Which to Choose? The Rebate or the Rate?

Manufacturer's for years have enticed the consumer with either huge rebates on the purchase of a new vehicle or extremely low interest rates through their direct lender. Rarely do they offer both. So the consumer is left to decide which to choose : the money or the interest rate?

A few things to consider. First, what interest rate would banks approve you for without incentives? If Chevrolet is offering 1.9% for qualified buyers, could you qualify for that rate or something close without accepting that offer? That is important to know because if you qualify for that low financing then you can take the rebate and get the rate, win win! But let's say you don't qualify. The easiest way to decide what is best for you is to go to a financial calculators website and fill in the boxes for your particular situation. For instance if the manufacturer qualifies you for a 7.9% rate on a $35,000 loan but normally you would qualify for say 15.9%, taking the lower interest rate instead of the rebate would save you $4,113! Simply plug in the numbers and the calculator will give you the best scenario for you.

The other thing to consider in choosing a low interest rate or the rebate is negative equity on your trade in if trading your auto. If your negative equity is high enough you may be forced to accept the rebate since banks limit the amount a consumer can finance on vehicles. Just because you're willing to pay $20,000 for a Dodge Neon doesn't mean a bank will be happy to loan that amount on that car. So depending on your situation you may be forced to accept the rebate in order to be approved for financing.

Arrive at the dealership armed with this information and your purchase experience will be easy and relaxing. Your biggest worry only finding the right car for you!

What is the Best Time to Buy a Car?

As consumers we always want the best deal, the edge to receive the absolute best of everything. Buying a vehicle is most people's second largest purchase in their life behind the purchase of their home. And most of us only do it once every few years. So how do you assure the best price and deal on your purchase? There are infinite ways. One easily overlooked is timing. When should you purchase?

While generally nothing is set in stone in the retail business, near the end of the month is usually the best time of the month for you to purchase. Here are the ways and reasons why :

1. New car dealers have quotas and goals to meet with their Franchise. Chevrolet may ask a dealer to sell 100 trucks. If they do so, Chevrolet will pay the dealer a set amount of money per vehicle. So when a dealer may have said no to a short deal earlier in the month, that one sale could be difference between hitting that goal or not. 

2. Even a used car dealer may have incentive to move units at the end of the month at lower gross to either rid himself of an "old age" unit or a vehicle he owns way over book. If he had a good month he may take losses on a car or two instead of risking another book drop an losing even more thousands of dollars.

3. If you like the incentives offered in that month, i.e. rebates and interest rates, don't wait to see if the next month they are better. Some do run out. During the summer months some manufacturers offer a limited amount of tax breaks on their lease programs that saves you thousands in real money and monthly payment. But they run out. If you see something you like don't pass it up looking for the next better deal.

4. Salespeople also have bonus levels and personal goals they need to reach. Their pay plan may include a large bonus if they sell a certain of cars or maybe just new cars. A "skinny" deal could mean hundreds of dollars to the salesperson. Also, manufacturers pay spins to salespeople for each new vehicle sold. The amounts increase on a tier level. For instance selling 3 new cars may pay him $100 per unit. Selling 9 new cars may pay him $300 per unit retro back to 1. Meaning the ninth unit pays him $1200!

Remember these points next time you're in search of new vehicle. I would not wait to the last day personally but to each their preference. Arrive at the dealership knowing you have bargaining power!



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