Loyal Volkswagen Jetta shoppers, who felt somewhat betrayed by the latest model’s downmarket approach, might take solace in the 2012 Volkswagen GLI. The model features a more sophisticated suspension, more powerful engine and some nicer interior amenities that echo features available on the last-generation Jetta. But for $8,000 more than a regular Jetta, there are better options in the category, according to Cars.com Editor Mike Hanley.
Around this time every year, dealers are hard at work trying to sell the remaining cars on their lots as new-model-year vehicles start to roll in. This year is no different, and while some 2012s haven’t arrived yet, it’s still the best time to buy a 2011 … as long as you know what to look for. That’s where we come in.
We diligently report on even the slightest changes between model years as soon as possible. Sometimes this means a car will look the same but get an all-new engine and transmission like the upcoming 2012 Mazda3 sedan that’s expected to get 40 mpg highway. Other times, nothing significant has changed between model years, and then there are the all-new cars that have been redesigned from the ground up.
You’ll find the best deals in that second group of vehicles that go from 2011 to 2012 without much change. It’s been a challenge this year to find bargains because manufacturers are making more significant model-year changes and incentives for these older models just aren’t that alluring.
Here are some of the best deals we could find:
While car sales were flat in July overall, some specific models started selling faster than bug spray in the summer.
Many of the nation’s most popular cars — from the Ford F-Series to the Honda CR-V to the Toyota Camry — were in decline last month, but the same cannot be said for fun-to-drive cars with attractive price tags.
Few vehicles are more ideal for taking friends and skimboards to the beach than Kia's Soul, sales of which jumped 26% in July. That's not to say buyers only seek the front-wheel-drive Soul for summer purposes. The Soul's January sales were up 149% year-over-year with 5,345 units. July's new-vehicle market was 30% bigger than January's. But compared with January, the boxy Kia's volume was up 90% in July. With its low $13,300 starting price and modest engine, the Soul is also attractive to first-time drivers looking for a new car before heading off to school or that first job.
Toyota sales are still suffering in the aftereffects of the Japanese earthquake and recall woes, yet mixed in with the drastic declines was positive news regarding the Scion tC. No other Toyota passenger car — not at the Toyota brand itself or at Lexus or Scion — posted a year-over-year improvement.
Like Honda, Volkswagen doesn’t typically offer big cash-back incentives to move cars off dealer lots; it instead relies on special lease rates. For March, the German automaker is offering attractive leasing and financing incentives on most of its lineup with its “Going, Going, Gone Event.”
Financing incentives include zero-percent financing for 72 months on vehicles like 2010 New Beetle and 2011 Routan minivan.
Newer vehicles like the redesigned 2011 Touareg (including hybrid and TDI diesel variants) also get attractive financing rates.
If you’re looking to get a deal on the fast-selling 2011 Jetta, the automaker is offering a $179 a month lease, though we’ve seen better rates from competitors like the Chevrolet Cruze and Toyota Corolla.
If you’re looking for a used Volkswagen, the company is also offering 1.99% APR financing on its entire certified pre-owned inventory for 48 months or 2.99% financing for 60 months.
The deals below are VW’s national deals. There are some regional and dealership incentives that might be more advantageous for people who are looking to finance or pay with cash rather than lease.
Most of the deals highlighted below expire at the end of March.
“Bill” from the San Francisco bay area already has a pretty strong history with Teutonic transportation – his past vehicle was a 2002 Audi A4. This time, Bill wanted something low-maintenance but with the same level of refinement, so he bought a 2010 Volkswagen GTI. Can someone who expects Audi quality really be pleased with a plebian Volkswagen? Read the full review to find out how the GTI fares, then write your own review here.
“Alex” from Springfield, Ill., recently bought a 2010 Volkswagen GTI, and while he’s not 100% down on the car, his list of complaints is long. After driving in the GTI for a while, Alex kept finding small things about the car that failed to live up to his expectations for a $30,000 car.
Read Alex’s full review to find out where the GTI let him down and why he ultimately found it a disappointing purchase. Afterward, write your own review here.
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