Associated PressMark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas, with a 2013 Ford Fusion.Fall is usually a good time to buy a car because it's the end of the model year, but even better deals are available if you're willing to buy a model that is about to be discontinued or redesigned, Edmunds.com advises.
Current-year models of these cars are cheaper because while you be driving a new car, you'll soon be driving one that's visibly outdated. (It's like buying a dress that was in style last year but not necessarily this year, Edmunds suggests). But if you're not a slave to fashion, you can likely buy a nice, new car at a lower price.
Edmunds has created a li st of about a dozen cars that are likely to be discounted and that may also have incentives and rebates to lure buyers. Many such offers are regional, so prices in your area may vary.
One downside is that when carmakers introduce a redesign, the previous year's model tends to depreciate more quickly, which can make selling it more difficult later on. But if you're planning to keep the car for a long time, that's less of a concern.
Some cars are getting full redesigns, while others are getting tweaks. Cars that Edmunds suggests checking out include the Ford Fusion. A fully redesigned and slightly bigger Ford Fusion is arriving for the 2013 model year, which will put pressure on dealers to sell the popular 2012 Fusions.
The 2012 Chevrolet Impala is another possibility. It has been six years since the Impala had a significant update, Edmunds.com notes, and a redesign will arrive with the 2014 model year, which is scheduled to have its debut early in 2013. The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is another candidate, because an all-new version is arriving this fall.
Other models to check out: 2012 Ford Mustang; 2012 GMC Acadia; 2012 Lexus ES 350; 2012 Nissan Altima (check for leasing specials in particular); 2012 Nissan Pathfinder; 2012 Toyota Avalon; 2012 Chevrolet Traverse; 2012 Ford Escape; and 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe.
One more caveat: A redesign doesn't always mean big bargains. The Honda Accord has been redesigned for the 2013 model year, but because the car is so popular, incentives are likely to be modest for the 2012s, Edmunds notes. But it's still worth negotiating.
Are you in the market for a new car? Would you consider a soon-to-be outdated model?
