The Auto Writer

It used to be that automotive rebates were used as incentives to interest customers in buying cars that they’d actually want to drive. Today, that still holds true, but a survey of the current rebate offers reveals something a bit different: heavy discounts on cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs that no one wants.

All right, “no one” is a bit harsh of a term, but when you have to discount an Isuzu Ascender by $7000, then we’re talking a mass giveaway program. True, Isuzu is discontinuing sales after the 2009 model year, but they’re having a fire sale now.

Even some of the discounts I found may not be the same in your area of the country or part of the world. I’m in North Carolina so the prices I’m pulling up are applicable to the Raliegh market. Discounts could be somewhat different in Fresno, Amarillo, or Buffalo, so do your homework if you’re in the market for an unloved model.

Let’s take a look at some of the current offers:

Isuzu — Achoo, Isuzu! At one time Isuzu was doing quite well stateside, even selling a cute little compact i-Mark sedan that matched up nicely against the Toyota corolla. Today, all they sell are rebadged GM products with a pair of Colorado-style trucks carrying discounts of up to $4000 and the ho-hum Ascender sporting a $7000 discount.

Dodge — Chrysler LLC is trying to push the 2008 Dodge Ram out of dealerships to make room for the all-new 2009 model. In the process, they’re offering rebates of $5500 with one report claiming that some dealers are discounting the trucks by as much as $13,000!

Toyota — Toyota may yet rue the day they decided to take on Detroit in the pick up truck segment by redesigning the Tundra and ratcheing up production. Since the all-new model made its debut, the Tundra has been sold at a discount. Offers have varied over the past several months with discounts as deep as $5500 at various times.

Ford — Don’t even think about a discount on the hot Focus compact, but if you’re in the market for the big F Series pick up truck, you’re in luck. Like Dodge, this is the last year for the current generation truck, therefore dealers are doing what they do best: dealing. The F-150 Super Crew now carries a $7500 rebate while the Expedition SUV is discounted by as much as $4750.

Nissan — Updated midyear and tagged as a 2008.5 model, the big Titan truck is discounted by $5000 for leftover 2008 models. This will be the last completely independent Titan as the next generation model will be built on a Dodge platform. Apparently, Nissan has learned that this automotive segment is too competitive and unstable to go it alone.

Mitsubishi — The Endeavor SUV isn’t selling so Mitsubishi slapped a $4000 factory rebate on this baby. Betcha can talk the dealer down another $2000, maybe $3000 or more if gas prices top $4 per gallon! BTW, Mitsubishi is still trying move several 2007 models and is offering discounts of $2500 to $3500 on each of these — ouch!

General Motors — GM is discounting many of its vehicles and is offering current owners of GM products from 1999 on a special loyalty discount of $2000 to buy now. The best deals are on their large trucks and big SUVs where discounts of $3000 or more are commonplace. Like Mitsubishi, GM has a bunch of 2007 models that have yet to move with the Cadillac XLR discounted by $7500.

Hyundai — As has been the case for many months now, the midsize Sonata is a sales disappointment of Hyundai. Therefore, its $3000 rebate on a car with a MSRP of just $17,670 is quite steep. Hyundai has discounted their entire fleet and still has a number of 2007 models to move.

Suzuki — Why do Suzukis carry such deep discounts? Because they are one of the least popular (and lowest quality) of the Japanese brands. I won’t get into their usual discount schemes but if it is “free gas for the summer” or “0% financing” you can get not one, not either/or, but both.

Honda — When your entire fleet is economical and you are the only manufacturer recording a year to year increase in sales, you can offer token incentives if any at all. That is the case with Honda, who is offering low financing across the board. Keep this in mind if you want a Honda Pilot — the second generation Pilot will soon be released and Honda may, just may, discount leftover 2008 models.

Other manufacturers are offering rebates too, but not as steep as those where big trucks and SUvs dominate. Still, if you are looking for a deal, your bargaining power has increased tremendously in a down market. Don’t be afraid to ask your dealer to match the dealer rebate with one of their own — secret incentives from the manufacturers are there for the asking.