As the summer season winds down, the car-business clearance season ramps up. Both car dealers and carmakers are offering deals to sell off the 2018 models and make room for the 2019s. This time period will feature some of the best prices of the year to date.
Take, for example, the popular 2018 Ford F-150. Over Memorial Day, the average discount was a little more than $7,000. Now that clearance season has started, discounts run as deep as $12,000 in some areas.
If you’re eager to pick the perfect car as opposed to being forced to choose from what’s left over, now is the time to shop. More than 80 percent of cars sold in September will be 2018 models, Edmunds sales data shows. By December, the 2018 inventory is projected to be about half that.
So while discounts might be better at the end of the year, you may not have the choices you will now. And if you’re concerned about car-cost increases because of rising interest rates or possible tariffs, that’s all the more reason to do some shopping now.
Our picks are based on three criteria: significant savings, good reviews by Edmunds’ test team and widespread availability. Specific discounts vary by region and may differ based on the trim level, and MSRP does not include destination fees.
We’ve included a snapshot of the savings you might see in various regions. Curious about deals in your own area? Visit Edmunds and enter your ZIP code to see what’s available near you.
SUVs
2018 Chevrolet Tahoe
Starting MSRP: $47,500
The Tahoe seats up to nine people in a cabin that’s quiet and nicely trimmed. On the downside, maneuvering in tight spaces is challenging.
2018 Ford Escape
Starting MSRP: $23,940
The Escape’s steering and handling feel more like a car’s. For better punch, choose the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine on the Titanium trim level, but know it will cost you in terms of fuel economy.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
Starting MSRP: $30,850
The Santa Fe offers great standard features for the money, even though its fuel economy is slightly subpar and its cargo capacity falls short of some competitors.
2018 Nissan Murano
Starting MSRP: $30,800
The Murano delivers the right balance of power and fuel efficiency and has an interior with high-quality materials and a unique design. Although it’s an SUV, it lacks the heft to tow heavy boats or trailers.
Sedans
2018 Chevrolet Malibu
Starting MSRP: $21,680
There’s a spacious interior with lots of front-seat headroom. A downside is that the six-speed automatic can be unrefined at low speeds.
2018 Honda Accord
Starting MSRP: $23,570
The Accord’s turbocharged engines are powerful and fuel-efficient, and many advanced driver safety aids come standard. The low seating position slightly hampers entry and exit, however.
2018 Infiniti Q50
Starting MSRP: $35,200
The turbocharged V6 engines on upper trim levels pack plenty of power. Many high-tech entertainment and safety features are standard. A con is that the interior design is showing its age.
2018 KIA Optima
Starting MSRP: $22,600
The Optima offers more features for the money than most rivals and boasts an easy-to-use infotainment system. On the downside, the sloping roofline cuts into rear headroom and visibility.
Trucks
2018 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab
Starting MSRP: $26,300)
The Colorado’s gasoline V6 and diesel four-cylinder engines can tow more than rivals. Its size gives it maneuverability. But its low-hanging front air dam limits off-road potential.
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
Starting MSRP $34,785
The Silverado’s V8 engines offer quick acceleration and strong towing ability. The quiet cabin has front seats that are comfortable for long drives. It does feel heavier from behind the wheel than its competitors, however.
2018 Ford F-150 Supercrew
Starting MSRP: $34,285
The F-150’s available comfort and safety technology go from basic to luxurious, while multiple engine choices deliver exceptional balance of power and fuel economy. However, its aluminum body panels tend to carry higher repair costs, and its fuel economy estimates couldn’t be had in Edmunds’ real-world testing.
Edmunds Says
Thanks to deep end-of-model-year discounts and plentiful inventory, this is one of the best times of the year to buy a new car.
Matt Jones is a senior consumer advice editor at Edmunds: Twitter @supermattjones.