October represents a strategic window for U.S. consumers shopping for new vehicles. During this month, dealerships are actively receiving fresh 2020 model year inventory, creating a pressing need to clear remaining 2019 model year stock. This dynamic creates favorable conditions for buyers seeking significant discounts. Dealer financing costs increase as inventory ages, incentivizing manufacturers to offer substantial rebates and promotional financing terms to accelerate sales. Data indicates that average incentives during the third quarter of 2019 reached approximately $4,100 per vehicle.
The primary mechanisms for these savings include cash-back rebates and low-interest financing offers. Zero-percent financing deals are currently more prevalent than they have been in recent history. While these offers are broadly available, they are often tiered based on consumer creditworthiness. Individuals with prime credit scores typically qualify for the most aggressive financing terms. Conversely, buyers with less-than-perfect credit histories may find better rates by securing pre-approval through external financial institutions before visiting a dealership.
In addition to standard manufacturer incentives, specific demographic groups may qualify for additional rebates. These often include recent graduates, active-duty military personnel, and first responders. Furthermore, loyalty and conquest rebates are frequently available to current owners or lessees of specific brands, offering additional cash back for sticking with a brand or switching from a competitor.
Luxury vehicle manufacturers often utilize a different approach to discounting. Rather than advertising direct consumer rebates, they frequently provide "secret" or hidden rebates directly to dealerships. This practice grants dealerships flexibility to negotiate lower selling prices. Consequently, consumers shopping for luxury brands are encouraged to negotiate aggressively with sales personnel. It is often possible to purchase a 2019 model year luxury vehicle at or below the dealer invoice price (the amount the dealer paid the manufacturer) during this clearance period.
Best Cash-Back and Financing Deals on 2019 Models
The following is a curated list of the most significant clearance deals available on 2019 model year vehicles, featuring cash-back rebates of $4,500 or more, as well as creative financing structures.
High-Value Cash-Back Rebates
Several manufacturers are offering substantial cash incentives directly applied to the purchase price. These deals are particularly effective for buyers paying with cash or securing their own financing.
- Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV: This full-size luxury SUV features a rebate of up to $8,000 cash back.
- Nissan Titan XD: This heavy-duty pickup truck offers the highest rebate in the segment, with up to $8,250 cash back.
- Nissan Titan: The standard half-ton version of the Titan offers up to $7,250 cash back.
- Ram 1500 Classic: This previous-generation Ram model features a rebate of up to $6,750 cash back.
- GMC Sierra 1500: A major competitor in the full-size truck market, the Sierra offers up to $6,000 cash back.
- Nissan Murano: This mid-size SUV offers up to $5,500 cash back.
- Dodge Journey: This mid-size crossover offers up to $5,250 cash back.
- Ford Escape: This compact SUV offers up to $5,000 cash back.
- Jeep Renegade: This subcompact SUV offers up to $5,000 cash back.
- Kia Sedona: This minivan offers up to $5,000 cash back.
- Kia Sorento: This mid-size SUV offers up to $5,000 cash back.
- Dodge Durango SRT: The high-performance SRT trim of this SUV offers up to $4,750 cash back. (Note: Other Durango trim levels offer up to $2,950 cash back).
- Chrysler 300: This full-size sedan offers up to $4,500 cash back.
- Ford EcoSport: This subcompact SUV offers up to $4,500 cash back.
- Jeep Compass: This compact SUV offers up to $4,500 cash back.
Combined Cash and Financing Incentives
Some manufacturers offer hybrid deals that combine a lower cash rebate with zero-percent financing. These are often advantageous for buyers who require financing but want to minimize the total amount financed.
- Dodge Journey: Buyers can choose between up to $5,250 cash back OR a combination of up to $3,000 cash back and 0.0% financing for 36 months.
- Jeep Compass: Buyers can choose between up to $4,500 cash back OR a combination of up to $3,000 cash back and 0.0% financing for 36 months.
- Jeep Renegade: Buyers can choose between up to $5,000 cash back OR a combination of up to $2,750 cash back and 0.0% financing for 36 months.
- Ram 1500 Classic: Buyers can choose between up to $6,750 cash back OR a combination of up to $4,750 cash back and 0.0% financing for 60 months.
- Chrysler 300: Buyers can choose between up to $4,500 cash back OR 0.0% financing for 36 months.
- Nissan Murano: Buyers can choose between up to $5,500 cash back OR a combination of up to $4,700 cash back and 0.0% financing for 60 months (with zero down and zero payments for 90 days).
Long-Term Financing Incentives
For buyers prioritizing low monthly payments, several models offer extended zero-percent financing terms.
- Kia Sedona: Offers 0.0% financing for 75 months.
- Kia Sorento: Offers 0.0% financing for 75 months.
- Nissan Titan: Buyers can choose between up to $7,250 cash back OR a combination of up to $2,250 cash back and 0.0% financing for 72 months.
- Nissan Titan XD: Buyers can choose between up to $8,250 cash back OR a combination of up to $2,250 cash back and 0.0% financing for 72 months.
Creative Discount Structures
Dodge implements a unique rebate program for its Charger sedan and Challenger coupe. Rather than a flat rate, the cash-back incentive is calculated based on the specific version’s horsepower rating. This structure rewards buyers of higher-performance models with larger rebates.
How to Access These Deals
To view specific offers available in a local area, consumers should visit manufacturer websites. Most brands feature a "Special Offers" or "Local Deals" tab where current incentives are searchable by zip code.
Conclusion
October 2019 presents a robust market for consumers looking to purchase a 2019 model year vehicle at a discounted price. With average incentives exceeding $4,000 and specific models offering rebates up to $8,250, significant savings are available. Buyers should carefully evaluate the trade-offs between cash-back rebates and low-interest financing terms, as the best deal depends on individual financial circumstances and credit standing. Utilizing manufacturer websites to verify local offers and researching eligibility for specific group rebates (military, graduate, loyalty) are essential steps in maximizing savings.