Large SUVs (sport-utility vehicles) are a tough sell. Buyers, watching their budgets, are flocking to smaller SUV and crossovers such as the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape and Honda CR-V, leaving larger rigs a bit out in the cold.
Enter the deals. We looked at three larger but not too huge SUVS, and found an average factory discount of $3,600, according to www.carcostcanada.com.
Granted, the average is skewed by the $6,000 factory-to-dealer rebate on the Jeep Grand Cherokee. But every member of this trio comes with money in the trunk.
We also noticed a $500 factory-to-dealer rebate on the Kia Rondo wagon. That’s not a huge discount, but the Rondo offers excellent overall value without any large discounts. Families looking for a smaller and very functional vehicle, might want to take a run at getting a good deal on a Rondo.
2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Turbo-Diesel Credit: Ted Laturnus for the Globe and Mail
2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee North: The big number here is the $6,000 factory to dealer rebate. Buyers will need to negotiate for a piece or all of that.
But there’s more. If you have an older trade-in, the Cash-for-Clunkers rebate is worth $1,500. Current Chrysler owners can also take advantage of a $1,000 Loyalty Bonus, too.
• MSRP: $41,645.
• Freight, dealer prep and air conditioning tax, Green Levy: $2,500
• Dealer discount (estimated): $1,500
• Factory to dealer rebate: $6,000
• Cash for Clunkers rebate (not always applicable): $1,500
• Taxable subtotal: $35,145.
• Total price with 8 per cent PST and 5 per cent GST: $38,713.85.
• Loyalty Bonus: $1,000 (available to current Chrysler owners)
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2010 Mazda CX-9 GS: This Mazda can be had with three rows of seats, so it can be a very useful family ride – as long as you’re not planning to sit adults in that third row.
The $2,500 factory to dealer rebate is generous, and new graduates can also take advantage of a $500 award. Add it all up, the possible factory discounts can be as much as $3000. And that’s not including any dealer discounts.
Mazda also is offering 0.0 per cent financing for four years.
• MSRP: $39,995.
• Freight, dealer prep and air conditioning tax: $1,695
• Dealer discount (estimated): $1,500
• Factory to dealer rebate: $2,500
• Taxable subtotal: $37,690
• Total price with 8 per cent PST and 5 per cent GST: $42,589.70
• Grad Award: $500 (limited applicability)
• Final price with all awards: $42,089.70
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2010 Acura MDX.
2010 Acura MDX: The MDX also has three rows of seating available. The $2,500 rebate is a factory-to-dealer affair, so buyers will need to negotiate for any or all of it. The MDX has radical styling, but it its handling is among the very best in its class.
• MSRP: $51,990.
• Freight, dealer prep and air conditioning tax: $1,695
• Dealer discount (estimated): $2,000
• Factory to dealer rebate: $2,500
• Taxable subtotal: $49,985.
• Total price with 8 per cent PST and 5 per cent GST: $56,483.05.
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2010 Kia Rondo LX w/AC: The $500 factory to dealer rebate is not huge, but combine it with a dealer discount that could reach $500, and this little wagon offers excellent value.
• MSRP: $20,995.
• Freight, dealer prep and air conditioning tax: $1,750
• Dealer discount (estimated): $500
• Factory to dealer rebate: $500
• Taxable subtotal: $21,745.
• Total price with 8 per cent PST and 5 per cent GST: $24,571.85.
- Pricing information source: www.carcostcanada.com.
