Instead of going out to party on New Year’s Eve, you might want to go car-shopping. Carmakers and dealers are always eager to finish the year with a strong burst of sales to pad the year-end figures and also to give them some momentum heading into the generally slower winter months. Plus, dealers are anxious to get rid of leftover cars from the previous model year. Here are some of the best deals identified by TrueCar.com.
2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab
24% off MSRP
Full-size pickups are rebounding in a big way, but competition is intense, so Chevy is offering some great deals on the Silverado. For the regular cab version, the TrueCar average price is $21,174, and with the $4,500 GM incentive, the Silverado can potentially be bought for $16,674.
2010 Chevrolet HHR LS
24% off MSRP
Popular at first, the HHR has slid off the radar amid a flood of new crossover utility vehicles, making it a great value. The TrueCar average price is $18,711, and with the $4,000 Chevrolet incentive, the HHR can potentially be bought for $14,711.
2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor LS
20% off MSRP
Often overlooked in the mid-sized SUV market (which itself is often overlooked because of the growing crossover segment), the Mitsubishi Endeavor is a surprise, and worth a look. Roomy and comfortable, the Endeavor’s TrueCar average price is $27,226, and with the $4,000 Mitsubishi incentive, you can potentially buy one for $23,226.
2010 Chevrolet Aveo LS
19% off MSRP
Subcompacts aren’t as hot as they were a year or two ago because gas prices have moderated. To get the best deal, you’ll want to find a 2010. The TrueCar average price is $12,719, and with the $2,500 Chevrolet incentive, the Aveo can potentially be bought for $10,219. Aveo deals could get even better, since Chevy says it’s changing the car’s name to Sonic.
2010 Nissan Armada SE
19% off MSRP
Big SUVs are still popular for family trips and hauling boats, but there’s not many deals on them these days. The 2010 Armada’s an exception…if you can find one in stock. The TrueCar average price is $35,785, and with the $4,500 Nissan incentive, the Armada can potentially be bought for $31,285.
2010 Volvo S80
19% off MSRP
The 2011 model is already out, but if you can find a 2010, you can get a huge discount on this large Volvo sedan, which was refreshed last year with upgraded interiors and new powertrains. The TrueCar average price for the S80 is $32,473, with no incentives, still a great deal.
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0
18% off MSRP
The Sentra, whose front grille was changed in mid-2010 to resemble its big brother, Altima, is a longtime favorite for small-car drivers. TrueCar calls it “an amazingly good buy.” The TrueCar average price is $15,913, and with the $2,500 Nissan incentive, the Sentra can potentially be bought for $13,413.
2011 Mitsubishi Galant SE
17% off MSRP
Mitsubishi tends to get overlooked in the market because it lacks the resources of its bigger competitors. But the Galant, while not quite as powerful as other mid-sized sedans, is underrated and a great value. The TrueCar average price is $23,984, and with the $3,500 Mitsubishi incentive, the Galant can potentially be bought for $20,484.
2010 Buick Lucerne CX
16% off MSRP
Buick has come out with some great-looking cars in an effort to shed its grandfather image. The Lucerne doesn’t turn as many heads as the newer Lacrosse or Regal, but you can still get a fantastic deal on this solid and comfortable family sedan. The 2010 could be in short supply, so be ready to buy when you find it. The TrueCar average price is $29,655, and with the $4,500 GM incentive, you can potentially get the Lucerne for $24,155.
2011 Mercury Milan Premier
15% off MSRP
Any time a carmaker kills a brand, owners start worrying about things like service and resale value. Ford is shutting its Mercury division after the 2011 model year to save money, but service will still be available, so the Milan is a great buy. The TrueCar average price is $24,032, and with the $2,000 Mercury incentive, the Milan Premier can potentially be bought for $22,032.