Labor Day car shopping: Best hybrid deals
Altima hybrid a top deal this Labor Day
One hybrid appears to be your best buy
On the way out to the Labor Day parade and barbecue this weekend, many Americans will also fit in a trip to their local car dealership to check out the deals, as Labor Day is traditionally known as one of the best car shopping holidays of the year.
And heading into the weekend, one hybrid is one of the best deals nationwide, at least according to Consumer Reports.
So, if you’re in the market for a new car with an interest in a hybrid or plug-in vehicle, then you have to at least check out the Nissan Altima hybrid this weekend. Because the current Altima hybrid, based on Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, is being discontinued in preparation for an Altima hybrid built upon Nissan’s new proprietary hybrid drive, now is the time to move old inventory.
Aside from the Altima hybrid, I’ve noticed one dealership in my neighborhood, for example, offering the Hyundai Sonata hybrid for $2900 off MSRP. Likewise, the Toyota Prius hybrid can be picked up for $0 down, with a new lease, although the lease deals aren’t as good as they were earlier this year. So, I might try to negotiate a better payment on a Prius lease, but if I didn’t receive what I wanted, I’d wait a few months for Prius supplies to increase a bit more.
As they say with any car shopping, know what deal you are looking for, and be ready to walk away if you’re not satisfied.
Additionally, while the Toyota Camry hybrid didn’t make CR’s list, the rest of the Camry family did. Since the new 2012 Camry — including an upgraded hybrid version — is due by October, I’d imagine that dealers with healthy stocks of Camry hybrids will also be willing to bargain on that model in anticipation of new inventory.
Finally, if you’re willing to consider a plug-in, such as the Chevy Volt or Nissan Leaf, federal and state tax credits continue to make both vehicles a pretty good deal.
Overall, there are some hybrid deals to be had out there this Labor Day weekend, but don’t feel pressured to buy. Hybrid supplies are increasing and several new models are on the way. As we head towards the end of the year, new deals are sure to emerge.
I’ve been seriously considering a new car for this labor day but am very hesitant.
I personally would love to completely do without a car. But being in this shithole called LA, it’s next to impossible.
That said, I still have my 2001 Ford Focus that’s running OK….needs some repair…shocks, struts (front and rear), engine maintenance, transmission maintenance…about 114K miles on it.
It’s a beater really…take it places I don’t mind taking it too…no worries about dings, dents, etc.
My brother in law just bought a Prius and a week later had a dent in it…exactly why I don’t want to by a new car.
With that said, there are only three cars I’d consider on my radar…
Fiat 500
Honda CRZ
Ford Fiesta
I would have considered the new Focus but it’s too big IMO.
The FIAT is REALLY small…but a nice car. I got to drive one and felt it was pretty solid. What made me scratch my head about that car were the emissions ratings on the sticker…9/10 for CO2 but only 4/10 for SMOG….???? From a 1.4L engine in a 2300 lb car? What the hell? It doesn’t make sense.
The CRZ was a nice car also…but it’s only a 2 seater…and hasn’t gotten great reviews about its handling, etc. The most appealing feature about this car is the STOP/START tech…I REALLY would like that in my next car at the very least.
The Fiesa is nice but lacks some features I really want..HID lights, etc…and it’s NOT that efficient frankly….although I’d probably get about 35 MPG overall if I drive gently.
The Prius? BLah….this car needs to be seriously redesigned before I consider it.
I could wait for the Focus EV but who knows how much that will be and how long the waiting list will be for such a car.