Best Chevy Deals: November 2009 Lease and Purchase

Buyers looking for Chevrolet deals and incentives don't have to look very hard this month.  While Chevy has made headlines with its "Satisfaction Guaranteed" program, which allows buyers to return their Chevys within 60 days if they're unhappy with them, more buyers are likely to grab a new Chevy because of current zero-percent financing offers. In fact, on November 18, Chevy launched its Red Tag Sales Event, which offers zero-percent financing to qualified buyers on the 2009 Chevy Malibu, Silverado and Traverse, three of Chevy's strongest models.

Most of the zero-percent financing offers are for 2009 models, but don't let that discourage you. While the 2010 models are hitting dealer lots, most 2009 and 2010 models are identical -- except that the 2009 models have available financing savings for qualified buyers.

Financing offers may not seem as exciting as a lot of cash back. Still, you shouldn't overlook financing offers as they can spell significant savings over the life of your car loan.  For example, with zero-percent financing on a 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe, you could save $3,608 in interest payments over the life of the loan as compared to a loan with a 4.8 percent interest rate. Your monthly payment would be lower too -- and all these savings come before you even negotiate a lower price on the car. With dealers needing to make space for the 2010 models, there should be plenty of room for negotiation on the 2009s. Cash-back offers and discounts may be more exhilarating, but zero-percent financing still spells savings. If you're looking to save and have your heart set on a 2010 model, Chevrolet is offering leases on some popular models for the first time in a long time.

The good news for car shoppers is that this month, Chevy isn't the only zero-percent financing game in town. Ford is also offering zero-percent financing on many of its cars and trucks. That's excellent news for shoppers because it gives you leverage.  The Ford Fusion and Chevy Malibu are nearly neck and neck in our affordable midsize car rankings.  Both are available in November with zero-percent financing, but the Fusion starts at just a little less than the Malibu.  On paper, that makes the Ford a better deal -- until you point this out to the dealer while negotiating the price on the Malibu. It's a buyer's market; so get the facts, compare incentives and negotiate hard.  That's the way to get the best deal on a new Chevy.

Check out the best Chevrolet Deals for November: