How Do I Know A Good Deal? 10 Top Cars Deals - Offering This Summer.

courtesy of thairish

What makes a good deal? You want a car you will love!
And it should be safe, efficient and not dig a hole in your pocket book. You want value for your money, a dependable car that will be worth to invest in. It’s not all about cash backs and price.
We searched for the best deals out there today that follow this definition. When the prices of fuel keep rising the interest in large cars and SUV’s drops.
If you need such a car, then you are in buying heaven! But for the rest of us, getting a good deal is not going to become easier soon.
Whether convertible or not, the principles of a good deal on a car remain the same.

With Middle East conflict causing imminent rise in gas prices, the average car buyer’s life is getting difficult. The market for efficient and smaller cars is becoming more crowded with demand, and this means the prices of the cars go up in addition to its fuel. In this light, it is not surprising that surveys have shown that today,

financing is the most important factor in the decision to buy a car. Not comfort, efficiency, safety or even its looks.
Financing is replacing employee pricing as the way to get a new car today.   Purchasers prefer the low rate deal (because standard rates are rising) and not the rebate. Auto makers have started to respond:
GM will offer zero percent financing on its 2006 models this summer.
The two other local firms, Ford and Chrysler are expected to follow suit.
 
With importers like Toyota and Nisan the best deals can be found on outgoing models, as the companies want to empty out their stocks and made room for the next years’ new models.
Check out mid level imports like Subaru - these firms have an ever increasing competition with the big boys and they are offering great deals on non-mainstream cars to get rid of inventory.  Check out chart for top ten deals. Remember we are comparing to MSRP pricing, but you will need to start at invoice pricing to know the best deal for you.

We listed cars that are considered qualitative by vehicle press
and deals that are valid at least until the end of July.
Do take into consideration that regional factors may vary.
The cars have good crash results from NHTSA and IIHS.
They rate at 20 miles per gallon at the EPA or better.  

1 - 2006 Ford Focus MSRP: $13,005 - $17,905 Deal: $1,000 cash; 0-5.9 percent financing; $1,000 gas card Expires: October 2, 2006  
2 - 2006 Honda CR-V  MSRP: $20,395 to $25,450 Deal: $750 dealer cash Expires: July 31, 2006 
3 - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer MSRP: $14,599 to $18,999 Deal: $1,000 rebate; 1.9 - 3.9 percent financing; add $500 dealer cash for 2005 model Expires: July 31, 2006 
4 - 2006 Mazda Mazda6 MSRP: $18,995 - $26,995 Deal: $2,500 rebate Expires: August 31, 2006 
5 - 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid  MSRP: $29,225 Deal: 0 - 4.9 percent financing; $1,000 gas card Expires: Oct. 2, 2006 
6 - 2006 Saab 9-2X MSRP: $22,990 to $26,950 Deal: $4,000 rebate; 1.9 - 4.9 percent financing Expires: July 31, 2006 
7 - 2006 Subaru Forester MSRP: $21,795 to $27,895 Deal: $1,000 - $2,500 rebate; 0-4.9 percent financing Expires: July 31, 2006 
8 - 2006 Subaru Outback MSRP: $19,195 to $35,695 Deal: $1,500 - $2,000 rebate; 0- 4.9 percent financing Expires: July 31, 2006 
9 - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara MSRP: $19,594 to $24,994 Deal: $1,000 rebate; 4.9 percent financing Expires: August 31, 2006 
10 - 2006 Toyota Highlander MSRP: $24,530 to $31,860 Deal: $750 - $2,000 rebate, 0-2.9 percent financing Expires: July 31, 2006