Toyota and Honda are offering the kinds of deals - cash incentives, cut-rate financing, and so on - that at one time were the exclusive domain of Detroit-based auto makers. How things have changed.
The Toyota Corolla and Honda CR-V, two of the best-selling vehicles in Canada and leaders in their respective segments, are being moved off dealer lots with the help of big money tucked into the glove box: up to $1,500 in factory incentives, perhaps more in dealer rebates in the case of the Corolla; and at least $1,500 on the CR-V and perhaps $900 more in a potential dealer rebate.
Toyota and Honda can no longer move the metal based on a reputation for quality, durability, safety and solid resale values. Thus, the rebates.
Deals of the Week also dug out rich incentives on the Ford Escape crossover and sweet money on the very useful Hyundai Elantra Touring wagon.
As usual, Deals of the Week obtained pricing information from www.carcostcanada.com. Here are the numbers.
2011 Toyota Corolla CE automatic
MSRP: $16,450
Freight, dealer prep, air conditioning tax: $1,490
Dealer discount (estimated): $500
Factory discount: $1,000 (factory-to-consumer on cash purchases)
Taxable subtotal: $16,440
Total price with 13% HST: $18,577.20
Factory discount: $500 (Four Million Sold stackable celebration bonus factory-to-customer)
Final price: $18,077.20
*****
2011 Honda CR-V EX 4WD
MSRP: $31,490
Freight, dealer prep: $1,690
Dealer discount: $900
Factory rebate: $1,500 (Non-stackable factory-to-dealer rebate)
Taxable subtotal: $30,780
Total price with 13% HST: $34,781.40
*****
2011 Ford Escape XLT 4WD I4
MSRP: $27,999
Freight, dealer prep and air conditioning tax: $1,550
Dealer discount (estimated): $850
Factory discount: $4,500 (73-month term factory-to-dealer rebate)
Taxable subtotal: $24,199
Total price with 13% HST: $27,344.87
Factory discount: $1,000 (Recycle Your Ride)
Government discount: $300 (Retire Your Ride)
Factory discount: $500 (Ford Custom Car Event)
Final price: $25,544.87
*****
2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring GL automatic
MSRP: $18,599
Freight, dealer prep and air conditioning tax: $1,595
Dealer discount (estimated): $500
Factory discount: $2,000 (Dealer Cash factory-to-dealer rebate)
Taxable subtotal: $17,694
Total price with 13% HSTT: $19,994.22
Factory rebate: $500 (Clean Air Cash)
Government rebate: $300 (Retire Your Ride)
Final price: $19,194.22
Note: 3.85 Smart Finance Rate can be combined with Dealer Cash
Pricing information source: www.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.