We've all seen the commercials from all the different manufacturers
advertising Year End Clearance Sales on their left over models. Although
many people can get some very good prices during these events, is it
really less expensive? The answer is a little more complex than just yes
or no. The vehicle is probably less expensive at the time of purchase
at the year end clearance but total value is really the more important
consideration. Let's look at an example. Let's say you can buy a 2010
Any Make Any Model for $2000 less than a 2011 Any Make Any Model. Most
people would say you saved $2000 but in reality unless you plan on
keeping the vehicle until it dies then you probably, in the long run,
spent more.
Why?
The answer is simple. When you're ready
to sell or trade your 2010 Any Make Any Model chances are the vehicle
will be significantly lower in value than the 2011 Any Make Any Model so
the amount you saved upfront is lost, and many times even more is lost,
when you get out of your vehicle. It will be even worse if the model
you pay less for has a redesign in the new model year. The loss
will be significantly more at trade in time. Make sure when you make the decision to buy a
Year End Clearance Special that you consider all these factors before
doing it.
The situation is similar for leasing except many times
can be the opposite. Many times the newer model Any Make Any Model will
lease for less than the older one. Keep in mind that the older Any Make
Any Model has already depreciated a full year so the residual values are
at their lowest. As an example the 2010 Acura RDX's residuals are as
much as 6% lower than the 2011s. That difference could make up for much
of the increase in selling price. Make sure you are aware of these
differences when you decide on your new vehicle.