Why Buy Now, Part 4

Savvy auto consumers know that the timing of a purchase can make a difference in terms of saving money.

By Jim Bohen, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: March 3, 2006 - 12:40 PM

Savvy auto consumers know that the timing of a purchase can make a difference in terms of saving money. Good timing can also make the shopping experience more pleasant. That's why now is a good time to shop for some new wheels.

First of all, dealerships are less crowded because many people wait for the Auto Show or later in the spring to kick off the car-buying season. But now is also a perfect time to check out the increasing number of gasoline/electric, never-plug-them-in, high-mileage, qualify-for-a-tax-credit hybrids on the market. And if you're ready to buy one, ordering now gets you your new wheels sooner.

Japanese carmakers led the way in hybrids with the Honda Insight and the best-known model to date, Toyota's Prius. But Ford Motor Company has two compact SUVs in the hybrid lists, the Ford Escape and the Mercury Mariner. Both 2006 models are at dealerships now. GM's first hybrid, the Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid, debuts this summer.

Good news abounds for people who want bigger hybrids, too. GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado have models with gas engines that shut off when the pickup is stopped to save fuel, then start up quickly when the accelerator is pushed. And next year, the 2008 Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon will offer hybrid versions, while Cadillac has announced Escalade will have a hybrid, too. Developed with BMW and DaimlerChrysler, the Tahoe and Yukon hybrids are the first with electric motors inside transmissions to increase mileage 25 percent.

Honda and Toyota are also "growing" their hybrids in size and numbers. An Accord hybrid joined Honda's line last year and Motor Trend's Car of the Year, the 2006 Civic, features a hybrid model. Toyota will add a 2007 Camry Hybrid in late spring to its gas/electric models, joining Prius and its Highlander midsize SUV hybrid. Toyota's Lexus nameplate, already selling the RX 400h hybrid SUV, will offer the first luxury hybrid sedan this spring, the 2007 GS 450h. The flagship LS 460 sedan will also add a hybrid version soon.

For "non-hybrid" shoppers, there are still some of last year's models around, and consumers can look for incentives like lower interest rates and gas cards. For used car buyers, a good selection of low-mileage models are available at prices that are lower than they're expected to be later. Anyone who wants a particular SUV or pickup can guarantee they'll have what they need this summer by buying now.

Add hybrids to all this and savvy consumers recognize that now is a perfect time to shop for new wheels.

Jim Bohen - St. Paul freelance writer

Recent Cars stories

More than just a car, Jaguar XFR is a production - March 3, 2006

More than just a car, Jaguar XFR is a production - For those who can afford it, the Jaguar XFR manages to separate itself from all other cars in the super-sedan pack - no small trick. More