Best Chrysler Deals: February 2010 Lease and Purchase

The bad news in the auto industry, for once, isn’t about Chrysler. But Chrysler dealers can’t breathe too easily.  Toyota’s recall-related run of bad news may have kept Chrysler’s dismal sales off the front page, but those dealers are still facing the lightest foot-traffic in the industry.  Chrysler sales actually ticked up in January, with the automaker claiming a bit more of the market than it had last January -- but by last January, the company was already well into the slide that would send into bankruptcy.

That’s good news, however, for those interested in a new Chrysler this month.  While rivals Ford and Chevrolet have pulled back on incentives, Chrysler dealers are still discounting cars at near-record levels.  It’s possible to negotiate a fantastic deal on a Chrysler this month.  After all, in many cases, if you talk to a Chrysler dealer this month, you will be negotiating with a dealer who hasn’t made monthly sales targets in a while.  They need your business, and are not likely to take a hard line that drives you out the door.

You’ll still need to keep one crucial negotiating tip in mind, however.  Focus all of your energy on the bottom line price.  In addition to actual discounts, Chrysler is offering a few gimmicks this month that might make you feel like you’ve won the negotiation, but could distract you from the end goal of a fair price. Some dealers are offering Town & Country Minivans, for instance, with a free rear-seat DVD entertainment system. The 300 sedan, this month, comes with All-Wheel-Drive at no additional fee. Those are nice additions to have, but don’t let a dealer talk you into a higher price because of them.  They’re supposed to be free.

Chrysler is also offering additional incentives to Toyota owners looking to make the switch to a Chrysler product.  Those trading in a Toyota Tundra, Tacoma or Sienna qualify for an additional $1,000 rebate on any Chrysler product.  Be careful, however, not to let the dealership lowball you on your Toyota trade-in because of the headlines.  Experts say that the resale value of Toyotas may take a short-term hit, but will probably recover when the headlines fade.  Don’t let the dealership talk you into taking a low offer for your trade-in, then turn around and sell it at full price in a few months.  It’s always a good idea to get multiple evaluations on your old car before accepting the dealership’s trade-in offer. 

As always, it's important to comparison shop before buying. Check out our Chevrolet Deals, where you’ll find longer terms offered on zero-percent interest loans this month. Our Ford Deals page details some of the cash-back and low-interest deals Ford is offering. Looking for more deals? Check out the best deals other automakers have to offer on our Car Deals page.