IntelliChoice.com (www.intellichoice.com),
the leading source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis, and
part of media and marketing services company Source Interlink Companies,
Inc. (NASDAQ: SORC), today announced its “Best
Deals of the Month” for October 2008 for
all new cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles. The monthly ranking
shows continuing and aggressive rebates on vehicles, underscoring a
state of desperation within the auto industry.
"Massive rebates are being offered on vehicles that were selling just
fine on their own merits not long ago. This trend highlights severe
hardship in the industry, and on October’s
list, the best examples are the Chrysler 300C, Toyota Tundra and Hummer
H3,” said James Bell, publisher and editor of
IntelliChoice.com. “In terms of offering
further rebates and deals, automakers are just about at their limit in
what they can or will offer. With stiffer loan qualifications and fewer
leasing options available, programs like Chrysler’s
that offer more cash on the hood in lieu of leasing, may be better for
consumers in the long run, simply by reducing the overall load
obligation. Dealers on the other hand, may still offer additional
incentives just to move inventory, especially as the 2009 models are
hitting the lots.”
Bell noted that lately, IntelliChoice.com’s
list of Best Deals from month to month is seeing relatively high
turnover due to constantly changing incentives —
which signals that buyers need to be on their toes. “In
the small wagon class, the all-new 2009 Toyota Matrix is a better deal
than September’s winner, the Scion xB, on the
strength of rebates. Additionally, the Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab 2WD won
out over Ram 3500 Regular Cab 2WD based on a $4,500 rebate on the Ram
3500. They are relatively similar vehicles but the Quad Cab offers more
incentives.”
IntelliChoice.com’s “Best
Deals of the Month” identify new
cars, trucks, and SUVs with the best ownership cost value in 33
respective classes. Selections are based on current car prices, market
conditions and the lowest national manufacturer consumer new car rebate.
In addition, IntelliChoice.com uses the latest information from numerous
automotive resources to evaluate what it costs to buy, own and operate
each new car model-year trim line over a five-year basis.
The following “Best Deals”
for October 2008 are ranked by vehicle type and size.
IntelliChoice.com Helps Consumers Do
Their Homework
IntelliChoice.com updates vehicle data several times a month in order to
capture the many expiring auto rebates and ongoing incentive programs
offered by manufacturers—giving consumers the
most up-to-date analysis.
IntelliChoice.com’s “Best
Deals” designation enables consumers to
identify how car rebates affect a vehicle’s
value throughout ownership and not just at the time of purchase.
Ownership costs can vary significantly among different trim lines of the
same model. Additionally, IntelliChoice.com continuously updates fuel
costs based on the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information
Administration.
Vehicles designated as “IntelliChoice.com
Best Deals of the Month” are typically cars
and trucks that have good to great ownership cost values before any
manufacturer rebate. A rebate can often turn a good ownership cost value
into a great value, and a great value into an “IntelliChoice.com
Best Deal of the Month.”
Please visit www.intellichoice.com
for more information or to check the auto rebate section of any vehicle
report for the most up-to-date incentives.
About IntelliChoice.com, Source
Interlink Media, and Source Interlink Companies, Inc.
IntelliChoice.com, part of Source Interlink Media, LLC, is the market
leader in automotive ownership cost and value analysis. Founded in 1986,
IntelliChoice.com is committed to empowering consumers to make better
purchase decisions by providing independent and essential automotive
information and tools. Through the IntelliChoice.com
web site, consumers get the help they need to research, compare,
configure and price vehicles. The site also connects buyers to the
buying alternatives of their choice, including vehicle manufacturers and
an online car buying guide. Source Interlink Media is a subsidiary of
Source Interlink Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SORC), a media and marketing
services company. Source Interlink is one of the largest publishers of
magazines and online content for enthusiast audiences and a leading
distributor of home entertainment products, including DVDs, music CDs,
magazines, games, books and related items. You can learn more about
IntelliChoice at www.intellichoice.com
and Source Interlink at www.sourceinterlink.com.