September 2008
Best new car deals
Save money on Consumer Reports recommended cars
A great price isn’t necessarily a good deal if the vehicle doesn’t measure up. Each of the vehicles featured below has attractive sales incentives that can save you extra money, and they are recommended by Consumer Reports.
See all current deals on recommended cars. Continue your research by comparing ratings, reliability, reviews, fuel economy, performance, and much more (available to subscribers)
SEE THE DEALS
2009 Ford Mustang V6 Premium Coupe
$1,500 sales incentives (expires September 30)
Buyers can take $1,500 off the 2009 Ford Mustang V6 Premium Coupe through the end of September. Similar deals are available on the GT Premium Coupe, and the V6 and GT Premium Convertibles. The Mustang is available as a four-seat coupe or convertible, but the rear seats are small. Power comes from a coarse 4.0-liter V6 or a strong 4.6-liter V8 that produces quick acceleration with a satisfying V8 rumble. The six-speed manual works well. The suspension uses a live rear axle rather than an independent setup, and the resulting ride is a bit stiff. Handling is nimble and secure, but the car understeers and lacks finesse at its limits. Interior fit and finish is unimpressive, with expanses of hard plastic. The power convertible top is well-insulated.
2008 Acura TL 3.2
$3,500 sales incentives (expires September 30)
Buyers can take $3,500 off the 2008 Acura TL 3.2 through the end of September. Acura's outgoing TL is among the highest-scoring sedans we've tested. It is one of the few models in this class that provides a near-ideal blend of comfort, convenience, and some sportiness, all at a reasonable price. It delivers taut, agile handling, though it's not as nimble as some European sports sedans or the Cadillac CTS. The car is very quick yet attains commendable fuel economy. The TL has a firm but comfortable and quiet ride. A wide turning circle and poor snow traction from the standard tires are two of the few negatives. Interior quality is impressive. A redesigned 2009 model goes on sale this fall, so dealers may be eager to move the 2008 models.
2008 Ford Fusion,
2008 Mercury Milan
$1,500 sales incentives (expires September 30)
Buyers can take $1,500 off the Ford Fusion and slightly more upscale Mercury Milan through the end of September. These midsized sedans are agile and satisfying to drive. They have a sporty feel; the V6 and automatic transmission make a smooth and responsive powertrain. The four-cylinder engine is a bit coarse. The interior is well made and space is generous. Both the Milan and Fusion have a firm and controlled ride and absorb bumps comfortably. Wind and road noise are well-suppressed.
2008 Kia Optima EX
$2,000 sales incentives (expires September 30)
Buyers can take $2,000 off the 2008 Kia Optima through the end of September. The Optima ranks among the better family sedans. It is pleasant to drive and a good value. Both the 2.4- and 2.7-liter EX models we tested had a comfortable ride, but suspension noise was pronounced. Handling is not particularly agile but is ultimately secure. The four-cylinder engine returned 23 mpg overall, while the more powerful V6 got 21 mpg overall. Our tested models had the smooth, five-speed automatic. The interior is fitted with high-quality materials, but the driver's seat lacks lumbar support. Curtain air bags are standard, but the optional ABS and electronic stability control are difficult to find on the LX trimline.
2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
$1,500 sales incentives (expires September 30)
Buyers can take $1,500 off the Mitsubishi Outlander through the end of September. The Outlander is fairly competitive in its class. Its 220-hp, 3.0-liter V6 provides a lot of punch, is smooth and refined, and returns 19 mpg overall. A four-cylinder engine mated to a CVT is new for 2008 and gets 22 mpg. The V6 model features a slick six-speed automatic transmission. Handling is fairly agile, with restrained body lean and quick, well-weighted steering. It is also secure and capable at its handling limits, due in part to its standard electronic stability control. The ride is fairly stiff and road noise is pronounced, but better in the LS version. Interior fit and finish is a bit disappointing. The third-row seat is mainly meant for kids.
Save money on Consumer Reports recommended cars
A great price isn’t necessarily a good deal if the vehicle doesn’t measure up. Each of the vehicles featured below has attractive sales incentives that can save you extra money, and they are recommended by Consumer Reports.
See all current deals on recommended cars. Continue your research by comparing ratings, reliability, reviews, fuel economy, performance, and much more (available to subscribers)
SEE THE DEALS
- 2009 Ford Mustang V6 Premium Coupe
- 2008 Acura TL 3.2
- 2008 Ford Fusion, 2008 Mercury Milan
How this information can help- A complete list of current deals
$1,500 sales incentives (expires September 30)
Buyers can take $1,500 off the 2009 Ford Mustang V6 Premium Coupe through the end of September. Similar deals are available on the GT Premium Coupe, and the V6 and GT Premium Convertibles. The Mustang is available as a four-seat coupe or convertible, but the rear seats are small. Power comes from a coarse 4.0-liter V6 or a strong 4.6-liter V8 that produces quick acceleration with a satisfying V8 rumble. The six-speed manual works well. The suspension uses a live rear axle rather than an independent setup, and the resulting ride is a bit stiff. Handling is nimble and secure, but the car understeers and lacks finesse at its limits. Interior fit and finish is unimpressive, with expanses of hard plastic. The power convertible top is well-insulated.
| Model | MSRP | Invoice price | Rebates |
|
Potential negotiating room |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Ford Mustang V6 Premium Coupe | $22,085 | $20,357 | $1,500 | Get the Bottom Line Price | 10%+ |
|
Get the Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price on more than 1,100 models.
|
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$3,500 sales incentives (expires September 30)
Buyers can take $3,500 off the 2008 Acura TL 3.2 through the end of September. Acura's outgoing TL is among the highest-scoring sedans we've tested. It is one of the few models in this class that provides a near-ideal blend of comfort, convenience, and some sportiness, all at a reasonable price. It delivers taut, agile handling, though it's not as nimble as some European sports sedans or the Cadillac CTS. The car is very quick yet attains commendable fuel economy. The TL has a firm but comfortable and quiet ride. A wide turning circle and poor snow traction from the standard tires are two of the few negatives. Interior quality is impressive. A redesigned 2009 model goes on sale this fall, so dealers may be eager to move the 2008 models.
| Model | MSRP | Invoice price | Rebates |
|
Potential negotiating room |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Acura TL 3.2 | $33,725 | $30,991 | $3,500 | Get the Bottom Line Price | 5%+ |
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Get the Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price on more than 1,100 models.
|
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2008 Mercury Milan
$1,500 sales incentives (expires September 30)
Buyers can take $1,500 off the Ford Fusion and slightly more upscale Mercury Milan through the end of September. These midsized sedans are agile and satisfying to drive. They have a sporty feel; the V6 and automatic transmission make a smooth and responsive powertrain. The four-cylinder engine is a bit coarse. The interior is well made and space is generous. Both the Milan and Fusion have a firm and controlled ride and absorb bumps comfortably. Wind and road noise are well-suppressed.
| Model | MSRP | Invoice price | Rebates |
|
Potential negotiating room |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Ford Fusion | $22,900 | $21,050 | $1,500 | Get the Bottom Line Price | 10%+ |
| 2008 Mercury Milan | $19,095 | $17,661 | $1,500 | Get the Bottom Line Price | 15%+ |
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Get the Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price on more than 1,100 models.
|
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$2,000 sales incentives (expires September 30)
Buyers can take $2,000 off the 2008 Kia Optima through the end of September. The Optima ranks among the better family sedans. It is pleasant to drive and a good value. Both the 2.4- and 2.7-liter EX models we tested had a comfortable ride, but suspension noise was pronounced. Handling is not particularly agile but is ultimately secure. The four-cylinder engine returned 23 mpg overall, while the more powerful V6 got 21 mpg overall. Our tested models had the smooth, five-speed automatic. The interior is fitted with high-quality materials, but the driver's seat lacks lumbar support. Curtain air bags are standard, but the optional ABS and electronic stability control are difficult to find on the LX trimline.
| Model | MSRP | Invoice price | Rebates |
|
Potential negotiating room |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Kia Optima EX | $19,895 | $18,510 | $2,000 | Get the Bottom Line Price | 15%+ |
|
Get the Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price on more than 1,100 models.
|
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$1,500 sales incentives (expires September 30)
Buyers can take $1,500 off the Mitsubishi Outlander through the end of September. The Outlander is fairly competitive in its class. Its 220-hp, 3.0-liter V6 provides a lot of punch, is smooth and refined, and returns 19 mpg overall. A four-cylinder engine mated to a CVT is new for 2008 and gets 22 mpg. The V6 model features a slick six-speed automatic transmission. Handling is fairly agile, with restrained body lean and quick, well-weighted steering. It is also secure and capable at its handling limits, due in part to its standard electronic stability control. The ride is fairly stiff and road noise is pronounced, but better in the LS version. Interior fit and finish is a bit disappointing. The third-row seat is mainly meant for kids.
| Model | MSRP | Invoice price | Rebates |
|
Potential negotiating room |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander LS 4-cyl CVT | $23,970 | $22,502 | $1,500 | Get the Bottom Line Price | 10%+ |
| 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS V6 | $25,210 | $23,671 | $1,500 | Get the Bottom Line Price | 10%+ |
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Get the Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price on more than 1,100 models.
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How this information can help you get the best price
The key to getting the lowest price on a car is to know how much negotiating room you have. That means knowing all of the current sales incentives, including behind-the-scenes dealer perks. That information is what makes the CR Bottom Line Price the best place to begin your new-car negotiations. It's calculated by subtracting any rebates, dealer incentives, or holdback amounts from the dealer-invoice price. That gives you a good idea of how much negotiating room you have below the car's sticker price. Armed with those figures, you can often save thousands of dollars when buying a new car. Get the CR Bottom Line Price on your next new car through Consumer Reports' New Car Price Reports. Learn more about buying a new car and access calculators in our step-by-step guide to new car buying.
The key to getting the lowest price on a car is to know how much negotiating room you have. That means knowing all of the current sales incentives, including behind-the-scenes dealer perks. That information is what makes the CR Bottom Line Price the best place to begin your new-car negotiations. It's calculated by subtracting any rebates, dealer incentives, or holdback amounts from the dealer-invoice price. That gives you a good idea of how much negotiating room you have below the car's sticker price. Armed with those figures, you can often save thousands of dollars when buying a new car. Get the CR Bottom Line Price on your next new car through Consumer Reports' New Car Price Reports. Learn more about buying a new car and access calculators in our step-by-step guide to new car buying.
