Top Ten Smart Deals for September 2008

Combine the twin bogies of end-of-the-year clearances and a tanking economy, and you have the makings for some killer deals. Think about it: When was the last time you saw cash sitting on the hood of a Corvette? You know times are tough now, but the manufacturer's loss is your gain, with some serious money floating around on darn good hardware.

By Staff Photo credit: Manufacturers, Staff

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To make it as a smart deal, vehicles must have better-than-average crash test scores from NHTSA and the IIHS (if tested), and ideally rate at least a combined 20 miles per gallon by the EPA. It also has to be a car that we would personally recommend. Finally, a smart deal car is required to carry a discount, either by dealer incentive, automaker rebate or special finance rate. Regional differences may apply, and though we list expiration dates, rebates can end at any time. Though we list sticker prices on the following pages, be sure to use the invoice price as your starting point.

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MSRP: $33,220 - $37,455 Expires: 9/30/08 NHTSA: Frontal impact – Five stars driver, five stars passenger; Side impact – Five stars front and rear; Rollover – Four stars MPG (combined): 19; 3.6-liter V-6 engine, six-speed automatic transmission Notes: MyRide 2008 Utility Vehicle of the Year, unique savings opportunity.

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MSRP: $34,780 - $38,980 Expires: 9/30/08 NHTSA: Frontal impact – Four stars driver, five stars passenger; Side impact – Five stars front and rear; Rollover – Four stars MPG (combined): 21; 3.6-liter V-6 engine, six-speed automatic transmission Notes: MyRide 2008 Car of the Year, unique savings opportunity.

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MSRP: $46,950 - $54,955 Expires: 9/30/08 NHTSA: Not tested MPG (combined): 19; 6.2-liter V-8 engine, six-speed manual transmission Notes: A brand new Corvette for $40,000? Where do I sign?

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MSRP: $24,635 - $36,195 Expires: 9/30/08 NHTSA: Frontal impact – Five stars driver, five stars passenger; Side impact – Five stars front and rear; Rollover – Four stars MPG (combined): 16; 4.0-liter V-6 engine, six-speed automatic transmission Notes: Going away soon, get them while they last.

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MSRP: $23,160 - $28,160 Expires: 9/30/08 NHTSA: Frontal impact – Five stars driver, five stars passenger; Side impact – Five stars front, three stars rear; Rollover – Five stars MPG (combined): 25; 2.4-liter inline-4 engine, five-speed manual transmission Notes: Rare low financing opportunity for Honda Accord.

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MSRP: $18,120 - $25,670 Expires: 9/30/08 NHTSA: Frontal impact – Not tested; Side impact – Five stars front and rear; Rollover – Five stars MPG (combined): 25; 2.4-liter inline-4 engine, five-speed automatic transmission Notes: Worth a look for Accord/Camry/Altima/Malibu intenders.

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MSRP: $19,140 - $27,150 Expires: 9/30/2008 NHTSA: Frontal impact – Five stars driver, five stars passenger; Side impact – Four stars front, four stars rear; Rollover – Five stars MPG (combined): 24; 2.3-liter inline-4 engine, five-speed manual transmission Notes: Outgoing model; get the five-door hatch if you can find it.

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MSRP: $26,435 - $31,930 Expires: 9/30/2008 NHTSA: Frontal impact – Four stars driver, five stars passenger; Side impact – Four stars front, four stars rear; Rollover – Five stars MPG (combined): 19; 2-liter inline-4 engine, six-speed automatic transmission Notes: Got revs? The Mazda RX-8 sure does, and it's a blast to drive.

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MSRP: $25,640 - $30,240 Expires: 9/30/2008 NHTSA: Frontal impact – Five stars driver and passenger; Side impact – Five stars front and rear; Rollover – Four stars MPG (combined): 19; 3.5-liter V-6 engine, five-speed automatic transmission Notes: Yes, the Quest looks a little odd, but what a deal!