Best Deals of the Year Available Now

- Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst of automotive insights, Kelley Blue Book

Summer clearance events are in full swing and consumers seeking a new ride will find some of the best deals of the year at their local dealership. Manufacturers are offering generous cash, finance and lease incentives to clear out model-year 2012 vehicles to make room for the soon-to-arrive 2013 models. To aid consumers looking for a great deal, Kelley Blue Book highlights the best purchase and lease offers available on subcompact cars, compact cars, mid-size cars and compact crossovers. These deals are only available through September 4, so shoppers interested in a steal should act fast.

Consumers looking to purchase a new vehicle will find zero-percent financing and generous cash rebates available on some of the best-selling 2012 models, upon qualification. The all-new Mazda2 is available for as little as $240 per month for five years after taking advantage of the zero-percent finance offer. Drivers that need a little more room may want to consider the 2012 Toyota Camry, which can be had for $334 per month with zero-percent for five years along with $1,500 in cash rebates. The Camry has been the top-selling mid-size sedan so far this year, thanks to the latest redesign, and consumers looking for practical transportation with Toyota’s storied reputation for reliability should look no further.

In addition to great purchase offers, we also highlighted some of the most aggressive lease offers currently available for those most concerned with obtaining the lowest possible monthly payment. The Smart ForTwo is far and away the most affordable of the group, coming in at a rock bottom $99 per month for 36 months with $394 down. Although not the most practical vehicle, it makes sense for someone that lives in an urban area and doesn’t need the utility of a compact or crossover. For those in need of a crossover, it would be tough to pass up the outgoing 2012 Ford Escape. Ford is clearing out the last generation Escape at an incredible offer of $159 per month for 24 months with $2,898 down to make room for the new and improved 2013 that is just hitting showrooms. No matter what your preference, there should be a lease deal available that suits your vehicle needs.