Spring Auto Buying Discounts

JERRY EDGERTON Moneywatch

Car dealers, like you, can't wait for the spring weather to heat things up.  They are eager to get you out to their lots to choose one of their many unsold vehicles from their winter inventory.  The good news is they are making it more enticing with incentives and discounts. 

According to chief analyst Jesse Toprak of cars.com,"Consumers will benefit from auto makers and dealers who are willing to move standing inventory at a steep discount."  Dealerships are offering a variety of low-interest loans, rebates and low-payment lease deals if your credit rating qualifies you for these offers.

Even with these discounts you can still be in a position to negotiate down the selling price. Be determined in your negotiating and you will see even bigger discounts  Even where a rebate is offered.

Here is a closer look at a selection of deals on 2014 models cited as among the best by cars.com.

Low-rate financing

Ram 1500:  Consumer Reports' best pickup, this RAM comes with an offer of 1.9 percent financing for 36 months. Dealers also are offering rebates of up to $1,500 along with the low-rate financing.

Toyota Avalon:   Praised by critics for its roominess and quiet, comfortable ride. Dealers are offering the Avalon with zero percent financing for 36 months.

Rebates

Buick Enclave: This midsize SUV is family friendly with three rows of seats.  General Motors is offering a $4,131 rebate to shoppers who currently do not own or lease a GM vehicle.

Toyota Prius: Popular hybrid, among the top-ranked vehicles for gas mileage (51 MPG in city driving, 48 on the highway), the Prius carries a $1,500 rebate.

Lease deals

Honda Civic: One of the best-selling small cars, the Civic LX models can be leased for $159 a month for 36 months with $1,999 due at signing.

Toyota Prius:  Toyota is offering a choice of a lease deal on its hybrid in addition to a rebate for buyers. If you prefer leasing, the Prius is offered at $279 a month for 36 months with $999 down at signing.