December is usually a good time to buy a new car, but due to inventory shortages, offers are very few and far between. But there are still some bargains.
The end of the year is traditionally a great time to buy a new car as dealerships scramble to clean up excess inventory and collect hefty bonuses from manufacturers for meeting annual sales targets.
But chronic inventory shortages mean December was bleak for new car buyers.
A global shortage of semiconductors – tiny computer chips that run everything from your touchscreen to your security technology – has stifled the supply of new cars while consumer demand has remained high.
When demand exceeds supply, prices inevitably rise.
A quick scan of the automaker’s websites reveals that very few deals are available. The country’s three largest brands, Toyota, Mazda, and Hyundai, are not making any offers, while others have taken the opportunity to increase recommended retail prices. To add insult to injury, customers paying the highest dollar have to wait months for the most popular models to be shipped.
The semiconductor shortage is unlikely to resolve on its own before the middle of next year – some experts predict it will last until 2023 – but there are some brands that continue to offer good value for money.
Here are some of the better deals. None are razor sharp, but better than most.
MG ZST CORE, $ 25,490 drive-away
This compact SUV makes a strong first impression. The cabin is neatly presented and very well equipped for the price.
There is a large 10-inch color screen on the dashboard that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auro, a 360-degree parking camera and a comprehensive active safety package with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, radar speed control and blind spot detection.
The driving experience isn’t as polished as with the mainstream brands and the 1.5 liter engine is a little underpowered and noisy, but for many it will be enough. For those who want a little more grunt, the Excite model ($ 29,990 drive-away) has a 1.3-liter turbo engine that delivers more grunt. A long seven year warranty can seal the deal for many.
MITSUBISHI ASX ES manual, $ 25,990 drive-away
If you’re ready to shift your own gears, the ASX might be a good choice (a car costs $ 28,240 to drive). An overhaul of the ASX is long overdue, but the car’s bones are solid and it’s well-equipped for the price, with a 2.0-liter engine, 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 18-inch -Alloys and above-average space for the segment.
However, it doesn’t have the MG’s active safety technology.
On the plus side, Mitsubishi offers an industry-leading 10-year warranty provided that you service the car through Mitsubishi dealers.
SKODA FABIA, drive-away from $ 24,990
This little hatchback is in phasing out mode and is available with a peppy turbo three-cylinder and seven-speed car for an attractive price of $ 24,990.
It doesn’t have the latest technology, but it’s fun to drive and is well finished on the inside, with clever details like an umbrella under the driver’s seat, trash cans in the back and a luggage net in the trunk.
There is a small black and white driver display with a digital speedometer and a small touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control are standard, but blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alarm, and parking sensors are part of a premium package for $ 3,200.
RENAULT KOLEOS, from $ 33,990 drive-away
Mid-range SUVs are the most sought-after vehicles on the market, so offers are rare and waiting lists for some models – including the best-selling RAV4 – drag on for months.
The Koleos shares the basics with the popular Nissan X-Trail, which has proven itself to be a reliable vehicle over many years.
The cab is well thought out and comfortable, with a classy iPad-like central screen and a digital display in front of the driver.
The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with a CVT transmission, has enough power to get the job done, though it can sound a little noisy when pushed. Put together and comfortable on the road, it is well suited for family transport.
NISSAN NAVARA ST-X, starting at $ 57,990 drive-away
This drive-away offer is only $ 2,000 more than the suggested retail price, saving about $ 3,000. To sweeten the deal, Nissan built in leather seats and a tow bar, making the Navara ST-X one of the more affordable paraphernalia on the market.
Nissan says the deal is only available to ABN dealers, but twist the dealer’s arm and you should be able to land a deal for yourself.
It may not have the driving skills of the Ford Ranger or the resale appeal of a HiLux, but the Navara is refined, generously equipped and well bolted.
For added security, the Navara offers five years of roadside assistance.
MITSUBISHI PAJERO SPORT, drive-away from $ 46,740
If you’re not ready to venture overseas just yet, see some of the Australian outback on this true four-wheel drive.
Based on the Triton ute, the Pajero Sport has a powerful but economical diesel engine that can pull three tons.
It’s not as good to drive as its rivals Ford Everest or Isuzu MU-X, but it has tons of gear and is considerably cheaper.
The drive-away price is about $ 1000 cheaper than the suggested retail price, which means you will likely save about $ 6000. That’ll buy a lot of gas for this round of Australia.
