserts and tie-downs make safely using all the spacious cargo area a cinch. The standard 1.8-liter engine returns impressive fuel economy. An all-wheel drive model is available, as well as a stronger 158-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, though both take significant hits to mpg numbers.
Page 22009 Subaru Legacy
Starting MSRP: $20,795
Base Engine: 2.5-liter flat-4 with 175 hp
Base MPG: 20 city/27 hwy/22 cmb
Incentive: $1,500 cash back
Expires: 1/4/2010
Prefer the looks of the last Legacy over the all-new 2010 redesign? No worries, Subaru has $1,500 cash back on the remaining 2009 models. With handsome styling, standard all-wheel drive and exceptional crash safety ratings, the Legacy is a pleasantly uncommon alternative to the more traditional Camrys and Accords of the family sedan world. Fuel economy isn't so great, but in parts of the country that see serious winter weather, it's more than worth the penalty to get Subaru's reknowned all-wheel drive.
Page 22009 Saab 9-3
Starting MSRP: $30,360
Base Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 210 hp
Base MPG: 19 city/29 hwy/23 cmb
Incentive: 0% APR or $1,000 owner loyalty cash
Expires: 1/4/2010
Saab offers a unique alternative to Japanese and German mainstays, and while Saabs aren't for everyone, they do have some of the most ardent brand loyalists in the automotive world. So with 0% APR financing, why not give one a whirl? The entry-level luxury 9-3 comes in your choice of sedan, wagon or convertible body styles, and all feature comfortable seats, roomy interiors, responsive handling and a quiet ride. A sharp all-wheel drive system is available on the sedan and wagon, and a 280-hp turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 can be had with any body style.
Page 22010 Lincoln MKS
Starting MSRP: $40,870
Base Engine: 3.7-liter V6 with 273 hp
Base MPG: 17 city/24 hwy/19 cmb
Incentive: $1,000 cash back and 0% APR
Expires: 1/4/2010
The Lincoln MKS delivers everything from NBA player-like legroom and a cavernous 18.4-cu. ft. trunk to standard heated rear seats and an optional 14-speaker THX audio system. For 2010, Ford saw fit to give MKS buyers an option of the remarkable 355-hp twin-turbo EcoBoost engine, which gives a significant boost in performance without a penalty at the gas pump—even with power going to all four wheels. Safety scores are excellent, and right now you may be able to combine $1,000 cash with either 0% APR for a three year loan or an additional $500 cash bonus.
Page 22010 Jeep Wrangler
Starting MSRP: $21,165
Engine: 3.8-liter V6 with 202 hp
Base MPG: 15 city/20 hwy/17 cmb
Incentive: $750 cash back
Expires: 1/4/2010
As far as unconventional off-road vehicles go, the Jeep Wrangler stands alone. It's no cush daily driver with its zippered removable soft top, detachable doors, and flip-down windshield, but those are the very things that make it so much fun off the pavement. It has just over 10 inches of ground clearance and steep approach and departure angles, perfect for tackling rocks and ravines. There's even a more practical 4-door version available (though less maneuverable than the 2-door on trails) with more room for hauling friends and gear.
Page 22009 Infiniti EX35
Starting MSRP: $33,800
Engine: 3.5-liter V6 with 297 hp
Base MPG: 17 city/24 hwy/19 cmb
Incentive: $4,000 marketing support
Expires: 1/4/2010
Possibly the least crossover-like crossover on the market, the EX35 is more like a rear-wheel-drive sport sedan wearing wagon's clothing. Though the backseat is moderately tight and the cargo area not exactly large, both handling and acceleration are impressive and the interior is rife with lavish materials and intuitive controls. Technology and safety lovers won't be disappointed either, with options like all-wheel drive, Around View Monitor, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and a pre-collision warning system.
Page 22010 Chevrolet Traverse
Starting MSRP: $29,224
Engine: 3.6-liter V6 with 281 hp
Base MPG: 17 city/24 hwy/19 cmb
Incentive: $1,500 cash back
Expires: 1/4/2010
The Traverse is an attractive alternative to minivans for big families. The capable and well-equipped large crossover SUV has excellent crash test scores, up to 117 cu. ft. in the cargo area with seats folded, and the ability to tow up to 5,200 lbs. It carries seven or eight passengers, and adults will be comfortable enough in the third-row seats. Interior design is pleasant, as are the ride and handling. In addition to $1,500 cash back, you may also be able to get an extra $1,000 holiday inventory overage bonus and another $500 more if you waive GM's 60-day return guarantee.
Page 22010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
Starting MSRP: $39,830
Base Engine: 3.0-liter V6 with 270 hp
Base MPG: 18 city/27 hwy/22 cmb
Incentive: $2,000 cash back
Expires: 1/4/2010
Building on the success of the CTS Sedan, Cadillac recently introduced a new CTS Sport Wagon version. Featuring two V6 engine options (one with 304 hp), rear- or all-wheel drive and stellar handling, the wagon offers a big extra helping of utility (58 cubic feet with the seats folded flat) with the same sporty drive dynamics as the sedan. The fact that it's got edgy good looks doesn't hurt, either. Get another $500 cash if you turn down their 60-day satisfaction guarantee program, and an additional $1,000 loyalty cash if you already lease a Cadillac.
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