Consumer Savings: Six Sweet Year-End Holiday Car Deals

Yes, the last week of the month could really be the best time of the year to get a sweet deal. In case you're not paying cash or being steering toward a low-payment lease, make sure you shop around for the best financing before sealing a deal. To help ease the car-buying process, here are a few year-end holiday deals (and tips) we have identified which could lead to big savings! With the exception of Lexus, most of these offers expire  at the close of business January 2. Lexus specials end on January 5.

1. The Nissan Leaf. There are huge tax incentives on this vehicle. Nissan is also offering low payment leases to bring down the price. If you're ready to go all-electric, without every having to depend on gasoline again, its time to make that move. In states like Georgia and twelve other top Nissan Leaf markets, the Japanese automaker is offering free public electricity to power the vehicle for the next two years. Also consider a hybrid or electric/plug-in, since gas prices are at a record-low, since there really isn't a great selling advantage to buy, until gas prices zoom North again.
2. While luxury imports aren't known for rebates, you'll here them use the words holiday credit or we'll make a payment or two for you. Well, how every you word it, its still a discount off the vehicle. BMW is offering a holiday credit up to $4,000 on vehicles like their flagship 7-series, while Audi and Lexus is willing to make your first payment ranging upwards of $600 to $700 -- when leasing or financing a vehicles like the Audi A3, their new entry level luxury vehicle (or designated Lexus models). Unlike Audi, Lexus is only providing a holiday credit for those who lease. However, Lexus is providing low-interest rate offers of 0.9 percent for upwards of 60 months on select models. Note that the credit is applied even before you start to negotiate the lease or purchase. That means you've got a chance to increase your discount. Also you must finance the vehicle with Audi, Lexus and BMW partners to qualify.
3. Chevy is offering a 20 percent discount on many of their models. Again, this is being offered in addition to whatever else you can negotiate. In some cases, the savings could be up to $9,500, before you start to negotiate.
4. With the economy improving and low gas prices, full size trucks are being heavily discounted. With the arrival of the hard-to-get Ford F-150, the segment's first all-aluminum pick up, Chevy, GMC and Dodge are offering steep discounts on their large trucks. 
5. Look for any 2014 models still remaining on the lots. Dealers do not want to have 2014 new cars sitting next to 2015 models as the new year roll in! 
6. Also shop new versus used, making sure you're really getting the best deal.