This weekend, Asian brands dominate cash back
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If this weekend finds you shopping for a car, truck, minivan or SUV, take a quick look below at the list of top cash rebates in the greater L.A. area, dominated by Asian brands Toyota and Kia. On the U.S. side, only the staple $3,000 rebate on Chrysler’s PT Cruiser joins the list at the top. This snapshot in time flies in the face of the popular notion that only American brands place heavy cash rebates on their cars, granted we’re somewhat between sales seasons right now.
In most cases, you can take advantage of a low APR finance rate instead of the rebate, but as they say, “Cash is king.” Many buyers use the rebates to add beef to their down-payment and others just like to get the best possible bottom-line price.
Southern California’s top cash rebates through 2-4-08*:
2007 Toyota Sequoia SUV; Cash back: $4,000 -- Best MPG: 15 city/18 hwy.
2007 Toyota Tundra Truck; Cash back: $4,000 -- Best MPG: 17 city/20 hwy.
2007 Toyota 4Runner SUV; Cash back: $3,000 -- Best MPG: 18 city/22 hwy.
2007 Kia Sorento SUV; Cash back: $3,000 -- Best MPG: 18 city/24 hwy.
2007 Kia Sedona Minivan; Cash back: $3,000 -- Best MPG: 18 city/25 hwy.
2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser; Cash back: $3,000 -- Best MPG: 22 city/29 hwy.
2007 Kia Spectra Sedan Cash back: $2,500 -- Best MPG: 27 city/35 hwy.
Although Toyota tops the list, they never heavily discount without justification. Note that all the 2007 models are at the end of their design cycles -- the 4Runner is up for a redesign in its 2009 model year and the Tundra/Sequoia are completely new for 2008.
And, of course, no surprise that many of these vehicles are larger and less fuel efficient. So, if you are a price shopper, not daunted by the rising cost of petrol, and if you don’t mind the 2007 year on your registration, consider one of these deeply discounted vehicles. Happy shopping!
-- Joni Gray