Frugal Shopper: The Most Deeply Discounted New Vehicles

If you're looking for a sweet deal and not too picky about getting the latest and greatest, you have plenty of options.

Over the past month the 2010 Ford Ranger has sold at 17 percent below MSRP, on average, and is the most deeply discounted new model, while the 2010 Hyundai Sonata and 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee are both also discounted by about 17 percent. The 2010 Jeep Commander and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt are also discounted by about 16 percent from MSRP, on average.

Both the Sonata and the Grand Cherokee are slated to be replaced by completely redesigned models for 2011. The 2011 Hyundai Sonata adopts a new four-cylinder-only powertrain that achieves 35 mpg on the highway (and a price starting under $20k), while the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee promises to be much more refined on the road without giving up its Rubicon Trail capability. The Chevrolet Cobalt will also be replaced later this year with the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze.

The pricing information is all from TrueCar, which sources actual sales transaction data covering more than 43 percent of all new vehicles sold in the U.S., which as of January includes more than 300,000 vehicles, according to the company. The data is provided by primarily by car dealers and aggregators, and it's used here at TheCarConnection.com in our new-car shopping area.

Among 2009 models left on the lot, the 2009 Nissan Titan and 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt are both selling at well over 20 percent below sticker. But they're officially used cars by now anyway.

As a brand, Hummer wins out—by a landslide. Though 2010 model data wasn't yet available, Hummer's 2009 models were selling at nearly 30 percent, on average, below MSRP in November and were still at about 19 percent in December even with shorter supply.

Current manufacturer rebates and other offers such as "dealer cash" would already be considered, as TrueCar looks at final transaction prices.

By body type, here are TrueCar's most deeply discounted 2010 models:

Ford Ranger (pickup) – 17%
Hyundai Sonata (sedan) – 17%
Jeep Grand Cherokee (SUV) – 17%
Chevrolet Cobalt (Coupe) – 16%
Volvo XC70 (wagon) – 15%
Volvo C70 (convertible) – 14%
Toyota Sienna (van) – 11%

[TrueCar]

This story originally appeared at The Car Connection

In Jeopardy: Dodge Viper, Charger; Jeep Wrangler, Grand Cherokee

There's a lot more Chrysler news today, and for fans of the company and its brands, most of it isn't good.

The worst so far: the Dodge Viper and the Jeep Wrangler may be axed entirely. This comes from a document filed by Robert Manzo, the executive director of Capstone Group, LLC, who's been brought in as a sort of "expert witness" speaking in favor of the Chrysler/Fiat marriage. Manzo presents a liquidation analysis which "assumes four car lines are sold as going concerns (Wrangler, Viper, Ram/Dakota Truck, and Brampton Car)." In particular, he points to the prohibitive costs associated with the purchase of the Wrangler: in addition to the $330+ million purchase price, any buyer would need to chuck in an additional $550+ million in dealer costs, re-stocking costs, re-launch costs, etc. In this economy, finding such a big spender won't be easy.

(FYI, if you'd like to slog through the legalese yourself, it's found at ChryslerRestructuring.com. Just click on the "list of the First Day Motions", find Docket #52, "Declaration of Robert Manzo", and zip down to page 124. It's a non-stop thrill ride.)

Keep in mind, however, that Manzo isn't Chrysler, and although he's working with the company to clinch the deal, his is not the final word. Which means that selling off the Viper and the Wrangler are merely suggestions--and not necessarily great ones.

Also in the news: all Chrysler's troubles will likely slow the rollout of the next Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Charger, both of which could put some much needed cash into Chrysler's empty pockets. We hope Alanis is reading, because that's the definition of irony.

[sources: Edmunds, WorldCarFans]

This story originally appeared at The Car Connection