In the first of a two-part series, Bob McHugh seeks out bargain car deals among the 2014 models…

If price is more important than a specific colour and you can compromise on content, there are some good deals out there on brand new 2014 model year vehicles.

While most automakers have had a successful sales year, it’s clear-out time on remaining 2014 models and the push is on to achieve or exceed those end-of-year sales goals.

Before we jump into vehicles, a couple of consumer tips that will help make you a savvy new vehicle bargain hunter:

If you plan to finance your vehicle purchase, it’s best to first check on loan (or line of credit) interest rates offered by your bank or credit union. An automaker “cash credit” option may be a better choice than low or even “0%” financing, if the informational APR (annual percentage rate) calculation is higher than the interest rate offered by your financial institution.

The devil is in the details (as they say) when it comes to end of model year clear-out offers. Not only may that great offer be restricted to a specific model, it may only be for a specific trim level. It’s usually a limited time offer and there may be regional restrictions and/or local availability issues.

So, here are some good 2014 model year vehicle choices with attractive (limited time) special offer pricing:

Small Cars:

Toyota is offering $1,500 to $2,500 off the list price of a Matrix. It’s the last production year for this generation Matrix, a super reliable 5-door compact hatchback based on the Corolla. Discounted prices start at $16,395, but my pick would be a nicely outfitted Touring edition ($19,710 – including a $2,500 discount) with lots the convenience and power features.

A $4,635 discount is offered on Hyundai Elantra L, which drops the price of this stylish compact sedan to an amazing $12,995. Elantra is also a good reliable car, but this is the base edition with a manual transmission. The list price for the 2015 version of Elantra L has also been reduced to $15, 999.

Minivans:

The top selling and seeming perpetually discounted Dodge Grand Caravan simply can’t be ignored in this category and the special offers come with a choice of two option packages. The list price is slashed by $8,100 with a Canadian Value Package and it sells for $19,995. With an Ultimate Family Package its discounted price is $27,888, which is a $10,330 saving.

Selected editions of the Kia Sedona ($28,695 to $40, 095) may also be a good buy. The cash discount can be as high as $7,000 or you can get $6,000 price cut plus 2.99 per cent financing.

Wagon/Utility:

Trendy exterior styling separates the Ford Flex from its people-mover competitors and right now, you can get up to $6,000 in rebates, plus an additional $1,000 off for qualified customers, off selected new 2014 models. There’s a practical side to its design as Flex can provide seating for seven and still has 566 litres (20 cu ft) of cargo space in the back. List prices range from $24,499 to $38,399.

Introduced in 2013, Encore is a utility vehicle with modest external proportions and a small fuel-efficient four cylinder engine, but it’s still a quiet and comfortable riding Buick. The clear-out offer on select 2014 models is “0%” financing for up to 84 months or a $2,000 cash credit. List prices for Encore are $27,835 to $36,895.

Sporty Cars:

In addition to great looking return-to-roots styling, the Chevrolet Camaro has a sophisticated rear-drive chassis, powerful engine choices and it’s loaded with advanced technology engineering. A $4,500 cash credit is offered on the base 1LS trim level version or you can get 0% financing for up to 84 months. Camaro list prices for MY2014 range from $28,495 to $77,400.

Hyundai has slashed $7,000 of the 2014 list price for its Veloster Turbo with a manual transmission and $3,500 of the automatic version. The turbo engine gives the compact Veloster a much needed power boost to match its edgy, go-faster sporty styling.

More deals, next week.

Contact: bob [dot] mchugh [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

COMMENTS
POPULAR
TAGS
  • Recent Comments

    • Andrew Ross { Enjoyed your Forest of Bowland in the BMW X5M, particularly the photo of the BMW in front of the main part of Stonyhurst College where... }
    • Davd Randall { Bantam designed the Jeep, not Willy's or Ford. The American military gave the original Bantam prototype to Willys and Ford to copy. There is plenty... }
    • Elliott Parodi { All Escalades come with a 6.2-lilter V8 engine that produces 420 horsepower. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission offered and drives the rear wheels.... }
    • Ev { Alexandra is an excellent journalist. }