BEST NEW CAR DEALS OCT 2015

Best new car deals

Save money on Consumer Reports' recommended cars

Last updated: October 2015

2016 Chevrolet Impala   |  Small cars   |  Sedans   |  SUVs 

A great price isn't necessarily a good deal if the vehicle doesn't measure up, so we help you choose a good car at a good price with monthly list of best new car deals. The featured vehicle highlighted below has an attractive incentive that can save you extra money, and it is recommended by Consumer Reports, as are all models detailed below.

Other trims on the vehicles listed may also present good deals. Although incentives all eventually expire, they are often renewed. Research ratings, reliability, owner satisfaction, and the latest dealer pricing on our car model pages. 

See our full list of this month's best new car deals below. 

Click here to receive an RSS feed with the latest car news and deals.

2016 Chevrolet Impala

One of our top-rated sedans, the Impala is roomy, comfortable, quiet, and enjoyable to drive. It even rides like a luxury sedan, feeling cushy and controlled. Engine choices include a punchy 3.6-liter V6 and an adequate 2.5-liter four-cylinder, both paired with a six-speed automatic. The V6 accelerates and brakes capably, with secure and responsive handling. The full-featured cabin stays very quiet, with a sumptuous backseat and a huge trunk. Controls are intuitive and easy to use, but rear visibility is restricted. Advanced electronic safety features are readily available.  

Model	MSRP	Invoice price	Incentive expiration date	Potential savings below MSRP
2016 Chevrolet Impala 2LTZ	$36,365	$35,121	11/2/2015	5%+

Do you really need a AWD Vehicle?

Do You Really Need AWD in the Snow?

Automakers have long boasted that all-wheel drive is all you need to get your car through winter’s fury. Our exclusive tests tell a different story.

 Forty-one percent of all weather-related car crashes on U.S. roads are due to conditions involving snow, sleet, ice, and slush. That’s pretty sobering when you consider that those conditions usually exist during just a few months of the year. Accidents caused by winter weather result in 150,000 injuries and 2,000 deaths each year, on average, according to a study by the Federal Highway Administration.

Little wonder, then, that car manufacturers trumpet all-wheel drive as a safety shield against inclement conditions. Consumers are inundated with that marketing message, and all-wheel drive is perceived as a must-have for many car buyers. It’s a key reason SUVs are now the top-selling segment of the auto market.

But can all-wheel drive really save you when the weather turns ugly? It provides some benefit, but it may be insufficient to get you through a grueling storm.

All-wheel drive is about getting your car moving from a dead stop—not about braking or steering­—and you should be aware of its limitations.

Through weeks of driving in snowy, unplowed conditions at Consumer Reports’ 327-acre test center in Connecticut, we found that all-wheel drive didn’t aid in braking or in certain cornering situations. Our evaluations conclusively showed that using winter tires matters more than having all-wheel drive in many situations, and that the difference on snow and ice can be significant.

We realize that swapping and storing tires twice per year is a nuisance. And in places where street plowing is thorough, you can probably get by with all-season tires that are in good condition.

All-wheel drive is far better than two-wheel drive when it comes to driving on slick surfaces where you need serious traction to get going, such as a snowy uphill driveway. But our tests found that all-wheel drive by itself won’t help if you’re heading too fast toward a sudden sharp curve on a snowy night.

That’s an important point for people who overestimate the capability of their all-wheel-drive vehicle. We’ve all seen them, zipping past us in blizzards with their illusory cloak of invincibility.

Don’t be one of those guys—unless you want to risk a crash or find yourself stranded far from civilization.

Our test-track observations lead us to advise that using snow tires provides the best grip and assurance for going, stopping, and cornering no matter what you drive: all-wheel drive, front-drive, or rear-drive. And buying winter tires for a front-drive car will cost far less than the several-thousand-dollar premium you’ll pay for all-wheel drive.

Enhancements like electronic stability control—standard on every new car since 2012—also help two-wheel-drive vehicles maintain control, at least up to a point.

Honda CR-V
It took almost 700 feet to stop from 60 mph in the snow on all-season tires.

What did our tests show?

We conducted braking tests in an all-wheel-drive 2015 Honda CR-V, the best-selling compact crossover, with its original all-season tires, then with winter tires. The differences in stopping distances were considerable.

On a different day under different snow conditions, we did braking tests pitting the CR-V against a Toyota Camry, both rolling on new winter tires. The front-drive Camry did just as well as the AWD Honda, both stopping from 60 mph in about 300 feet.

As for handling, we found that some of the all-wheel-drive vehicles in our fleet struggled to stay on course when equipped with all-season tires—even in the hands of our professional drivers. A couple of the vehicles even plowed straight through corners and off the track.

If you live in a place that gets frequent snow storms, an all-wheel-drive vehicle with winter tires will be very capable. And some AWD systems function better than others in terms of helping drivers get traction.  

But most AWD drivers don’t think of adding winter tires. According to our survey of 54,295 subscribers who drove AWD or 4WD vehicles in the snow for more than six days last winter, less than 15 percent equipped their vehicles with winter tires. The rest kept rolling on their all-season tires and took their chances.

At Consumer Reports, we strongly recommend buying four winter tires for whatever vehicle you drive.

See our complete tire buying guide and ratings.

What’s the Difference Among Drive Systems?

There’s a clear distinction between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, although the terms are mistakenly used interchangeably. Follow this guide to understand how all of the systems work.

All-Wheel Drive

All-wheel drive is a lighter-duty system used for cars and car-based SUVs. AWD systems operate continuously, and they automatically vary power delivery to the front and rear wheels when needed. Some systems remain in front- or rear-wheel-drive mode until slip is detected, then power is routed to all four wheels. Other systems send power to all four wheels continuously.

Good for: Seamless acceleration in slippery conditions. Needs no driver intervention to engage.

Drawbacks: Can’t improve braking or cornering performance in snow; lacks heavy-towing ability; lacks a low range for slow-crawl situations; fuel economy suffers; and there’s a price premium compared with front-drive cars.

Four-Wheel Drive

This refers to the heavy-duty drivetrain components found in pickup trucks and truck-based SUVs. The truck usually sends power to the rear wheels, and the driver engages four-wheel drive with a dashboard knob or button, which sends power in equal proportion to the front and rear axles. Most current SUVs and some pickups have a permanent or “auto” 4WD mode.

Good for: Grunt work like hauling a boat trailer up a launch ramp. Most systems have a low range and locking differentials for extreme terrain.

Drawbacks: Can’t improve braking or cornering performance in snow; driving in locked 4WD mode on clear roads can damage the driveline; and there’s a wider turning circle in 4WD mode.

Front-Wheel Drive

Used in most cars, minivans, and wagons, front-wheel-drive systems send engine power to the two front wheels. The drive shaft doesn’t extend to the rear of the car, leaving more room for rear-seat and trunk space. Traction control limits wheel spin in certain inclement conditions.

Good for: Good traction in most driving situations. And it doesn’t carry the price premium of all-wheel drive. It’s also better than rear-wheel drive on slippery roads because there’s more weight on the front wheels, which propel and steer the car.

Drawbacks: If the road is too snowy or icy, the front wheels will slip and you’ll be stuck. Winter tires are recommended for snowy conditions.

Rear-Wheel Drive

This system places less demand on the front wheels, freeing them to be used primarily for steering. It’s often used in basic pickups and traditional truck-based SUVs that are designed to handle towing and other chores. Traction control can help improve the performance of those vehicles as well. Rear-wheel drive is also the preferred setup for sports cars and high-performance sedans because of its con­tribution to ideal weight distribution, which aids in handling.
 

Good for: Handling balance and cornering in dry conditions.

Drawbacks: If the road is too snowy or icy, the rear wheels will slip and you’ll get stuck. Rear-drive cars tend to spin out in snowy or icy conditions. Winter tires are recommended.

How to buy your first car

        Owning a car brings fabulous freedom but also tremendous responsibility.

Be ready for significant expenses beyond the purchase price: You’re also on the hook for, fuel, maintenance, repairs, insurance, and taxes. Here we lay out some strategies for getting behind the wheel as painlessly as possible. And remember, because a key element of driving includes sharing the road responsibly, see our guide to teen driving safety. What can you afford?

Establishing a reasonable budget is critical. The money you have available for a down payment and potential for making monthly installments on a loan will determine your car choices. (See our picks for best cars for teens.) As a young driver, you are probably budgeting for college or other educational pursuits, so it is important to work with your parents to set a realistic target. In doing so, consider whether this is a car just to see you through high school or whether it will be your traveling companion through college. That distinction will determine how new and reliable the car must be. No question, the best way to save money is to buy used. By purchasing used, you can buy more car, meaning you could afford, say, a midsized sedan rather than a tiny econobox. A new car loses almost half its value in the first five years, on average but has more than half its useful life left. Letting someone else take the depreciation hit is a smart bet. But try to buy the newest car you can, in order to get the most up-to-date safety features.

As a teenager, financing will be a challenge. Lenders are typically looking for adults with a good credit score, steady employment history, and financial assets, such as a five-figure bank account or a house. In most cases, that will mean a parent will have to act as a co-signer or even take the loan in their own name. A loan is a business agreement based on a lender charging interest for you to borrow money. The lower the interest rate and shorter the loan period, the less extra you pay in finance charges. The best solution may be to borrow from a family member, repaying them a fair interest rate that they would have seen from their savings account. That would save paperwork, keep the money in the family, and hopefully allow payment flexibility. Do your homework With a budget in mind, now comes the fun part: creating a short list of target vehicles. Focus on practical choices—cars that will minimize ownership costs and suit your needs for the next few years. To right-size your costs, resist the temptation to target sporty, luxury, or large vehicles. They can be costly to maintain and insure, and tend not to get good fuel mileage. The last thing you want is to raid your college fund to cover car costs. Instead, look to small sedans and hatchbacks from mainstream brands, or even better, midsized sedans. It can be tempting to lust after a high-horsepower car or one with the latest-and-greatest high-tech features, but be practical. Money may be made from trees, but it sure doesn’t grow on them. The insurance company will penalize a young driver in a sporty car; big engines cost more to fuel and maintain; and gee-whiz features tend to carry reliability risks. Plus, financed new cars will command higher insurance premiums to cover collision protection. It may not be fun to hear this, but simple is best. To reduce the risk of purchasing a trouble-prone vehicle, identify models with a good reliability record before you begin shopping. Consumer Reports collects data on more than a million cars a year to present reliability information covering the past decade. Such data can point you to cars that have been shown to hold up well over time. Reliability is a key factor, as it speaks to potential costs and inconvenience. Read online reviews of the cars you’re considering from both automobile publications and owner forums. Balance the different perspectives against your preferences, and use the feedback to highlight aspects that warrant closer attention. For instance, complaints about the seat comfort or ride quality can be evaluated on a test drive. Your opinions may differ from those held by others. And ultimately, it is you who will live with the car. Inspect and test-drive New cars are presumed to be consistent performers. (For example, each new Honda Civic is expected to drive like any other.) A casual inspection can confirm the car is truly in “new” condition. However, with a used car, every example has led a different life. Some may have been pampered, others abused, potentially by a teenager just like you! The best used cars tend to be owned by a trusted friend or family member who can share details of the car’s history. When shopping used, try to bring a car-savvy adult along . Carefully look the car over inside and out, top to bottom. New or used, always inspect during daylight hours when paint flaws that may indicate repairs or other troubles can be readily spotted. Essentially, you’re looking to ensure the car is in the condition claimed by the seller. For used cars, the real trick is having the car inspected by a professional mechanic. They will usually charge for the service, but it can be money very well spent.

Negotiate like a pro If the car looks good, then it's time to talk numbers. When negotiating a car purchase, it is essential to have an experienced adult to assist. A professional car salesperson knows all sorts of ways to push people into buying just about anything for the highest possible price. That is, after all, their job. As charming as salespeople can be, remember that they aren’t really your friend. Most car shoppers are outmatched during that phase of car buying. (Think of how competitive your grandparents are with video games, and you get the idea.) Rest assured, a first-time buyer doesn’t have a chance when going solo. If you’re buying from a private seller, negotiation is more straightforward. Research online what the current wholesale price is for the car based on its condition, mileage, and location—that is your target. Closer the better, and bonus points are awarded for getting an even better deal. A used-car lot or dealership will focus on the retail price, again easily found online, including on our car model pages. Chances are, they bought the car for much less, taking it as a trade-in or picking it up at a wholesale auction. They need to make a profit, of course, but your attitude should be that their most profitable deal of the day isn’t going to come out of your skin. The goal remains to get as close to the wholesale price as feasible, though in reality, you’ll probably end up in between the two figures. If financing, pre-arrange a loan so that you know what the interest rate and loan term will be. If the dealership can beat what you arranged for yourself, great. If not, then you’re still covered. You can use an online calculator to figure out what your payments would be, based on the expected purchase price and down payment. The salesperson will probably focus on monthly payments, as that enables them to sneak in added profit by stretching out the term of the loan. Monthly payments may look enticingly low but you’ll be paying those for a long, long time. When comparing one loan deal with another, add up the total of all the monthly payments. Because you did your homework, you can focus on the total amount, rather than just the monthly payments. Negotiate one element of the deal at a time, establishing the purchase price, then moving on to discussing financing, if interested. Don’t be talked into extras, such as rust-proofing, fabric protector, or even an extended warranty. They aren’t necessary. You’re smarter than that, as proven by the effort put in to find a good, safe, reliable car. If the seller won’t meet what you would consider a fair price, walk away. Every year, something like 40 million used cars change hands. Rest assured, there are plenty of other cars out there from which to choose. Getting a good deal on the right car can take a lot of patience and persistence but the reward—freedom and mobility—is worth the effort.

Ask for advice from a Professional.
#GaryKnowsCars will offer his professional opinion.
Garyknowscars.com

8 step car buying guide

                                             Here is an 8 step car buying guide.

Please feel free to contact me with questions as I would be more than happy to assist you.
GaryKnowsCars@gmail.com

Step 1: Get Approved for a Car Loan
A powerful first step in the car buying process is to get approved for a loan. (If you have decided to lease your new car, things proceed a little differently, so please read "10 Steps to Leasing a New Car.") Getting approved for a loan from a bank, credit union or online lender will show you what interest rate you qualify for. If the interest rate offered is unexpectedly high, you will know that there are problems with your credit history that need to be resolved before you move forward. Getting approved in advance will also mean you can negotiate at the dealership as a cash buyer, which is much easier. You can still accept dealership financing, but getting approved before you even walk into the dealership will be the bargaining chip to get you the best interest rate.

Step 2: Price Your Car and Your Trade-in
Everyone knows that the price of a new car is usually negotiable. But how much of a discount can you expect? Edmunds.com's True Market Value (TMV®) pricing uses actual sales figures to reveal the average price buyers are paying for cars in your area. Edmunds TMV adjusts the price for other factors including incentives, options and color.

Using Edmunds TMV, you can see the price of the car you want to buy, and also the price of your trade-in, if you have one. Choose the make, model and year of the car you want to appraise and follow the prompts. TMV adjusts the new car price for the available incentives. TMV for your used car shows the current market value if you sell it to a private party or trade it in at the dealership.

While TMV already factors in incentives, it is also possible to separately review the latest incentives and rebates available for all new cars. Perhaps you'll find an even better bargain on a new car you had not considered.

Step 3: Locate Your New Car
As you search for your car, keep in mind that the more flexible you can be about options and color, the wider the range of the vehicles you'll find for sale. Being flexible will also give you more leverage to negotiate a better price, since you are not emotionally connected to one specific car.

On the Edmunds.com home page, select the make, model and year of the car you want. You'll then get a page that displays several actual cars for sale in your area, along with Edmunds.com Price Promise® offers. (More about Price Promise in the next step). Click on the link "Find Cars for Sale Near You" in the upper half of the screen. You then will make selections about options and color to get a more complete list of matching cars available for sale. Once you find the exact car you want, the next step will be to contact the dealership.

Step 4: Use Price Promise and Dealership Internet Departments
Now that you are approaching the deal-making phase of the process, here's more about a good pathway for buying a new car: the Edmunds.com Price Promise program. It assures car shoppers a guaranteed, up-front price on a specific car.

Look for Price Promise offers on the car of your choice, print out the certificate on the page and you are ready to go to the dealership to conclude the deal. It's a good idea to call ahead and make sure the car is still available. Here are other tips on how to use Price Promise to buy your next car.

If there's no Price Promise offer on a car you want, shopping through a dealership's Internet department will save you time and money. You can easily communicate with the Internet manager by phone or e-mail.

We know that many people are drawn to the traditional way of car buying: visiting showrooms right off the bat. If you go this route, you should assess the car salesperson who is working with you before moving forward. Ask yourself if you feel comfortable and sense that you can trust this person. If you do feel comfortable, set up a time to test-drive the car if you haven't already done so. (It's a key step in finding the car that's right for you.) Before you head to the dealership, review all your notes and bring them with you.

Step 5: Try Negotiating a Lower Price
Price Promise offers are usually below Edmunds TMV. But if you think you can negotiate an even better deal, you have another option: Request Internet price quotes from at least three local dealers. Take the lowest price, call the other dealerships and say, "If you beat this price, I'll buy it from you." The dealer almost certainly will give you a better price.

Some shoppers find this time-consuming and stressful, so consider whether the potential savings are worth the time and effort. It's good to remember that a good deal isn't just the lowest selling price. It's a combination of the most streamlined, enjoyable shopping experience and the lowest total out-the-door cost.

Step 6: Review New Car Fees and Check Dealer Financing
Besides the cost of the car, you have to pay sales tax, registry fees and a documentation, or "doc" fee. You can estimate these extras using Edmunds' Monthly Loan Payment Calculator. Now ask the Internet sales manager or the dealership's Price Promise contact to supply a breakdown of all the fees, or a "worksheet," which lists the purchase price, the vehicle's invoice and all related fees. Review the figures carefully before signing the sales contract.

Back in Step One, you were pre-approved for financing. But who knows? Maybe you can get an even better interest rate at the dealership. To see if that's possible, you can let the dealership run a credit report and assess what interest rate you qualify for. If it is lower than your pre-approved loan, go for it. If not, you already have a good loan locked in.

If the price, financing and fees look right, it's nearly time to say yes to the deal. But before you do, consider making the sale contingent on having your new car delivered to your home or office. This is a great time saver and allows you to close the deal in a relaxed environment.

Step 7: Sign the Paperwork
This step will take place at your home if you have the dealership deliver the car, or at the dealership if you prefer to pick it up there. Either way, make sure there are no dents or scratches on the body or the wheels. Check that all the equipment is included, such as floor mats, owner's manuals and rear-seat DVD headphones. Your new car should also come with a full tank of gas. If anything is missing or needs repair, ask for a "Due Bill" that puts this in writing.

In cases of home delivery, the salesperson arrives with all the necessary paperwork. If you opt to pick up your car at the dealership, you will sign paperwork in the finance and insurance office, where the finance manager may try to sell you additional items. These typically include extended warranties, fabric protection or additional alarm systems. These extras can often be purchased elsewhere for less. One product that can have real value is an extended auto warranty, which provides peace of mind to many buyers and could save you money in the long run. Remember, though, that its price also is negotiable and you can always buy it later. You can learn more about the products offered by the finance manager in "Negotiating a Dealer's New-Car Add-Ons."

Review the contract carefully and make sure the numbers match the worksheet and that there are no additional charges or fees. A good finance manager will explain each form and what it means. Don't hurry. Buying a car is a serious commitment. And remember, there is no cooling-off period. Once you sign the contract, the car is yours.

Step 8: Take Delivery of Your New Car
You are probably eager to begin driving your new car. But this is an important step: Let the salesperson give you a tour of your new car. This could include showing you how to connect your smartphone to the car'sBluetooth system and learning how to use other important features and safety devices. Yes, you can review all this in the manual later, but it's quite helpful to get a hands-on demonstration. If you don't have time for a complete demonstration when you sign the contract, ask to visit the dealership a week later for this important step.

As you drive away, there is only one more thing to do: Enjoy your new car.

How can I Save Money on Gas

#GaryKnowsCars

April 2015 Car Lease Deals @ $199.00

Drive a brand-new car for only $199 a month. It isn't too good to be true. At any given time there are many factory-backed lease deals clustered around that price.

Here are the lease deals currently listed on their manufacturer's Web sites at or near $199 a month.

While all were featured as of April 3, 2015 some aren't available in all regions of the United States. For comparison's sake, we've calculated the total cost of each lease to completion and further calculated what each costs per mile, assuming full utilization of the mileage allowance. Not all leases are built exactly the same. Some leases ask for more money up front but have lower monthly payments. Some are the opposite; they entice you with a very low drive-off amount but slightly higher monthly payments. Try to find a lease that strikes a balance of the miles you drive, a low monthly payment and low drive-off fees. Always add up the entire cost of a lease and compare those numbers before deciding. If all this needs clarification or you need to bounce ideas off someone who knows what's going contact Gary Reed @ gary.reed@hotmail.com.

These deals are generally available only to customers with sterling credit ratings. And all lessees should remember that these monthly payments do not include sales tax and other fees. There are subtleties to any and every lease. And tailoring a lease before signing it is the single best way to ensure you'll be happy as long as you're in it — and on your way out of it But these heavily advertised leases with their discounted factory financing and aggressive pricing are good starting points. 2015 Buick Encore — $199 per month/24 months Buick's small and versatile crossover comes in at the price point after zip, zero, nothing at signing. Keep in mind that the lease is for only two years (23 payments) and only covers 20,000 miles of use. Offer ends April 30. 2015 Buick Verano — $199 per month/39 months Buick's smallest sedan can be had for no money at signing and only $199 a month. It's a ridiculous deal, but keep in mind that it includes just 10,000 miles of use per year, and additional miles are 25 cents each. Offer ends April 30. 2015 Chevrolet Equinox LT — $199 per month/24 months The Equinox is a relatively large and useful crossover SUV and consistently one of Chevy's best sellers. It costs $1,909 at signing if you're not a current GM lessee. And it's $2,409 at signing if you're a current GM customer. The $199 a month includes an allotted 20,000 miles, with additional miles priced at 25 cents each. Offer ends April 30. 2015 Chevrolet Malibu — $179 per month/36 months Pay $1,969 at signing (if you're a current GM vehicle lessee) and a Chevy dealer will hand over a new 2015 Malibu sedan for you to drive for the next three years. If you're not a current lessee, the buy-in is $2,469. The lease covers 30,000 miles of use, with additional miles charged at 25 cents each. Offer ends April 30. 2015 Chevrolet Trax — $199 per month/36 months Chevy's smallest crossover SUV is nonetheless roomy, useful and easygoing. And after plopping down $2,069 at signing ($400 less than last month), it's yours at the price point for the next 36 months. But if you're a current GM lessee, that plop-down number is only $1,569 ($300 less than last month). The lease includes 30,000 miles of use, and additional miles are 25 cents each. Offer ends April 30. 2015 Chrysler 200 — $159-$199 per month/36 months Chrysler's newest sedan is available at lease rates both at and lower than the $199 monthly target in several regionally advertised deals. Go to the New York metro areas and it's $159 per month after $2,999. Meanwhile, in Southern California there's the 200 S for $199 per month after $1,999. Both of these example leases include 30,000 miles of use. The New York deal ends April 14. The offer in Southern California ends May 4. 2015 Fiat 500 Sport — $199 per month/36 months The stylishly impish 500 Sport (not quite an Abarth) is available at the price point after $1,699 at signing. But the lease only includes 10,000 miles per year of use, and there's a $395 disposition fee at its end. Offer ends May 4. 2015 Fiat 500e — $139 per month/36 months The small 500e all-electric hatchback isn't for everyone, but it's perfect for those with an appreciation for Italian design and a passion for electric motoring. This month the featured lease runs to $139 per month ($30 less than last month), with $1,999 due at signing. There's also a $395 disposition fee at the end of the lease. Oh yeah, you have to live in either California or Oregon to qualify for this deal. Dealer contributions matter on leases, so keep that in mind when shopping. Additional savings are possible through various federal and local incentive programs for electric vehicles. Offer ends May 4. 2015 Ford C-Max Hybrid — $199 per month/24 months A versatile hybrid, the C-Max is available at this price in a few locations around the country. The money due at signing is a steep $4,013, but that drops to $3,013 if you're a current Ford or competitive make leaseholder. This deal is only for 24 months and includes only 875 miles per month; that's 21,000 miles total. Offer ends July 6. 2014 Ford Edge — $169-$219 per month/24 months Ford is clearing out its inventory of first-generation Edge models with a second generation on the way. The money due at signing varies greatly on these regional deals. Expiration dates of the deals vary, too. Deals end April 30 (New York), May 4 (Southern California) and July 6 (Chicago). 2015 Ford Escape — $179-$199 per month/24 months This small SUV is again offered in some regions at $179 per month with $2,523 at signing for current Ford or competitive leaseholders. But that signing cost goes up to $3,523 if you don't have the lease. Ford has slightly varied the Escape lease offers according to region, so you'll have to try your ZIP code on Ford's site to see what's offered in your locality. Most of these leases are set for only two years and the mileage allowance is at a mere 21,000. Offer ends July 6. 2014 Ford Flex — $189 per month/24 months Ford dealers are clearing their stocks of Flex large wagons. Various lease deals are available on the Flex in different parts of the country. So this $189-per-month lease after $3,889 may not be offered where you are, but the dealer could have another deal that works well for you. Offer ends July 6. 2015 Ford Fusion — $149-$179 per month/24 months Ford offers the Fusion in a vast number of variations, and this deal is offered on slightly different trim models depending on region. There are also differences in how much money is due at signing depending on region and whether the customer is currently a Ford lessee or leasing a competitive car. That noted, this is a short-term (24-month) lease that only allows 21,000 miles over its duration, and the offer is restricted to some geographic areas. Offer ends May 4 (New York) and July 6 (Southern California). 2015 Honda Accord LX-S Coupe — $209 per month/36 months The two-door Accord joins its brother sedan near our price point after $2,599 at signing. Additional miles are only 15 cents each either way, with the leases including 1,000 miles of use each month. Offer ends April 13. 2015 Honda Accord LX Sedan — $199 per month/36 months The most popular version of the Accord sedan (four cylinders, automatic transmission, cloth interior) is available at $199 a month in a 36-month lease with a low $1,999 cost at signing. That includes a 1,000-miles-per-month allowance. Offer ends April 13. 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT — $189 per month/36 months This is the sporty five-door version of Hyundai's Elantra compact at $189 a month and after $2,799 at signing; that's $1,000 more than last month's signing charge. Additional miles cost 20 cents each, and there will be a $400 disposition fee in most states. Remember, this is for a 2014 model-year car. Offer ends April 30. 2015 and 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT — $179 per month/36 months Want the 2015 model-year version of the five-door version of Hyundai's Elantra compact? How about the 2016, then? The former is $179 a month with $1,999 due at signing, while the latter is $179 with $2,299 due at signing. Additional miles are 20 cents each, and there will be a $400 disposition fee in most states. Offer ends March 31. 2015 Hyundai Sonata SE — $199 per month/36 months It's Hyundai's new version of its mainstream sedan. And it's $1,999 at signing. There's also a $400 disposition fee at the end of the lease in most states. The 36,000-mile allowance is solid, with additional miles available for 20 cents each. Offers end April 30. 2015 Jeep Cherokee — $199 and $209 per month/36 months Jeep has very limited, regional offers on various front- and four-wheel-drive versions of its hugely successful Cherokee at just $199-$209 per month. These 36-month leases all seem to present only 30,000 miles of use during their terms. These deals — which vary in how much money is due at signing — may not be available at all in your area. Offers end April 14 (New York) and May 4 (Southern California and Chicago). 2015 Jeep Compass — $139-$199 per month/36 months Have a hankering for the Compass? If you live in the Chicagoland area (or some other regions), a two-wheel-drive Compass can be leased at $199 per month after $2,999 at signing. But in the New York City area, a 4x4 Compass can be had for as little as $139 per month. So shop around. And be on the lookout for differences in mileage allowances as well. Offers ends April 14 (New York) and May 4 (Chicago). 2015 Jeep Patriot — $199 per month/36 months Jeep's other small crossover is available in several different featured leases depending upon region. Look out for differences not only in down payment, but mileage allowances while shopping. Offers end May 4. 2014 Kia Optima LX — $189 and $199 per month/36 months The stylish Optima (the 2014 version) is now available with lease terms under our price point on 36-month leases. These leases vary from region to region, however, so no one in particular may be available in your area. Offers end May 4. 2015 Kia Optima LX — $172-$189 per month/24 and 36 months The stylish Optima (this time the 2015 version) is now available with lease terms under our price point on 24- and 36-month leases in various offers around the country. These leases vary from region to region, however, so no one in particular may be available in your area. Offers end May 4. 2014 Kia Soul — $179 per month/36 months The 2014 version of Kia's adorable small box car is available in many regions at $189 per month after $1,999 at signing. Offer ends May 4. 2015 Kia Soul — $189 per month/36 months The 2015 version of Kia's Soul is available in some regions at $189 per month after $1,999 at signing. Hamsters — hip and sleek or dumpy and lovable — are not included. Offer ends May 4. 2015 Mazda 3 i Sport Five-Door — $189, $199 and $240 per month/36 months Mazda's sporting compact comes in at our target price on 2015 models after $1,979 at signing in some regions. Or $189 per month after $1,969 at signing in other regions. Another lease is offered at $240 a month with nothing due at signing. These leases have a 36,000-mile allowance and cost 15 cents per mile for additional miles. Offers end April 30. 2015 Mazda 6 — $189, $199 and $249 per month/36 months Mazda's fine-driving midsize sedan is available in several different regional leases ranging from $1,969 due at signing and $189 per month to $2,009 at signing and $199 per month. There is also a zero down lease available in some areas at $249 per month. Offers end April 30. 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer ES CVT — $189 per month/24 months Mitsubishi's 2015 model-year compact four-door costs $189 per month after a $2,988 initial buy-in. Additional miles cost either 15 or 20 cents depending on which finance company (March Financial or Mitsubishi Motors Credit of America) writes the deal. Offer ends April 30. 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander — $199 and $209 per month/36 months It's Mitsubishi's larger crossover with either two-wheel drive for $199 per month or all-wheel drive for $209 per month. It takes $3,398 at signing for the two-wheel drive and $3,958 for the four-wheel drive. Financed through Mitsubishi Motors Credit, additional miles after 36,000 charge at 15 cents per mile. If the vehicle is leased through Ally Financial, additional miles rise to 20 cents. Offer ends April 30. 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport — $207 per month/36 months This solid, easygoing compact SUV is available at $207 per month after a $3,756 signing payment. Financed through Mitsubishi Motors Credit, additional miles after 36,000 charge at 15 cents per mile. If the vehicle is leased through Ally Financial, additional miles rise to 20 cents. Offer ends April 30. 2015 Nissan Altima 2.5 S — $189 per month/36 months Nissan offers several different lease programs for the Altima in different regions of the country. There's $1,799 due at signing in some areas for a $179-per-month lease in some markets. And it's different amounts down in other areas. These low monthly payments come with 12,000 miles a year of use and charge only 15 cents per additional mile. There is a disposition fee due at the end of the lease in most states. Offer ends April 30. 2015 Nissan Juke SL — $209 per month/36 months Nissan's quirky Juke small SUV comes in just above the price point after $2,999 down. Nissan's deals this month are highly regionalized, so check the company's Web site or with a dealer. Offer ends April 30. 2015 Scion iQ — $189 per month/36 months While the tiny iQ isn't for everyone, the someone who can use it can get it for only $189 per month with zero down at signing. That's nothing. Zip. Nada. Offer ends July 6. 2015 Scion tC — $249 per month/36 months The 2015 tC is available at $50 more than the price point, but with zero money due at signing. The mileage allowance is 1,000 a month, with additional miles costing only 15 cents each. Offer ends July 6. 2014 Scion xB — $229 per month/ 36 months Scion's practical and very square xB can be had now with no money at signing and for only $229 per month. It's a three-year lease with 1,000 miles of use per month. Offers end July 6. 2015 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive Cabriolet — $199 and $219 per month/24 and 36 months Open-air Smart car motoring with the additional virtue of being all-electric. The money due at signing is modest, and both 24- and 36-month terms are available. But there is a $395 disposition fee at lease end. Additional savings are possible through various federal and local incentive programs for electric vehicles. Offers end April 30. 2014 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Premium — $209 and $219 per month/36 months Subaru's smallest car is available without any money at signing. A total deal. There will be variances according to region and ZIP code. Offers end April 30. 2015 Subaru Legacy — $209 per month/24 and 36 months It will take $1,979 at signing to get into a Legacy at this price. The lease includes 1,000 miles per month of use, with additional miles at 15 cents each. Offer ends April 30. 2015 Toyota Camry — $179-$199 per month/24 and 36 months Toyota has slight variations on leasing 2015 Camrys around the country, so you'll have to check in your area. All the leases we've seen run 1,000 miles per month, with a disposition fee at lease end in most regions. But watch these closely. Some advertised deals don't include a $650 acquisition fee in the bold print. Offers end May 4. 2015 Toyota Corolla — $189, $199 and $209 per month/24 and 36 months Toyota's roomy and legendarily reliable Corolla sedan is available on some regional leases for $199 per month and in other areas at a bit more or less. The offers in your area will differ, and be careful to note whether all acquisition and disposition fees are included in the advertised price. Offer ends May 4. 2015 Toyota Prius — $209 per month/24 months Toyota's iconic hybrid hatchback is available in some regions (but not all regions) on leases near our price point. This one takes $2,399 down in the Chicago area. Offers end May 4. 2015 Toyota Prius C — $189, $199 and $209 per month/24 or 36 months Toyota's smallest hybrid is available under different terms in different regions. But all are close to $199 per month, with money due at signing within a few hundred dollars of $2,000. Deals end May 4. 2015 Toyota Prius V — $209 and $219 per month/36 months Toyota offers many regionally tailored leases on the large Prius V. Offers end May 4. 2015 Toyota RAV4 — $199 per month/24 and 36 months Toyota has several regional lease offers on its popular RAV4. But read the fine print. Some don't include a $650 acquisition fee in the advertised price, and some also include disposition fees at the end of the lease, too. Offers end May 4. 2015 Volkswagen Golf 1.8T S — $199 per month/36 months The sophisticated new, 1.8-liter turbocharged version of the VW Golf can be had at our price point. But this is for the manual transmission version; an automatic will cost more. It's $1,999 at signing and the three-year lease includes 36,000 miles of use. Offer ends May 30. 2015 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T S — $209 per month/36 months The family-size sedan from VW is available at $10 above our price point on a 36-month lease that includes 1,000 miles per month of use. 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T S — $179 per month/36 months VW's small crossover SUV is available at only $179 per month after $2,499 at signing. That's quite reasonable for this class of vehicle. The lease goes a full three years and 36,000 miles, with additional miles at 20 cents per mile. Offer ends April 30.

The closes you can get to driving a real Nascar

The next closes high performance car to be compared to the new 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z06 is a $800,000 Porsche.  So I would definitely say $75,000 is a bargain for the Z06 Corvette.

Please feel free to contact me in regards to making a purchase.

Thanks,
Gary Reed
gary.reed@hotmail.com
#GaryKnowsCars