Best Cash-Back Finds: 5.16.08
There aren’t a lot of big offers this month, despite slow sales in April. Automakers are slowing their production so rows of new cars don’t sit on lots, leading to rebates. However, we have found a trio of new 2008s that are easy to recommend and offer a sizeable amount of cash back.
Many of our past picks still have significant rebates as well, including the 2008 Nissan Sentra, 2008 Hyundai Elantra and 2008 Ford Edge. Check Cars.com's Incentives page for more deals.
2008 Ford Focus sedan
MSRP: $14,755
Cash back: $1,500-$2,000
Percent off MSRP: 10.2% – 13.6%
Expires: 6/2/08
5-Year Ownership Costs
The 2009 Focus coupe was recently unveiled, and we saw minor changes to the exterior of the car. There weren’t any substantial changes to important parts, like the engine, transmission or interior. The Focus was redesigned for 2008 though, so you’re still getting a new design, and we don’t expect Ford to change much about the sedan for ’09. One change to the 2009 coupe that will stick out is a 4.6% price bump. That’s another reason to pick up a 2008 with $1,500 to $2,000 cash back. That’s a significant savings for a reasonably priced car. Plus, you can get Ford’s Sync entertainment system, too.
2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS
MSRP: $67,950
Cash back: $6,000
Percent off MSRP: 8.8%
Expires: 6/2/08
5-Year Ownership Costs
The CLS is one of the more striking Mercedes on the road, even a few years into its lifetime. For 2009, the CLS gets a very minor refresh, adding things like larger side mirrors, Bluetooth, a new steering wheel and revised gauges. If those things don’t matter to you, then getting $6,000 off the 2008 is a wise move. The CLS 550 comes standard with a seven-speed automatic and 382-hp V-8 engine.
2008 Toyota Camry V-6
MSRP: $23,640
Cash back: $1,500
Percent off MSRP: 6.3%
Expires: 6/2/08
5-Year Ownership Costs
The best-selling sedan in the country has quite a nice price on its hood this month. While the Camry may not be the best choice for driving enthusiasts, the 2008 is still one cushy ride and a faithful commuter. We haven’t heard of any major changes for 2009. Still, the 2008 holds up against the competition, again, for those whose No. 1 priority is not performance.
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You can actually get MORE off.
They have this Conquest Rebate thing (depending on where you live). It can save you another $1000 dollars if you own a non Ford car.
I bought one a month ago for cash, I got $2400 off in rebates, including the Conquest thing. If I'd been in the military or military reserves, I would have gotten another $500 off.
I must confess that I live in the New York City area. All American brand cars (not trucks or suvs) have extremely weak sales in this area so rebates might be higher. Japanese brand rule here and, as such, don't give you any great deals, especially considering the demand for small cars right now.
Sam,
we list all the bonus cash on the incentives page but since we only know for sure that everyone is available for the national cash back numbers that's what we use here.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
I agree that one can have adventitious trip by all these models.