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Jun 25, 2008 -- Big 3 automakers rolling out great incentives and rebates

The car market continues to take a beating, with the latest blow coming from a horrible sales month in June. Fitch Ratings, meanwhile, has downgraded Chrysler and GM -- citing weak sales and rising fuel costs, among other things.

Ford is also struggling with collapsed sales. The F1 Series is falling further down the list, and Ford is delaying a new remake because they can't sell the old ones.

In short, any automaker that has had a heavy emphasis on unloved giant trucks and SUVs is hurting right now.

So what's a Big 3 automaker to do? Well, in the case of GM, they're offering sweeping rebates and great buying opportunities. Look for 0% interest on a 6-year loan and possible additional cash rebates.

Clark doesn't even like 5-year loans…and here they're pushing 6-year ones!

But here's the bottom line: If you are in the market for a new SUV or pickup truck, there's never been a better moment to buy one. You're also likely to steal great deals if you're looking at used vehicles.

One caveat: As Clark has mentioned before, you should try to get it in writing that your Chrysler warranty will be honored no matter what.


Unfortunately, Clark won't be able to answer any questions submitted via commenting. If you have a question, please try posting it to our message boards.

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What others are saying

  • Big Incentives are a Big Gimmick for an POOR PRODUCT
    These incentves turn into gimmicks if the product you purchase turns out to be junt! My experience with a 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan ( only 27,850 Miles) and a $1400 AC REPAIR BILL - LESS THAN THREE MONTHS AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED -left me wondering how auto makers plan to stay in business. Well now I know! They build a cheaper product, jack up the price, offer all kinds of so called Incentives (Gimmicks) and sell them to suckers. Three years later the consumer spend threem four or five times the INCENTIVE in repair costs. I have had enough with US automakers. My next stop is the dealer with the best and longest full bumper to bumper warranty!
  • Retirement
    I am 30 years old and is ready to start my retirement. I am self employed and in 2007 I made $,000.000.00. What do you suggest Thanks
  • American made cars
    I agree with Howard that words and promises mean a hill of beans unless its backed up in writing. The worst cars I had were Chryslers. What junk, a Voyager mini-van that went through brakes every 9,000 miles. I was told that I had been riding the brakes by the dealer. What a bunch of idiots, I'm not a car mechanic but anyone can tell you that you should'nt need a brake job every 10,000 miles. I know have a Ford Expediation, best car I ever owned. Except for the high price of gas now I love it. Americans can make good cars when they want to. We just need to make them more fuel effiecnt now.
  • Rebates / Finance offer
    I hear ads on the radio from the GM (and maybe others) for 72 months (= 6 years!!) financing at 0%. Who can look that far i the future. Circumstances change. "Don't do it". You will be upside down on your vehicle. Pay cash for a used car.
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