Buying a new car is one thing, but having one given to you is the ultimate new ride experience.  Lots of contests are touted at the mall, but be careful: you could get roped into an undesirable timeshare scheme. If you receive an unwanted follow-up telephone sales pitch, turn it down right away and ask to be put on the company’s Do Not Call list.

Fine Print

It was back in August 2009 when The Auto Writer last featured a list of new car contests and drawings for our readers.  Those contests are over, but new ones have cropped up including the following which look like safe bets. As always, read the fine print including eligibility, application instructions and other restrictions before entering.

Contest: The Lincoln Premium Seats Promotion
Sponsor: Ford Motor Company
Grand Prize: One of four Lincoln models including the new MKZ hybrid and updated MKX crossover.
Ending Date: 7 September 2010
More Info: http://lincoln.emipowered.net/premiumseats/register/

Contest: PetSmart PetPerks Super Summer Rewards Sweepstakes
Sponsor: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Grand Prize: 2011 Honda Element 4WD EX with the “Dog Friendly Package”
Ending Date: 23 August 2010
More Info: http://sweepstakes.petsmart.com/

Contest: Verizon Championship Racing
Sponsor: Verizon Wireless
Grand Prize: 2010 Dodge Charger Designed by Justin Allgaier
Ending Date: 31 August 2010
More Info: http://www.verizonchampionshipracing.com/sweepstakes/VerizonOfficialRules.pdf

Contest: Skoal Up Your Summer Sweepstakes
Sponsor: Skoal Smokeless Tobacco
Grand Prize: 2011 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4×4 & a check for $13,500
Ending Date: 8 September 2010
More Info: https://www.skoal.com/official_rules.aspx

Contest: Cheer Wine Sweepstakes
Sponsor: Cheer Wine
Grand Prize: Retrofitted 1977 Cheerwine Volkswagen Bus
Ending Date: 31 October 2010
More Info: http://cheerwinesweepstakes.com/rules.html

Contest: Bic Soleil 100 Days of Sunshine
Sponsor: Bic USA, Inc.
Grand Prize: 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Ending Date: 8 August 2010
More Info: http://www.100daysofsunshine.com/

Contest: Namco “Win a PAC-MAN Themed Car!” Sweepstakes
Sponsor: Namco Networks America Inc.
Grand Prize: 2010 Smart Fortwo passion coupe
Ending Date: 20 August 2010
More Info: http://pacman.com/en/events/win-car-rules-2010-05

Contest: A New Way to Roll Sweepstakes
Sponsor: Kia Motors
Grand Prize: 2010 Soul Sport
Ending Date: 27 August 2010
More Info: http://www.fuse.tv/media/contests_and_games/newwaytoroll/rules.pdf

Contest: Lexus Dark Ride Program
Sponsor: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.
Grand Prize: 2011 Lexus CT 200h
Ending Date: 30 September 2010
More Info: http://www.lexusdarkride.com/#vip-terms

Contest: Nissan MasterTheShift Sweepstakes
Sponsor: Nissan North America, Inc.
Grand Prize: 2011 Nissan LEAF
Ending Date: 31 March 2011
More Info: http://a3.nissan.contextoptional.com/files/nissan_mts_official_rules.pdf

Lot’s More

There are plenty of other contests out there, with quite a few held locally with some set up as raffles. Again, read the fine print and enter only those contests where you are eligible to participate. Never give out your primary email address otherwise you risk getting spammed again and again and again.

2010 Aston Martin Vantage Coupe

I love kids and I love cars so when the two come together good things usually happen. Especially when a car auction is being conducted with the proceeds from it benefiting children.

Word is out from Charity Buzz–do good, live well–that a 2010 Aston Martin Vantage Coupe will be auctioned off with the funds used to help the Music for America Project, an organization whose mission is to provide ways for kids to reach their musical dreams.

The winning bidder will be able to create their own Vantage Coupe, a model that will be made available this summer–just 3000 copies will be produced! For an extra cost you can select customizable features to personalize your Aston Martin in any way that you like.

So what’s so special about this model besides it rock solid good looks? Well, the 2010 Aston Martin Vantage Coupe features an updated exterior design and performance technology that should help give the Vantage a distinct advantage.

Among the standard features are its Otto cycle 4.7 L V8, 2 door coupe with tailgate, multipoint sequential fuel injection, 6-speed automated manual transmission, axle ration 3:91, 420 maximum horsepower, rear wheel drive and so much more. Bidding for this item ends Monday, March 29, 2010.

Charitybuzz regularly auctions VIP experiences and luxury goods on its web site in a bid to raise millions of dollars for nonprofits all around the globe.  A-list celebrities and elite luxury brands work together to attract a global audience, bidders excited to nab exclusive opportunities that also give back to those in need.

Interested in placing and following the bid? Visit Charity Buzz to track its progress. Follow Music For America Project on Facebook too.

Read All of the Fine Print!

Regardless, read the fine print to see if you’re eligible as age restrictions, country/state of residence, and certain other factors might apply. In addition, there may be additional, runner-up or alternate prizes available; taxes on winnings are almost always your responsibility!

To that end, I give to you my latest list of new car prizes for your review:

Contest: Spot the Fetzer Car Sweeps
Sponsor: Fetzer Vineyard
Grand Prize: An unidentified hybrid car with an approximate retail value of $22,000
Ending Date: 30 April 2009
More Info: http://www.fetzer.com/sweeps_rules.aspx

Contest: Nissan Mobile Device Giveaway Sweepstakes
Sponsor: NBC/Heroes
Grand Prize: Nissan Cube 1.8 SL
Ending Date: 4 May 2009
More Info: http://www.nbc.com/Nissan/cube_sweepsRules.shtml

Contest: Noble Car Sweepstakes
Sponsor: Tanger Outlet Center (Greensboro, NC)
Grand Prize: 2009 Noble Lc Electric Car
Ending Date: 17 May 2009
More Info: http://www2.tangeroutlet.com/NOBLEELECTRIC/RULES.HTM

Contest: Ultimate Outdoor Challenge Instant Win and Sweepstakes
Sponsor: Chrysler LLC
Grand Prize: 2009 Dodge Ram Truck
Ending Date: 27 May 2009
More Info: http://www.ramoutdoorchallenge.com/terms.htm

Contest: Castrol® SYNTEC® Feel the Power Sweepstakes
Sponsor: BP Lubricants USA, Inc.
Grand Prize: 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI
Ending Date: 31 May 2009
More Info: http://www.castrolsyntecff.com/display_page?page=rules

Contest: HGTV Green Home Giveaway
Sponsor: Home and Garden Television (GM for the truck)
Grand Prize: A new home and a 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid
Ending Date: 5 June 2009
More Info: http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv-green-home-2009-giveaway-rules/package/index.html

Contest: Drift Into A Mustang Sweepstakes
Sponsor: Bosch
Grand Prize: 2010 Ford Mustang GT
Ending Date: 30 June 2009
More Info: http://www.boschdriftintoamustang.com/rules.php

Contest: Paul Masson Uniquely Smooth Sweepstakes
Sponsor: Paul Masson Wineries
Grand Prize: 2009 Paul Masson Brandy Jeep Wrangler customized by Will Castro from Unique Autosports
Ending Date: 31 July 2009
More Info: http://www.uniquelysmooth.com/display_page?page=rules

Contest: Fandemonium Arrive In Style Sweepstakes
Sponsor: SITV
Grand Prize: 2009 Suzuki SX4
Ending Date: 30 September 2009
More Info: http://www.sitv.com/suzuki/index.html

Contest: Cleaning Smart Sweepstakes
Sponsor: Scotch-Brite Cleaning (3M)
Grand Prize: 2009 Smart Fortwo
Ending Date: 31 October 2009
More Info: http://www.3m.com/us/home_leisure/scotchbrite/NatlSmartSweeps/rules.html

Contest: Ford’s “We Race, You Win” Sweepstakes
Sponsor: Ford Motor Company
Grand Prize: 2010 Ford Fusion
Ending Date: 15 November 2009
More Info: https://www.fordracingevents.com/wryw/wryw_rules.aspx

Contest: Duzoxin Porsche Giveaway
Sponsor: Amazon.com and Sun Media
Grand Prize: Porsche Boxster
Ending Date: 15 December 2009
More Info: http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000341661

Contest: AutoTrader.com Auto Show Contest
Sponsor: AutoTrader.com
Grand Prize: $50,000 toward the purchase of a new car
Ending Date: 31 December 2009
More Info: http://www.win.autotrader.com/index.php

Contest: The Skoal Great Brotherhood Giveback Sweepstakes
Sponsor: Skoal
Grand Prize: 2009 Shelby Super Snake, Prudhomme Edition
Ending Date: 31 January 2010
More Info: http://www.skoalbrotherhood.com/official_rules.aspx

Many More Contests Not Listed

These are only a handful of the many new car contests currently running. We found numerous local contests which are restricted to residents within a small geographic area and oftentimes require that the winner be present when the drawing is held. In addition, there are many contests (raffles) which are open to eligible participants who purchase a ticket.

None of the contests featured within this article require any sort of purchase. Again, read the fine print to make sure that something disagreeable wasn’t slipped in; use a disposable or seldom used email address if you want to avoid being spammed.

Who doesn’t like to win prizes? I know that I do. Yet, I rarely bother to enter most sweepstakes, figuring that I don’t stand a chance to win. You know what? I don’t because I haven’t filled out the entry form.

As with any contest, you gotta be in it to win it. I know people who have a knack at winning sweepstakes because they take the time to see what is out there and carefully choose the contests that are right for them.

Automakers, part suppliers, and other companies who gear their products to today’s drivers often develop sweepstakes as part of their marketing programs. Sure, it may cost them a car, a year’s supply of free car washes, or some other expense, but the marketing attention they receive with these schemes pays off.

I’ve hunted down several contests currently in effect, some ending very shortly with others with months to go. I’m not endorsing any of the products or contests mentioned, nor is this article some sort of paid advertisement. Take care when entering any contest; read the contest rules and fine print — opt out of any mailings you do not want:

Contest: “See Us, You Could Be In A Prius”
Sponsor: PNC Bank
Grand Prize: A total of eight (8) new Toyota Prius’ will be given away.
Ending Date: May 31, 2008
More Info: PNC Bank

Contest: Crocs Next Step Campus Tour
Sponsor: Crocs and Ford
Grand Prize: 2008 Ford Focus SES with SYNC
Ending Date: May 31, 2008
More Info: Crocs

Contest: K&N Horsepower Challenge Sweepstakes
Sponsor: K&N and Pontiac
Grand Prize: Pontiac G6 GXP Coupe
Ending Date: May 25, 2008
More Info: K&N Sweepstakes

Contest: Custom Civic Sweepstakes
Sponsor: Panic at the Disco (PATD), Honda
Grand Prize: 2008 Civic Hybrid customized by PATD
Ending Date: August 15, 2008
More Info: PATD sweepstakes

Contest: RoadRunner High Speed – Online Race to Win Sweepstakes
Sponsor: RoadRunner
Grand Prize: Mazda3Speed Sport
Ending Date: May 31, 2008
More Info: Race To Win

Contest: Listerine Kids – Sound Byte Sweepstakes
Sponsor: Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc.
Grand Prize: 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Ending Date: June 1, 2008
More Info: Listerine Kids

Contest: Thrive and Drive Sweepstakes
Sponsor: Scotts
Grand Prize: Ford Racing Equipped Mustang GT
Ending Date: July 5, 2008
More Info: Thrive and Drive

Contest: Pontiac KVD Contest
Sponsor: Maxim, Pontiac
Grand Prize: Kat Von D’s Tattooed Vibe
Ending Date: July 15, 2008
More Info: Von D’s Vibe

Contest: Win A Truck Built Right
Sponsor: Old Milwaukee
Grand Prize: A Customized Boyd Coddington Ford F-150
Ending Date: July 31, 2008
More Info: You Build The Ride

Contest: Rigged Up Truck Sweepstakes
Sponsor: Advance Auto Parts
Grand Prize: A Tricked Out Toyota Tundra
Ending Date: September 30, 2008
More Info: Advance Auto Parts

Contest: The Car You Can’t Ignore Sweepstakes
Sponsor: Chevrolet
Grand Prize: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
Ending Date: October 31, 2008
More Info: The Car You Can’t Ignore

Contest: The Rookie Sweepstakes
Sponsor: Degree Deodorant, Fox Broadcasting
Grand Prize: 2008 Hummer H3
Ending Date: May 25, 2008
More Info: The Rookie

Please note that most contests are open to U.S. households only, with some contests that include Canadian households as well. Restrictions apply; you may have to pay taxes on your winnings.

If you win, why not hit the reply button and let the world know? Happy trails!