With year-over-year sales down slightly, automakers are offering frightfully good deals this October to move inventory. Here are the top new-car bargains for budget-conscious shoppers, complete with cash incentives and low-rate financing offers.
--FIRST CAR LIST HERE--
2018 Chevrolet Trax
Savings
Up to $3,250 off
(~17% off base LS trim)
Valid through October 31
Financing
0% APR for 72 months
+ $1,000 cash allowance
Through GM Financial
Why It's Discounted
Sales down 18% YOY
80 days on lot (vs 72 avg)
2019 model incoming
Pro Tip: The refreshed 2017+ Trax added important tech and safety features missing from earlier models, making this a smart buy at these discounted prices.
2018 Chrysler 300
Savings
$6,000 cash back
(On $30,390+ Touring trim)
Valid through October 31
Financing
3.9% APR for 72 months
Through Chrysler Capital
Ends October 31
Why It's Discounted
Sedan sales declining
76 days on lot
Strong V6 option available
Pro Tip: The 300's spacious cabin can fit three child seats across - a rarity in today's sedan market - making it a practical choice for families.
2018 Ford Mustang
Savings
$3,000 cash back
(Applies to most trims)
Valid through January 2, 2019
Financing
2.9% APR for 60 months
+ $500 additional cash
Through Ford Credit
Why It's Discounted
Convertibles sat 88 days
Coupes sat 117 days
2018 refresh completed
Pro Tip: The Mustang GT's 5.0L V8 with performance exhaust delivers thrilling sound, but these deals don't apply to Shelby models.
Editor's Choice: 2018 Nissan Pathfinder
Savings
Up to $3,750 off
(~12% off base S trim)
Ends October 31
Financing
0% APR for 60 months
+ $1,250 additional cash
Requires qualifying credit
Why It's Discounted
Sales down 16% YOY
93 days on lot
2019 models adding features
Pro Tip: While 2019 models add safety tech to lower trims, the 2018 represents better value for SL and Platinum buyers who won't benefit from those updates.
--SECOND CAR LIST HERE--
Other Notable October Deals
- 2018 Chevrolet Cruze: Significant discounts on remaining inventory
- 2018 Ford Edge: Attractive financing offers
- 2018 Ford Focus: Deep discounts as production ends
- 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe/Sport: Competitive lease deals
How We Select the Best Deals
Our automotive experts analyze multiple factors to identify genuine bargains:
- Sales performance: We target models with declining year-over-year sales
- Inventory turnover: Cars sitting longer than the 72-day industry average
- Incentive value: Discounts representing significant percentage of MSRP
- Regional availability: Confirmed offers across major U.S. markets
Note: All incentives require qualifying credit and may vary by region. Check with your local dealer for specific offers in your area.
Smart Shopping Tips
- Time your purchase: Visit dealers at month-end when sales quotas loom
- Compare total cost: Factor in both cash incentives and financing rates
- Check for dealer cash: Some unadvertised incentives may stack
- Consider leftovers: 2018 models often have better deals than 2019s
