CHICAGO, July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cash for Clunkers program
that's gotten so much attention in recent months is scheduled to
launch by the end of July. In addition to providing a comprehensive
guide to help explain to consumers how the program will work and
which new cars are eligible, Cars.com now offers its picks for the
new cars that will give consumers the best bang for their buck.
"The list of new cars eligible for the Cash for Clunkers program is
a dizzying array of choices," said Cars.com editor in chief Patrick
Olsen. "We've helped consumers out by listing five new cars and
five new trucks/crossovers/minivans that would make the most of
your Cash for Clunkers credit. Many have significant incentives on
top of the thousands the government is handing out, but we've also
listed a few hot models that rarely get cash-back offers of their
own, as this may be the one time to get them at any type of
discount." Below are Cars.com's picks, along with any available
incentives currently offered. The adjusted price listed assumes the
"clunker" being traded in will qualify for the biggest credit
available, $4,500. Top Cars 2010 Toyota Prius Starting MSRP:
$22,000 Available incentives: None Cash for Clunkers credit: $4,500
Adjusted price: $17,500 Clearly, the most fuel-efficient car in
America is the prototypical vehicle the framers of Cash for
Clunkers wanted you to trade your clunker in for. You're guaranteed
the full $4,500 credit for the Prius no matter your trade-in,
because its combined 50 mpg will best any eligible Clunker by well
more than 10 mpg. Because the new Prius is so popular, there are no
manufacturer discounts, and it may be hard to find one locally.
2009 Hyundai Sonata Starting MSRP: $18,700 Available incentives:
$2,000 cash back, plus $1.49 gas for a year (expires July 31) Cash
for Clunkers credit: $3,500-$4,500 Adjusted price: $12,200 The
Sonata is a favorite value pick at Cars.com. It has a pleasant
ride, upscale interior and better than average reliability ratings.
There's a national cash-back incentive, plus a gas deal that will
save you some pain at the pump - even at $2.50-a-gallon gas. The
base model's mileage rating of 21/32 mpg city/highway is also good
for the class. 2009 Mini Cooper Starting MSRP: $18,550 Available
incentives: None Cash for Clunkers credit: $3,500-$4,500 Adjusted
price: $14,050 The Mini Cooper is a blast to drive, even in the
base form listed here. The car has been so popular since it was
reintroduced in the U.S. that there are rarely cash-back deals
available. Mileage is excellent at 28/37 mpg city/highway, with
which you're guaranteed to qualify for the full $4,500 credit. That
means you'll drive away in a stylish, European import for under
$15,000. 2009 Nissan Altima Starting MSRP: $19,900 Available
incentives: $1,500 cash back (expires Aug. 3) Cash for Clunkers
credit: $3,500-$4,500 Adjusted price: $13,900 If you like a little
performance in your midsize sedan, the Altima is the way to go.
Even in base, four-cylinder form, the steering is sharp and nimble.
Plus, mileage is 23/31 mpg city/highway. Nissan's interiors are
always top-notch for the segment, and while the $1,500 cash-back
deal is a nationally advertised offer, the 2010 model goes on sale
in September and will have some updates. That means dealers might
want to make a deal on the 2009 model. 2009 Pontiac Vibe Starting
MSRP: $16,100 Available incentives: $2,500 cash back or 0%
financing for 60 months (expires Aug. 3) Cash for Clunkers credit:
$3,500-$4,500 Adjusted price: $9,100 One of the unfortunate
casualties of GM shutting down the Pontiac brand is the redesigned
Pontiac Vibe. This little hatchback has a relatively upscale
interior, good crash-test ratings and much better than average
reliability scores. There should still be plenty of 2009 inventory
on lots, as the 2010s are just arriving at dealerships. Don't fear
future repairs; GM says it will service all Pontiacs at other brand
locations. For under $10,000, this is an exceptionally well-rounded
choice. Top Trucks, SUVs and Minivans 2009 Honda Odyssey Starting
MSRP: $26,355 Available incentives: None Cash for Clunkers credit:
$3,500-$4,500 Adjusted price: $21,855 We know what you're thinking:
If there's no incentive, why is buying a new Odyssey worth using a
big government credit? Well, Honda is rolling out the 2010 model
right now, and dealers will be ready to clear out old inventory to
make room on lots. There are no noticeable differences between the
2009 and 2010 Odysseys, and the 2009 is rated a Top Safety Pick by
the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. That's good news for
families looking for what is consistently one of the best minivans
on sale today. 2009 Subaru Forester Starting MSRP: $19,995
Available incentives: 2.9% financing (expires Aug. 3) Cash for
Clunkers credit: $3,500-$4,500 Adjusted price: $15,495 Last year,
the redesigned Subaru Forester came very close to being named
Cars.com's New Car of the Year -- that's how highly we regard this
compact crossover. If you're a small family downsizing from a huge,
gas-guzzling SUV, the Forester is a good choice with standard
all-wheel drive, a low base price and Top Safety Pick status. Like
the Odyssey, the 2010 Forester is just arriving on dealer lots, so
now is one of the few times the hot-selling Subaru might get a
dealer discount on top of financing deals. Don't expect to get too
much off during your negotiations, though, because the starting
price is so low. There aren't any significant changes on the 2010
model, but it does see a price bump of $300. 2009 Toyota Venza
Starting MSRP: $25,975 Available incentives: None Cash for Clunkers
credit: $3,500-$4,500 Adjusted price: $21,475 Here's another
crossover on the list with no advertised incentives. If you're
looking for an alternative to a truck-based SUV and need lots of
room, good gas mileage - 21/29 mpg city/highway - and available
all-wheel drive, though, the Venza is a good bet. Like others on
this list, the Venza is a Top Safety Pick. While there are no
incentives on the Venza, buying one would be a good use of
federally supplied funds, as they'd knock what we consider a pretty
expensive sticker down to something more palatable. 2009 Ford
Escape Starting MSRP: $20,435 Available incentives: $2,500 cash
back or 0% financing (expires Aug. 3*) Cash for Clunkers credit:
$3,500-$4,500 Adjusted price: $13,435 Ford's long-running Escape is
one of the most affordable compact SUVs on the market before any
discounts. A redesign a few years ago was enough of an update to
keep it competitive, and it also earns Top Safety Pick status. Lots
of cash back from the automaker brings the adjusted price down to
the low teens, which is an unbelievable cost for such a
well-rounded vehicle. 2009 Toyota Tacoma Starting MSRP: $15,170
Available incentives: $1,500 or 0% for 36 months (expires July 31*)
Cash for Clunkers credit: $3,500-$4,500 Adjusted price: $9,170 If
you're wondering where all the actual trucks are, there aren't many
that fit into the spirit of the Cash for Clunkers legislation. Most
full-size pickups get just one or two mpg better fuel economy than
their predecessors of decades past. Instead, buyers can pick
something smaller and more efficient, like the Tacoma, which has
better than average reliability ratings and is the only small
pickup to earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Its better mileage
should also help it qualify for the full $4,500 credit from the
government. For under $10,000, it's a terrific alternative to
larger trucks. For more information about how the Cash for Clunkers
program works, and for more information about the cars available,
check Cars.com's Cash for Clunkers guide. *Incentives may vary by
region. About Cars.com Cars.com is the leading destination for
online car shoppers, offering credible, easy-to-understand
information from consumers and experts to help buyers formulate
opinions on what to buy, where to buy and how much to pay for a
car. With comprehensive pricing information, side-by-side
comparison tools, photo galleries, videos, unbiased editorial
content and a large selection of new- and used-car inventory,
Cars.com puts millions of car buyers in control of their shopping
process with the information they need to make confident buying
decisions. Launched in June 1998, Cars.com is a division of
Classified Ventures, LLC, which is owned by leading media
companies, including Belo (NYSE:BLC), Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE:GCI),
The McClatchy Company (NYSE:MNI), Tribune Company and The
Washington Post Company (NYSE:WPO). DATASOURCE: Cars.com CONTACT:
Jackie Brennan, Associate Public Relations Manager,
+1-312-601-6229, mobile, +1-219-577-6106, , or Steve Nolan, Public
Relations Manager, +1-312-601-5163, mobile, +1-630-310-2468, , both
of Cars.com Web Site: http://www.cars.com/
Copyright
