New Car Rebates and Incentives - November 17, 2009
The 2010 BMW 335i is the top trim level for the luxury brand’s best-selling entry-level vehicle. Available in both coupe and sedan body styles, the BMW 335i blends together the comfort features and high end gadgets that most buyers have come to expect from a German premium brand with a sporty driving experience. Automatic climate controls, a moonroof and vinyl seats are all standard equipment, as is dynamic cruise control which is designed to automatically preserve a safe distance between the 335i and any traffic on the road in front of it. If desired, options such as leather seats, a navigation system, a cold weather package and a sportier suspension can be added to the vehicle.
Powering the 2010 BMW 335i is a 3.0-liter inline six that makes use of twin turbochargers to produce a stout 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. The BMW’s excellent drivetrain places it at the top of the food chain when it comes to first-time buyers looking to get a taste of the luxury car market. Fuel economy for this engine is rated at 17 miles per gallon in city driving and 26 miles per gallon on the highway. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual transmission (standard) or an available six-speed automatic that offers a degree of driver control over gear changes. There is also an all-wheel drive edition of the vehicle available, the BMW 335xi.
There is a financing incentive of 4.9% interest or $2,500.00 cash back on the 2010 BMW 335i and BMW 335xi effective until 01/04/2010.
The 2010 Lincoln MKZ is a sedan that targets buyers looking for a mix of traditional luxury and technological innovation. The Lincoln MKZ does not present itself as a sports car, but rather as an entertaining to drive sedan that features excellent interior room and styling that sets it apart from other vehicles in its segment. Interestingly, the vehicle is only offered in a single trim level, and as such it includes a substantial raft of equipment in the base price: rear parking assist, heated and cooled leather seats, dual climate controls and the Ford SYNC entertainment and communications system are all present and accounted for. Individual options such as a hard drive navigation system, a backup camera and an even higher grade of leather seats can be specified to personalize the sedan to a greater degree.
The 2010 Lincoln MKZ is outfitted with a 263 horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 that also provides 249 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission sends all of that output to either the front or all four wheels if all-wheel drive is ordered as an option. From behind the wheel the Lincoln MKZ feels confident and substantial, which makes it ideally suited for long commutes or family road trips. Fuel mileage for the sedan shows as 18-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway for front-wheel drive editions of the vehicle.
There is a financing incentive of 0.0% interest or $2,000.00 cash back, or $3,000 cash back on the 2010 Lincoln MKZ effective until 01/04/2010.
The 2009 Mazda CX-9 is a seven-seater crossover that aims to please those interested in family transportation that doesn’t put drivers to sleep with the same boring vehicle dynamics typically associated with minivans and SUV’s. The Mazda CX-9’s exterior appearance transmits this message loud and clear, as the front fascia bears an impressively imposing grille and air vent treatment, and the overall muscular shape of the vehicle definitely sets it apart from the standard soccer practice parking lot lurkers. Inside, the Mazda CX-9 offers three rows of seating and a very useful 100.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which is enough to infringe on the territory stake out by several full-size SUV’s. Cruise control, air conditioning and a trip computer all come standard, and higher trim levels offer heated leather seats, a keyless ignition and even wood trim throughout the cabin. A sunroof and rear seat entertainment system – including space for video game consoles – can be ordered as options.
The 2009 Mazda CX-9 backs up its sporty looks with a 3.7-liter V-6 that generates 273 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission works in tandem with a suspension that has been tuned to balance responsiveness with comfort to offer a ride that feels much crisper and more connected than many other vehicles in its class. Front-wheel drive is standard, but those living in northern climates will appreciate the availability of all-wheel drive. Fuel mileage for the Mazda CX-9 comes in at 16 miles per gallon in the city and 22 miles per gallon on the highway.
There is a financing incentive of 0.0% interest and $1,500.00 cash back on the 2009 Mazda CX-9 effective until 11/30/2009.
The 2009 Mitsubishi Raider is a mid-size pickup truck that offers strong value for buyers interested in a basic work vehicle that is large enough to handle most of the jobs thrown at it, but not so big as to become unwieldy in an urban setting. The Mitsubishi Raider can be ordered as either an extended cab or a double cab vehicle, with the latter offering full-size doors to access the rear passenger compartment. A short bed (6-feet, 6-inches or 5-feet, 4-inches) graces the rear of each vehicle, helping to reign in its length. The only available trim level, the Mitsubishi Raider LS, is somewhat spartan in terms of features but it does provide air conditioning, a CD player and a front bench seat that pegs the seating capacity of the pickup at six.
Under the hood of the 2009 Mitsubishi Raider can be found a 3.7-liter V-6 engine. With 210 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque, the pickup has more than enough grunt to carry out a wide variety of tasks, although its towing capacity is limited to just over 3,000 lbs. Extended cab editions of the Mitsubishi Raider can choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic, while the double cab is automatic only. The six-speed provides the greatest acceleration and throttle response of the two, and rear-wheel drive versions of the Mitsubishi Raider matched with this transmission offer fuel mileage of 16 miles per gallon in stop and go driving and 20 miles per gallon during highway cruising. Four-wheel drive can be added to each body style.
There is an incentive of $4,000.00 cash back on the 2009 Mitsubishi Raider effective until 11/30/2009.
The 2010 Nissan Versa is an attractive alternative to some of the more boring subcompacts that populate the entry-level vehicle market. The Nissan Versa doesn’t overwhelm in terms of standard features, but it does offer the choice of a barebones base model or a more civilized and comfortable upper trim level without sacrificing fuel economy or practicality. Available as either a sedan or a hatchback, the 2010 Nissan Versa can be had with just the basics – steel wheels and title steering – or it can be upgraded with air conditioning, a folding rear seat, power windows and door locks and even cruise control. Big ticket options include iPod integration and a stereo system that offers a subwoofer. Not all options are available on both the sedan and the hatchback, so it pays to be cautious when talking with a sales person at the dealership to ensure that the vehicle can be ordered as desired.
The 2010 Nissan Versa comes with a choice of two four-cylinder engines. The 1.6-liter engine provides 107 horsepower and 106 lb-ft of torque, and is designed to appeal to those who favor fuel economy as it consumes gasoline at the gentle rate of 26 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway. A five-speed manual transmission is standard equipment with this motor, while a four-speed automatic can also be fitted. Stepping up to the Nissan Versa’s 1.8-liter engine improves performance thanks to its 122 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle’s manual transmission gains an extra forward gear, while the automatic option remains the same – although the top of the line Nissan Versa SL hatchback is only available with a continuously-variable automatic unit. Fuel mileage for the larger engine shows as a still impressive 24 miles per gallon in city driving and 32 miles per gallon on the highway.
There is a financing incentive of 0.0% interest and $1,250.00 cash back on the 2010 Nissan Versa effective until 11/30/2009.
Alternatives to the 2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid
The Toyota Prius is without a doubt the most popular hybrid car on the roads these days. Nearly one million of the vehicles have been sold in America since the green car was introduced in 2000, making it by far the best-selling hybrid of all-time.
As the old saying goes: one million satisfied customers couldn't be wrong. Or can they?
The 2010 Toyota Prius returns with more room, improved agility and enhanced horsepower. It also improves on fuel efficiency, with an estimated combined mileage of 51 mpg. The closest competitor to this figure is the 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid, which serves up a combined fuel efficiency of 42 mpg.
So why, then would anyone want to skip over the 2010 Toyota Prius in favor of another hybrid? There are lots of reasons, actually. And though the Toyota Prius does plenty of things right, it's not the hybrid car for everyone. If you're considering buying a hybrid, here are some reasons why you shouldn't buy the 2010 Toyota Prius:
Yes, all hybrid shoppers want a vehicle with good fuel efficiency (that's the whole point). However, fuel efficiency is only one of many vehicle features that factor into a purchase decision. Simply put, there are several hybrid vehicles that offer a complete package that is just as good (if not better) than the Toyota Prius.
For example, the general consensus is that the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid offer a more refined driving experience than the Prius. While improvements have been made over the 2009 Toyota Prius, the interior environment still may feel a little too "economical" for some. And if price is the most important factor to you, then the 2010 Honda Insight may be a better choice.
One of the few complaints routinely sighted about the Toyota Prius is a stodgy steering system. Toyota has addressed this complaint to some degree on the 2010 Prius, but the fact remains that there are sportier-feeling hybrids available from competitors. Most notably, is the 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid. With a more traditional body style, the Civic Hybrid invokes a completely different aesthetic than the Toyota Prius. Similarly, if the vehicle's large rear end makes you turn up your nose at the 2010 Prius, then the Toyota Camry hybrid may also be a better match for you.
If you know what you want, and don't mind paying for it, then the 2010 Toyota Prius is likely to disappoint. While upgrade packages add a number of appealing features, the Prius simply can't compete with the healthy crop of luxury 2010 hybrids. For similar styling and performance to the Prius, consider the refined Lexus LS 600h. Crisp features include LED lighting, 4-zone automatic climate control and voice-activated GPS. Other notable luxury hybrids include the performance-tuned BMW 335d and the elegant Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueTec.
Whether your cargo is a stack of lumber or a pack of kids, the 2010 Toyota Prius probably isn't the best hybrid option. Though the mid-sized Prius comfortably seats up to five passengers, there are several hybrid SUVs that would better suit your extra baggage. The 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid does an excellent job of balancing fuel efficiency with interior cabin space. The GMC Yukon Hybrid offers even more space, while keeping fuel efficiency above 20 mpg (which is good for its class). On the higher end, top 2010 hybrid luxury SUVs include the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid and Lexus RX 450h.
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