Toyota Matrix.
Chronicling deals at the first of the month is an interesting exercise, given that most of the players are still digesting the previous month's sales figures. Car companies and their dealers are free to alter incentive offers at any time, but most do so at the first of the month based on current and projected market conditions.
So all the deals this week were set to expire on Feb. 28, though most will carry on in their basic form, while others will be adjusted up or down. The vehicles highlighted here are all likely to remain in the sights of deal-makers, therefore buyers should look for these or similar offers through March.
We'll start with the Toyota Matrix. Toyota Canada has been moving along 2012 versions of this hatchback with offers that can be tricky to grasp. Not misleading, but not simple, either.
Take the $17,805 Matrix with an automatic transmission. Shoppers can bargain for the $2,000 non-stackable rebate which can be combined with another $500 stackable rebate – both rebates going back to consumers and both applying to Matrix models, excluding the S Package.
Or, if you want the S Package and a $2,500 discount you must go a different route to get the same result. That is, there is a $1,750 stackable rebate which can be combined with $750 in non-stackable cash. Again, both rebates go back to the consumer and, in both cases, the total value is $2,500. In addition, the stackable money can be combined with zero per cent finance rates for up to 72 months. Yes, a Toyota dealer can help sort through all this. Just be clear about all the money that's actually on the table.
At Chrysler Canada's Ram division, the pickup truck wars are being fought with healthy discounts on pricey rigs. A $35,795 Ram Quad Cab, for instance, is in play with nearly $11,000 is incentives. To get the most out of the offers, consumers need to lease this Ram, which allows the combination of a $9,250 Consumer Cash Discount (available for cash, finance or lease purchases) with another $1,500 Delivery Credit (for lease deals).
After a 48-month run of monthly sales increases, Kia Canada reported sales were down for a second straight month in February – by 10.5 per cent. To give March sales a boost, Kia is bringing back its "Dare to Compare Sales Event." What's that? In essence, incentives programs. Look for Kia Canada to deal with zero per cent financing and "Don't Pay for 90 Days" on all 2013 models.
"Customers purchasing a 2013MY Sorento will be eligible for a "3 Payments on Us" incentive. A $500 maintenance credit is available on all 2013MY Optima gasoline model purchases. Cash buyers can also enjoy savings of up to $4,000 on select 2013MY Optima gasoline models," says Kia.
Deals of the Week ran the numbers on a 2013 Optima EX Turbo+ with automatic transmission. This $30,495 sedan wears a basic $3,000 rebate, which then can be combined in some instances with various $500 rebates and 3.69 per cent financing for up to 60 months.
Finally, the Lincoln MKT crossover had a spectacular February, with sales up a stunning 172 per cent. Give credit to the $5,000 factory rebate plus another $500 available as an auto show bonus. In addition, Lincoln buyers are getting free maintenance for 48 months or 80,000 km, whichever comes first.
As usual, Deals of the Week obtained pricing information from carcostcanada.com, among other sources. Consult your dealer for all the details.
2012 Toyota Matrix auto fwd
- MSRP: $17,805
- Freight, dealer prep, air conditioning tax: $1,465
- Dealer discount (estimated): $500
- Taxable subtotal: $18,770
- Total price with 13 per cent HST: $21,210.10
- Factory rebate: $2,000 (Non-stackable Cash Discount factory-to-consumer rebate, excluding S Package)
- Factory rebate: $500 (Stackable Consumer Cash Incentive factory-to-consumer rebate, excluding S Package)
- Final price: $18,710.10
2013 Ram 1500 2WD Quad Cab 140.5" Big Horn
- MSRP: $35,795
- Freight, dealer prep and air conditioning tax: $1,695
- Dealer discount (estimated): $1,400
- Factory discount: $9,250 (Consumer Cash Discount factory-to-dealer rebate)
- Factory discount: $1,500 (Delivery Credit factory-to-dealer rebate)
- Taxable subtotal: $25,340
- Total price with 13 per cent HST: $28,634.20
2013 Lincoln MKT AWD EcoBoost
- MSRP: $50,550
- Freight, dealer prep, AC tax: $1,700
- Dealer discount (estimated): $1,000
- Factory discount: $5,000 (73-month or Greater Extended Term Finance Allowance factory-to-dealer rebate)
- Factory discount: $500 (Ford/Lincoln Auto Show $500)
- Taxable subtotal: $45,750
- Total price with 13 per cent HST: $51,697.50
- Note: No charge Lincoln maintenance protection for 48 months or 80,000 km.
2013 Optima EX Turbo+ with automatic transmission
- MSRP: $30,495
- Freight, dealer prep, AC tax: $1,555
- Dealer discount (estimated): $1,000
- Factory discount: $3,000 (Kia Prime Rate Credit factory-to-dealer rebate)
- Factory rebate: $500 (Military Credit Program factory-to-dealer rebate)
- Taxable subtotal: $27,550
- Total price with 13 per cent HST: $31,131.50
- Note: Can be combined with 3.69 per cent financing for up to five years
Pricing information source: carcostcanada.com. Calculations based on Ontario customers.
Please note that while the information above is accurate at the time of publication, incentives are given at the discretion of individual dealers, and may be changed or discontinued at any time. Dealer discounts are negotiated with the customer on a case-by-case basis.