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Historically a prime time for deals, 2024 Memorial Day truck sales are shaping up to be particularly great. This year, elevated levels of new truck inventory and the hefty floorplanning costs faced by dealers are creating the perfect storm for big discounts. If you’re in the market for a new ride, and can’t afford to wait for year-end truck deals, now could be your best chance at a bargain. These are the best Memorial Day truck sales for May 2024, available today.
Current Market Day Supply: 103 days (holding steady)
Negotiability Score: High
2024 Sierra 1500: 1.9% APR + $3,250 cash allowance + NO payments for 90 days.
For remaining 2023 Sierra 1500s, get up to $8,000 in cash incentives.
GMC is offering one of the best truck deals for Memorial Day. With 1.9% APR, a generous cash offer, and no payments for three months, buyers can save several thousand dollars. If you can find a remaining 2023 model, you’re likely to rake in even bigger savings. This offer expires on 6/3/2024. Learn more at GMC.com.
With 109 days of market supply, there’s an abundance of 2024 Silverado 1500s on Chevy dealer lots. At a time when the average new car loan rate is near 10%, this 1.9% APR offer is a great deal that will save you big time over the long run. This offer expires on 6/3/2024. Learn more at Chevrolet.com.
Current Market Day Supply: 61 days (trending down)
Negotiability Score: Low
Toyota Tundra (2024s and remaining 2023 models): 3.99% APR for 60 months, or just 1.99% APR for 48 months.
With just 61 days of market supply, the Toyota Tundra is the least negotiable truck on sale today. However, Toyota being Toyota, they’re still offering a compelling financing deal for Memorial Day. While the Tundra’s 3.99% APR is not quite as great as the offers from GMC and Chevrolet, it’s still a great interest rate if you prefer this truck. This offer expires on 6/3/2024. Learn more at Toyota.com.
Current Market Day Supply: 111 days (holding steady)
Negotiability Score: High (2023 models), Average (2024 models)
Remaining 2023 F-150 models: 1.9% APR for 72 months
New 2024 F-150 models: 3.9% APR for 60 months
The best-selling truck in America is building up on dealer lots as the cost of financing discourages many buyers. In fact, thousands of brand-new 2023 models remain unsold, so Ford’s Memorial Day sales are out to change that. These offers expire on 6/2/2024. Learn more at Ford.com.
5.9% APR financing for 84 months + up to $3,590 in cash savings
Nissan is aggressively pursuing a larger share of the U.S. truck market, though with mixed results. Their previous zero percent financing campaign has ended, but they’re now offering a variety of cash incentives that could save buyers up to $3,590.
For truck buyers who need a longer loan term, Nissan’s 84-month loan offer at 5.9% could save buyers a few thousand dollars in interest versus financing through a bank. However, we advise shorter loan terms when possible to save on interest. This offer ends on May 30, 2024. Learn more at NissanUSA.com.
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As summer 2024 approaches, more drivers are wondering if now is a good time to buy a used car. When it comes to the used car market, the details matter. With the average listing price hovering around $25,540, nearly unchanged from the start of the year, it might seem tough to get a deal. But the price is only half the battle, as you’re about to see.
Let’s dive into the details.
Three Crucial Considerations for Used Car Buyers: Credit Score, Budget, and Timeline
1. The Importance of Credit Scores in 2024
Does Credit Score Matter in 2024?YES. Knowing your current credit score will help you plan for the cost of financing. Planning to pay cash? GREAT! But if not, lenders will use your credit score and debt-to-income ratio to determine if you qualify for a car loan.
In fact, your credit score can help you determine if now is a god tiod time to buy a used car, or possibly even the worst time. Used car loan rates now average north of 13% APR. But that’s just the average. Shoppers with lower credit scores (under 650) will only qualify for higher rates, perhaps approaching 20% APR for the lowest scores, if you can get qualified at all.
Check out the 2023 data from Experian via MarketWatch to see the average auto loan rates by credit score. This is very similar to what shoppers should expect today, as rates have remained high over the past year.
How much does interest rate matter with a used car loan? Let’s look at a realistic example. With a $30,000 car loan over 72 months, the difference in interest paid between a loan at 5% APR and one at 15% APR is substantial. It’s always best to opt for a shorter loan term, but we’ll use this example since more drivers are stretching out their payments as prices rise.
What’s the difference in interest paid? With a 5% APR, you would pay approximately $4,776 in interest over the 72 months of the loan. However, at a 15% APR, the interest spikes to $13,632, resulting in an additional $8,856 in interestcosts. This highlights the significant financial impact that APR can have on the total cost of a loan.
No matter when you get serious about buying, DO NOT overlook the power of having a good credit score. It’s the difference between paying a little interest, and eye-gouging amounts owed month after month.
For more about what credit score car dealers and banks use, check this out.
2. Know Your Budget
The reality of 2024 is stark: cars are more expensive, and finding a reliable, low-mileage vehicle under $10,000 is virtually impossible. According to research from iSeeCars, while 49.3% of all used cars were priced under $20,000 in 2019, today that number stands at just 12.4%.
Before you fall in love with a make or model, use tools like CarEdge’s Car Search to set realistic expectations and shop within your means.
If you’re not in urgent need of transportation, waiting might be wise. We anticipate used car prices could drop an additional 2-5% later in the summer and potentially even more towards the end of the year. Delaying your purchase could save you thousands, especially if interest rates begin to decrease as predicted. Although with inflation staying stubbornly high, the general consensus is that interest rates will remain at current levels for at least a few more months, if not longer.
So Is Now a Good Time to Buy a Car? CarEdge’s Advice for 2024
Deciding whether to buy a used car now or later in 2024 boils down to your personal circumstances—your budget, your credit score, and how urgently you need a vehicle. If your situation allows, waiting a few months could be financially beneficial, both in terms of lower prices and potentially reduced interest rates. This is especially true if you could use more time to improve your credit score. Qualifying for the best rate possible will save you thousands in interest payments with most used car loans today.
However, if you need a car soon, finding a well-priced deal now is possible IF you’re prepared to negotiate. Check out the free tools below! And remember to use CarEdge Insights to equip yourself with local car market data. You’ll negotiate like a pro in no time!
So overall, is now a good time to buy a used car? The answer is that it’s an okay time, and better times are ahead once prices drop further, and these insanely high interest rates come down. But the future is notoriously hard to predict. If you need a ride quickly, you CAN score a deal with negotiation know-how.
Free Car Buying Help Is Here
Navigating the used car market can be complex, but with CarEdge, you’re never alone. Ready to outsmart the dealerships? Download your 100% freecar buying cheat sheets today. From negotiating a deal to leasing a car the smart way, it’s all available for instant download. Get your cheat sheets today!
Stay tuned to CarEdge for more insights and tips on car buying in 2024!
Shopping for a new car is an exciting time, but knowing which brands to steer clear of can save you from a lot of future headaches. At CarEdge, we’re diving deep into rankings from Consumer Reports, and complimenting their legendary work with our own car market updates from CarEdge Insights. Here’s a breakdown of the 10 least reliable car brands in 2025. If you buy one of these cars, you ought to have a car maintenance emergency fund at your disposal, or start getting quotes for extended warranty protection!
Consumer Reports’ 2025 Reliability Rankings: The Least Dependable Car Brands
We hope you enjoy the real-time car market data we’ve included. Head over to CarEdge Insights for localized data that YOU can use to negotiate effectively.
Consumer Reports provides an annual snapshot of car reliability, all based on data from over 300,000 vehicles that addresses 17 common trouble areas. The non-profit has been helping car buyers make smart choices for 88 years. In 2025, the CR rankings reveal a few brands that, well, might not be your best bet if reliability tops your priority list. For comparison’s sake, we’ve also included the number of recalls for each manufacturer over the past year ending in January 2025, via the NHTSA.
Although Rivian is the least reliable car brand according to Consumer Reports, all GM brand rank near the bottom. Here’s a look at the car brands most likely to give you problems during ownership.
The Least Dependable Car Brands Surprisingly Don’t Have Much In Common
From frequent breakdowns to excessive recalls, these brands show various signs of potential trouble for consumers. Surprisingly, the least reliable car brands are often expensive. With the likes of Rivian, Tesla, Volvo and Volkswagen on the list, it’s clear that when it comes to reliability, you don’t always get what you pay for.
Other than that, we see a mix of manufacturers from around the world on this unfortunate list. In a massive improvement from last year, only one Stellantis brand is on the list. General Motors, on the other hand, had falling reliability ratings, with three of the four GM brands on the bottom 10. Chrysler, the only GM brand not making an appearance, wasn’t rated by Consumer Reports due to ‘insufficient data’.
According to Consumer Reports, hybrid vehicles lead the pack among electrified powertrains in terms of reliability. “On average, hybrid powertrains remain reliable, while pure electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) are improving despite continuing reliability problems.”
On the other hand, plug-in hybrid vehicles tell a different story, facing 70% more issues than gasoline (ICE) vehicles. Consumer Reports found that fully electric vehicles (BEVs) have 42% more problems than gas-powered or traditional hybrid vehicles. This is a big improvement from last year, when EVs had 79% more issues than ICE vehicles.
Want Free Car Buying Help in 2025?
While it’s crucial to consider reliability, don’t forget to weigh other factors such as fuel efficiency, safety features, and overall cost of ownership. Check out our detailed CarEdge cost of ownership rankings to get a fuller picture.
Ready to outsmart the dealerships? Download your 100% freecar buying cheat sheets today. From negotiating a deal to leasing a car the smart way, it’s all available for instant download. Get your cheat sheets today!
As we enter the heart of spring, car shoppers have every reason to mark their calendars for Memorial Day weekend (May 25 – May 27). Traditionally a hotbed for great car deals, 2024’s Memorial Day sales are poised to be especially big. This year, high new car inventory levels and expensive floorplanning costs for dealers are setting the stage for big bargains.
Inventory Is Still High, and That’s Good News For Buyers
Most automakers are grappling with unusually high levels of new car inventory. According to Cox Automotive, April opened with 72 days of new-vehicle supply industry-wide, a notable increase of 46% compared to a year ago. This glut stems largely from a mismatch between production outputs and a softening consumer demand, influenced by lingering economic uncertainties, high interest rates, and in many cases, ridiculously high MSRPs.
This overstock is particularly pronounced in the truck, SUV, and luxury vehicle sectors. While sales in 2024 are indeed picking up—showing an 11% increase in March compared to the previous year—the rising sales figures are not enough to offset high inventory levels. But that’s what OEMs hope to change with May’s best car deals.
Last Year’s Models Are This Year’s Deals
Manufacturers are under pressure to clear out 2023 models, four months into the new year. In late April, 300,000 of the nearly 3.1 million new cars for sale in America were 2022 or 2023 models. Many of them are trucks like the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500. Even with thousands of 2023s on dealer lots, manufacturers are flooding dealer lots with more inventory (more on that here).
This pressure is not just a warehouse issue; it’s a financial imperative. High floorplanning costs driven by stubbornly high interest rates are eating into dealer profits, adding to the sense of urgency.
Car Brands On Track For Big Memorial Day Sales
Despite the modest gains in sales, certain brands like Ram, Jeep, Mazda, Ford, and Nissan are facing significant inventory excesses compared to their competitors. These brands are likely to offer bigger discounts for Memorial Day as they strive to sell cars.
Car brands with less inventory include Toyota, Subaru, and Honda. These brands are less likely to offer big incentives in May.
Low APR deals are a win-win for both dealers and buyers. For dealers, it’s about liquidating stock without slashing sticker prices dramatically, which can devalue the brand. For buyers, these subsidized rates lower the monthly payment, making an upgrade more feasible. Expect to see APR offers as low as 0% for qualified buyers on select models, alongside generous cash-back offers and lease deals.
In fact, there are already several 0% APR offers on the market today…
As we inch closer to Memorial Day, certain vehicles stand out for their negotiability. While the specific models and deals will be confirmed as the holiday approaches, here are some categories to watch:
Last Year’s Inventory: Memorial Day car sales are the manufacturer’s best chance to clear out the last of 2023’s remaining inventory. Expect crazy deals on these, especially trucks and the most negotiable electric vehicles.
Truck Deals: Automakers have simply priced new trucks too high, and buyers are pushing back. This has led to an oversupply of new trucks on dealer lots. Expect big deals on the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, and Ford F-150. In fact, there are already some great low APR offers out there. Check out the truck deals here.
Electric Vehicles: Despite their steadily growing popularity, certain EV models are still struggling to find their market footing, leading to potentially larger discounts. The Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, Nissan Ariya, and electric offerings from Hyundai and Kia are all slated for big discounts and low APR offers in May.
Gear Up for the Deals
This Memorial Day, CarEdge is your go-to resource for navigating these sales. Not only will we provide a one-stop resource for the best car sales, we’ll also share car market insights that you won’t find anywhere else. 👉 Bookmark this page and check back in early May to see what automakers have to offer!Head to this page for the best deals right now, no matter when you’re reading this.
Electric car prices have fallen off of a cliff. Depending on your stance in the market, this could be great news, or far from it. Since September 2022, the average used electric car price has tumbled from $63,069 to $33,645. That is a 47% loss of value in a little over a year and a half.
At the same time, used internal combustion engine vehicles have seen their prices decline too. Since September of 2022, used cars powered by internal combustion engines have seen their average price decline from $34,000 to $32,000. This 6% loss in value over 18 months is more like what we would expect.
A closer look at some EVs for sale today reveals that a 47% drop in value would actually be a better scenario, believe it or not. Should EV buyers consider this drastic drop in value to be a good or bad sign? We’ll get into that too.
EV Depreciation Shock: Popular EVs Lose Half Their Value Instantly
The actual value of new electric cars is significantly lower than their starting MSRPs. Take for example this BMW i4 that is currently for sale. The manufacturers suggested retail price is $64,740. The CarEdge Target Discount from the dealer is 8% off of MSRP which is a price of $59,561.
What happens when you plug this vehicle into CarEdge.com/sell and receive instant cash offers? With just 500 miles entered on the odometer, the highest cash offer is $28,370 from CarGurus.
That is an astounding 56% loss of value the moment you drive the car off the lot!
Things get even worse when you look at the Mercedes-Benz EQS. This 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS has a manufacturers suggested retail price of $156,170. The CarEdge Target Discount is 15% off of MSRP, leading to a selling price of $132,745. 15% off of a Mercedes seems like an excellent deal! Until …
When you plug this vehicle into CarEdge.com/Sell with 500 miles you get an instant cash offer of $67,000. Again, a 57% loss in value.
Even Ford’s Big Discounts Aren’t Enough…
When Ford launched their flagship ‘Tesla-killer’ EV in 2021, nearly infinite demand was expected by Ford’s leadership. “It’s hard to produce Mustang Mach-Es fast enough to meet the incredible demand, but we are sure going to try,” said Ford CEO Jim Farley at the time.
How times have changed. From boasting production targets of 200,000 copies by 2023, to struggling to sell last year’s inventory even today, Ford EV sales have not lived up to their corporate expectations.
The good news for buyers is that great deals can be had on a new Mustang Mach-E. But is it enough to lift buyers out of negative equity from day one?
This new 2022 Mustang Mach-E was STILL on the dealer lot in early 2024. In fact, about 100 new 2022s remain across the nation. With a $27,000 discount, surely it’s a steal, right? Not so fast…
Here’s how much online car buyers would pay for that exact car, the moment it is driven off of the lot…
That’s right, a 48% drop in market value from day one. Although this was a 2022 model, roughly two-thirds of all new Mustang Mach-Es on dealer lots today are leftovers from 2023. No one should be paying MSRP for last year’s cars in spring or summer of 2024. See how low prices are near you.
What This Means For Buyers
Lower selling prices is welcome news for EV buyers, but with a few VERY important caveats.
Advice For New EV Buyers
The only folks who should be buying new EVs right now are those who plan to keep them for a long time. Otherwise, buying an EV is a very risky financial decision if there’s a chance you’ll be looking to sell anytime soon.
Unless a hefty down payment or trade-in is made, buying a new EV in 2024 puts buyers at significant risk of becoming ‘underwater’ on their car loan. This means that your car is worth less than you owe on the loan (learn more here). It’s a situation you want to avoid, no matter what.
Leasing an EV is another great option, and there are some great EV lease offers out there today. Plus, leasing is a low-stress way of trying out the EV lifestyle for the first time.
Advice For Used EV Buyers
This is where the EV depreciation crisis turns into good news for some. If you’re open to buying a used electric car, the shocking depreciation of today’s new models is in your favor. Previously, EV buyers had to decide between the benefit of the federal EV tax credit (available only on select models), or somewhat lower prices on the used market. Today, that’s no longer the case.
In 2024, the price gap between new and used EVs couldn’t be more clear. The savings that come along with a used EV are no match for even the most generous of new EV incentives. With new tools like Recurrent Auto, you can even check a used electric car’s battery health before buying.
Used EV buyers can take advantage of rapid depreciation to score a sweet deal on any used EV, from Tesla to Ford and everything in between.
In 2024’s changing EV market, there are more reasons than ever to equip yourself with car buying know-how. The good news is that we have 100% FREE resources to get you there!
CarEdge Insights
