As the end of the summer approaches and carmakers introduce next year's models, dealers begin to discount this year's vehicles. Those cars that are about to be redesigned are even more deeply discounted, with manufacturers providing generous incentives and rebates to attract bargain hunters. We've put together a list of 10 such vehicles with our prediction of pricing trends.
Bear in mind, though, that many of these offers are regional, so you will need to check to see what is available in your area. Also, look for Edmunds Price Promise® offers, which give car shoppers a guaranteed, up-front price on a specific car. When you see the Price Promise special offer box on our site, submit your name, phone number and email address to immediately see the price.
A couple notes of caution for shoppers: When carmakers redesign a car, the previous model depreciates more quickly, and it might be more difficult for you to resell it. However, if you're going to keep the car for a long time, depreciation has little effect on you. Also, since you are shopping at the end of the car-buying year, inventories may be low and color and options choices will be limited.
Although the 10 vehicles below are ones that manufacturers are just about to replace with new-generation models, they still represent excellent value and performance.
2015 BMW 3 Series
A refreshed design of the venerable 3 Series is coming later this year, pushing down prices on the soon-to-be-outdated model. This iconic sport-luxury vehicle, available as a sedan or wagon, earns an "A" rating from Edmunds editors and might soon be selling below invoice. The 3 Series comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder. Diesel and hybrid models are available, too. BMW offers customer cash rebates along with attractive lease specials. Some rebate offers can be combined with low-interest loans.
2015 Chevrolet Camaro
An all-new Camaro is coming out soon, making this a good time to get a great American muscle car on the cheap. Chevy's V6 provides plenty of power in the Camaro, but the serious gearhead will probably opt for the hefty V8. Prices are predicted to fall close to invoice on the outgoing 2015 Camaro. Leases are available, along with low-interest loans and plenty of incentives.
2015 Chevrolet Equinox
With a refreshed 2016 model coming out later this year, this attractive midsize SUV will see some serious discounts, possibly driving the selling price below invoice. Families love the Equinox because of its host of features, comfortable ride and generous storage space. Lease cash and a variety of rebates can be combined with low-interest financing through the manufacturer.
2015 Chevrolet Volt
A long-anticipated redesigned Volt will debut later this year, making the 2015 model a steal. The current Volt has the best electric range of any plug-in hybrid, traveling about 30 miles on battery power alone. With relatively low and stable gas prices, the Volt isn't exactly flying off the lots, so prices are low and incentives are plentiful. Edmunds Price Promise offers are already more than $5,000 below factory invoice on the 2015 Volt.
2015 Honda Accord Sedan
A midcycle refresh is planned for later this year for the Accord, which has dominated the midsize sedan category for years and earns an "A" rating from Edmunds editors. Not only is the Accord beautifully refined, with a smooth four- or six-cylinder engine, but it also offers outstanding resale value and inexpensive maintenance. All this now comes at prices below invoice, thanks to incentives and low-interest financing.
2015 Honda Civic
An all-new Civic is going to arrive in September, so dealers are looking to clear the lots of outgoing models. A great car for students and those on a budget, the Civic enjoys an "A" rating from Edmunds editors. Edmunds Price Promise offers for the outgoing Civic are well below invoice. Furthermore, Honda often offers lease specials and low-interest financing.
2015 Lexus RX 350
This midsize luxury SUV has always been a solid favorite. The RX 350 is known for its comfortable and quiet ride, good cargo capacity and strong safety ratings. But with a new model coming out later this year, prices are expected to fall. Lease specials, cash rebates and low-interest financing are available and will increase as time goes by.
2015 Toyota Prius
With gas prices stable and excitement building toward the release of a new model later this year, prices on the Prius are falling below invoice. The world's best-known hybrid offers outstanding fuel economy (about 50 mpg combined), and no other manufacturer has been able to beat that. The Prius leases well, but an array of cash rebates and low-interest financing are available and expected to increase.
2015 Toyota Tacoma
A new design for the Tacoma debuts in September, pushing prices down on the best midsize truck you can buy. This long-running hit, also popular with off-roaders, has built its popularity on strong reliability and versatility. While prices are still above invoice, discounts may increase as the season progresses and many dealers list attractive Price Promise offers.
2015 Volkswagen Passat
This handsome, refined European sedan provides a roomy interior and even comes with a fuel-efficient diesel engine option. The Passat is getting a midcycle refresh in the fall, pushing prices well below invoice. Lease specials, customer cash and no-interest financing make this a solid choice for families keeping an eye on their budget.
In addition to our best-bet choices above, here are the 21 other 2015 vehicles that are being redesigned or phased out by the end of the year:
Audi TT
BMW X1
BMW 7 Series
Cadillac CTS-V
Chevrolet Silverado
Chevrolet Malibu
Chevrolet Spark
GMC Terrain
Jaguar XF
Kia Optima
Land Rover Ranger Rover
Lexus ES 350
Lincoln MKS
Mitsubishi Outlander
Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Nissan Altima
Nissan Sentra
Nissan Titan
Smart Fortwo
Toyota Avalon
Toyota RAV4
