Automakers Offer Special New and Used Car Incentives for Grads

Whether you've completed trade school, finished a nursing program, completed an apprenticeship certification training program or earned a bachelor and/or graduate degree, most automakers want to reward you for going the extra mile. Many are offering special interest rates, relaxed credit stipulations, deferred payments, extra cash rebates, special non-negotiable pricing and complimentary roadside assistance on the purchase or the lease of a new or pre-owned vehicle. In fact, the cash rebates can be used on top of other incentives, and some automakers may even overlook charge-offs less than $1,000.

Sales Slump Leaves Toyota and Lexus Offering Free Maintenance and More

After several automakers courted Toyota customers last month, as a result of the quality issues they encountered, the embattled automaker has finally decided to strike back. In an effort to win back customers, it was widely speculated that Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A, was going to blow the roof off the house with unprecedented incentives this month -- after sales declined overall by about 8 percent in February.

Ford Motor Company seemed to benefit most from Toyota customers that may have defected, with a whopping 43 percent sales increase last month. Ironically, while customers backed away from Toyota brand vehicles last month, based upon the sales results, it didn't seem to affect Lexus new-vehicle sales, which were up 5.3 percent last month. Moreover, Nissan, GM and Chrysler along with a number of other brands saw an increase in sales last month too.

To get in the game, here's what Toyota is offering this month to help win customers back again:
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• 0% APR financing for up to 60 months on all 2010 Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Matrix, RAV4, Tundra and Yaris, for qualifying buyers. At one time, only the domestics offered cheap rate loans for 60 months. This is definitely a sign of the times!
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• Low lease rates will be available on 2010 Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Matrix, Prius, RAV4, Tundra and Venza, for qualifying buyers.  (Examples include a Corolla lease for $179 a month and a Camry lease for $199 a month, although offers may vary regionally). To find our if leasing makes sense read our latest post, "Are You a Lease Candidate?"
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• Complimentary two-year premium maintenance program for customers who purchase or lease a new vehicle and provide proof of a Toyota, Lexus or Scion vehicle already registered in household, with applicable conditions. This is a first for the automaker. Audi, BMW, Lincoln and VW are the only other brands, offering free maintenance.

'Cash for Clunkers': Chrysler Gives Everyone $4,500

In an effort to reverse dismal new-vehicle sales, with an aging product line, the new Chrysler Group has agreed to offer everyone who trades in a vehicle for a qulifying 2009 model $4,500 - regardless if they qualify for the government's new incentive program, the CARS Act. So consumers, who actually qualify for the CARS Act, buying a new Chrysler product can qualify for the government's allowance and the $4,500 Chrysler is throwing on the hood. In essence, consumers can get up to $9,000 off of the sticker price on most 2009 Chrysler products. The Chrysler Group's incentive program kicks off on July 23, 2009 and runs until August 31, 2009.

To find out more about the CARS Act, click here.

Automaker Guarantees $1.49 Per Gallon for 1-Year

Hyundia's new Mercedes E-Class fighter is scheduled to hit the market next summer.

Every month Hyundai continues to wow the industry, offering a new marketing incentive program to stimulate sagging new-vehicle sales. First they offered a buyers assurance program to protect consumers credit in case of a job loss. Next the Korean automaker offered to make car payments for up to six months. And now they've agreed to guarantee a year’s worth of gas at $1.49 per gallon on most Hyundai models leased or purchased between July 1 and August 31, 2009. What will they think of next, as they continue to move the brand upscale?

5 Wacky Things About the Auto Industry: What the Heck?

Over the past few months the automotive industry has made a lot of moves to help entice consumers to buy a new vehicle. Sometimes the power players make you question their decisions and say: "What the heck?" To view more of this commentary, click here.

Latest Trend: Automakers Make Car Payments for the Employed

Hyundai was the first automaker to offer a credit protection (job loss protection) program for consumers, with its Hyundai Assurance Program earlier this year. Ford and GM followed Hyundai's lead, offering buyer protection programs, too. Unlike Hyundai and Ford, GM enhanced its program, providing trade-in protection once you make 50 percent of your car payments. Not to be outdone by GM, Hyundai has upped the ante again.

This time Hyundai will make your payments for six months on select new vehicles and you don't have to be unemployed to take advantage of the offer. While this seems like a savvy marketing program, the Korean automaker is only taking the rebate, which would be typically applied to the deal at the time of purchase to reduce the cost of the vehicle, and dividing it into six monthly payments. BMW Financial Services has also been in the game of making payments, too. On select Bimmers the automaker has agreed to make the first two car payments up to $750 a month, totaling $1,500. If this was an American made vehicle, it would be known as a rebate.

Furthermore, Chrysler is back in the finance game, according to Automotive News. After suspending cut-rate financing deals, when the company entered bankruptcy, they'll now resume offering 0 percent financing for up to 72 months on select vehicles.

Buy a Car, Avoid Paying Taxes

On Tuesday our President, Barrack Obama, signed a new economic stimulus bill to aid new car buyers. If you're in the market to buy a new vehicle or several vehicles totaling less than $40,500, you can now write-off the sales tax on next year's tax return. Check with your tax accountant. The actual amount may vary based on your tax bracket. Hopefully, this incentive will stimulate you to buy a new vehicle.