Fall has arrived, and with it comes the official annual change over in new car models. This can be a great time for car shoppers, with deep, closeout discounts available on many models.
Before you choose to buy a 2012, do the math and make sure it's worth buying what will be a used, year-old car the moment it is driven off the lot or paying extra for the new model. If you're looking to hold on to the car for many years or expect to be driving more than 12,000 miles a year, it can be an attractive choice.
There are many all-new cars reaching the market now that can be tempting. Our reliability surveys have historically shown that reliability typically improves over a model cycle, making the first year more risk prone than later years. As cars improve, this has been less important in recent years, but it is still one of many factors to consider.
To bring some numbers to light, the vehicles identified in our latest deals analysis offer at least 15 percent off MSRP. But note that dealers may be interested in negotiating further to clear the floor and make room for the 2013s. Before negotiating for any new car, shoppers should check our detailed pricing for local deals, rebates, and hidden direct-to-dealer incentives. (Learn more about car pricing.)
The models listed below are just a few of our Best New Car Deals, meaning they offer notable discounts on models that meet Consumer Reports' criteria to be recommended. These vehicles scored well in our testing, had average or better reliability in our subscriber survey, and performed well in government or insurance-industry safety tests, if evaluated.
See our full list of deals on 2012 and some 2013 models.
Make & model Expires MSRP Invoice price Customer rebate Dealer incentive Bottom line price Potential savings below MSRP 2012 Ford Fusion 10/1/12 $23,770 $22,012 Yes No Get the Bottom Line Price 20%+ 2012 Nissan Maxima 10/1/12 35,900 32,943 Yes No Get the Bottom Line Price 20%+ 2012 Acura MDX
10/31/12 43,925 40,758 No Yes Get the Bottom Line Price 15%+ 2012 Acura TL
10/31/12 36,600 34,422 No Yes Get the Bottom Line Price 15%+ 2012 BMW X5 10/31/12 59,045 54,380 Yes No Get the Bottom Line Price 15%+ 2012 Ford Expedition EL
10/1/12 44,145 41,250 Yes No Get the Bottom Line Price 15%+ 2012 Ford F150
10/1/12 38,790 35,280 Yes No Get the Bottom Line Price 15%+ 2012 Ford Flex
10/1/12 34,775 32,530 Yes No Get the Bottom Line Price 15%+ 2012 Ford Fusion
10/1/12 29,765 27,408 Yes No Get the Bottom Line Price 15%+ 2012 Ford Mustang
10/1/12 27,105 25,194 Yes No Get the Bottom Line Price 15%+ 2012 Honda Accord
10/31/12 24,070 22,099 No Yes Get the Bottom Line Price 15%+ 2012 Honda Crosstour
10/31/12 35,370 32,409 No Yes Get the Bottom Line Price 15%+ 2012 Infiniti M37
10/1/12 48,595 45,058 No Yes Get the Bottom Line Price 15%+ 2012 Kia Forte 10/1/12 18,350 17,510 Yes No Get the Bottom Line Price 15%+ 2012 Kia Forte Koup
10/1/12 17,950 17,130 Yes No Get the Bottom Line Price 15%+ 2012 Lexus IS 250 10/1/12 35,840 33,393 No Yes Get the Bottom Line Price 15%+ 2012 Lexus LS 460
10/1/12 74,050 68,198 No Yes Get the Bottom Line Price 15%+ 2012 Mazda CX-9 10/1/12 35,920 34,025 No Yes Get the Bottom Line Price 15%+ 2012 Nissan Altima 10/1/12 23,490 22,070 Yes No Get the Bottom Line Price 15%+ 2012 Nissan Murano 10/1/12 39,655 36,583 Yes No Get the Bottom Line Price 15%+ 2012 Nissan Sentra 10/1/12 20,540 19,208 Yes No Get the Bottom Line Price 15%+ 2012 Nissan Titan 10/1/12 37,045 33,631 Yes No Get the Bottom Line Price 15%+
Online subscribers are eligible for hassle-free shopping and low prices through the Consumer Reports Build & Buy program. Unlike traditional car buying, there is no pressure or obligation to purchase. Participating dealers are held to high standards of competitive pricing and customer service. Simply click the "Build & Buy This Car" button that appears on the vehicle's model overview page to access the program.
See all current Best Deals. Complete pricing, road tests, and ratings for these models, and many more, can be readily accessed via our simple A-to-Z directory.
