Automotive Rebates and Incentives

By Rico Cruz

Automotive rebates and incentives can save you money. You should shop around for rebates and incentives. Automotive rebates and incentives will not exist on some very popular models though like the Toyota Prius.

At various times during the year, for a number of economic reasons, auto manufacturers extend rebates and incentives to the public and/or their dealers. If a dealer is able to buy a vehicle at a lower cost, it stands to reason that you should be able to buy that vehicle for less. The bottom line is that you need to negotiate your best deal and consider a rebate or incentive as an additional discount.

A rebate is defined as a reduction in cost that is refunded to you by the manufacturer after the purchase. It is advisable to include the rebate into the down payment otherwise you will be financing the amount of the rebate in your purchase. Also, ask your dealer for additional rebates. This too can be factored into the pricing of your car.

Many of the manufacturers try to create "hooks" end of month rebates to entice you to buy the car. This is a common sales tool to motivate you into buying. You will often see rebates ending in a month yet will come back the following month with a different amount. Don't get rushed to buy. Make sure you take your time and read all the documents. Don't be an ignorant buyer.

Here are some links to sites the give you up to date information on the latest rebates and incentives.

1. Edmunds.com
Edmunds maintains a database of current. incentives. You can also find these on the manufacture's web sites.
2. Cars.com
Cars.com
partnered with 175 leading newspapers, television stations and their websites, cars.com features a comprehensive list of incentives and rebates sorted by manufacturer.