CAMPBELL, Calif.--()--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 December 2008 for all new cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles. The monthly ranking shows U.S. automakers upping rebates and incentives to levels among the highest ever as they appeal for government bailout loans.
“December sales are critical for U.S. manufacturers as they anxiously anticipate government support and look to sustain operation”
“December sales are critical for U.S. manufacturers as they anxiously anticipate government support and look to sustain operation,” said James Bell, editor of IntelliChoice.com. “With certain dealers offering a ‘buy one get one for a $1’ program, this is among the most creative incentive eras we have seen. We are also seeing a resurgence of special employee pricing programs - a policy they hoped would not be necessary. Now is a great time for auto buyers, especially if they’re looking for new quality from American manufacturers.”
“Our latest Best Deals roster shows some tremendous bargains from core brands like Chevrolet and Ford - Chevy practically swept the Full Size Pickup class, and this is especially encouraging given the tight gap in quality, design, and fuel efficiency when compared to the import brands.”
There were 14 changes from November to December’s Best Deals list, one of the biggest numbers we have seen in months. 11 out of the 14 are American-made vehicles. One of the biggest rebates on December’s list was the GMC Yukon XL, which edged out the Toyota Sequoia due to a $6,000 rebate. The Cadillac DTS beat out the Infiniti M35 with the same rebate.
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 December 2008 are ranked by vehicle type and size:
| Class | Brand / Model | |
| Subcompact Car |
Toyota Yaris Sedan |
|
| Compact Car over $17,000 | ||
| Compact Car under $17,000 | ||
| Midsize Car over $21,000 | ||
| Midsize Car under $21,000 | ||
| Convertible | ||
| Luxury Convertible | Saab 9-3 Convertible | |
| Near Luxury Car | ||
| Luxury Car | Cadillac DTS | |
| Large Car | ||
| Base Sports Car | Ford Mustang Coupe | |
| Sports Car | Ford Mustang GT Coupe | |
| Sport Sedan/Wagon over $38,000 | ||
| Sport Sedan Wagon under $38,000 | ||
| Compact SUV/Crossover | ||
| Midsize Crossover | ||
| Luxury Crossover | ||
| Small Wagon | ||
| Midsize/Large Wagon | ||
| Intermediate SUV | ||
| Full-Size SUV | GMC Yukon XL 1500 | |
| Luxury SUV | GMC Envoy Denali | |
| Compact Pickup Truck 2WD | ||
| Compact Pickup 4WD | ||
| Full-Size Pickup 2WD ½ Ton | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab 2WD | |
| Full-Size Pickup 2WD ¾ Ton | Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Regular Cab 2WD | |
| Full-Size Pickup 2WD One Ton | Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD Regular Cab 2WD | |
| Full-Size Pickup 4WD ½ Ton | ||
| Full-Size Pickup 4WD ¾ Ton | Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Regular Cab 4WD | |
| Full-Size Pickup 4WD One Ton | Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD Crew Cab 4WD | |
| Minivan | Toyota Sienna | |
| Full-Size Van | ||
| Cargo Van | Chevrolet Uplander Cargo Van | |
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
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 Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SORC), a $2.2 Billion media and marketing services company operating in 25 states, is a leading U.S. distributor of home entertainment products and services and one of the largest publishers of magazines and online content for enthusiast audiences. Source Interlink Media, LLC publishes over 75 magazines and 90 related web sites. Source Interlink Distribution services tens of thousands of retail store locations throughout North America distributing DVDs, music CDs, magazines, video games, books, and related items. In addition to distributing over 6,000 distinct magazine titles annually, the Company maintains the largest in-stock catalog of CDs and DVDs in the U.S. -- a combined total of more than 260,000 titles. Supply chain relationships include consumer goods advertisers, subscribers, movie studios, record labels, magazine and newspaper publishers, confectionary companies and manufacturers of general merchandise.
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