Where are the 0% APR Car Loan Deals?

July 12, 2010

zero-loan-rate Cars sales have been in a slump for months and car makers are offering some very attractive incentives, including 0%, no interest, loans to try to get things moving again.

Some manufacturers are also offering cash-back rebates but, as you may already know, you generally must choose between the rebates and the special low-interest (or no interest) loans. You can’t take both.

Usually, rebates are a better deal, especially if you need down payment money (rebates can be used as down payment cash). However, in many cases, you don’t have a choice when only a rebate, or only a low-interest loan is being offered. See our article, 0% APR Car Deals – Good Deal or Not? for more details.

Here are some of the current (July 2010) car makes and models with 0% APR loan deals. Note that the 0% APR rate usually only applies for shorter-term loans — 24, 36, or 48 month loans — and may not apply to all styles within a model line. Many apply to both 2011/2010 and 2009 models, but some only apply to leftover 2009 models. Conditions can vary by car company.

Following are some of the current 0% ARP loan deals. Chrysler (Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep) is the currently the winner in offering the most 0% deals on nearly its entire 2010 line of vehicles.

Chrysler 300
Chrysler Town & Country minivan
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Chrysler Sebring
Chevrolet (most 2009 models)
Dodge Charger
Dodge Grand Caravan minivan
Dodge Journey
Dodge Avenger
Dodge Dakota
Dodge Nitro
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Compass
Jeep Commander
Jeep Patriot
Ford Mustang
Ford Flex
Ford Explorer
Ford Ranger
Ford Edge
Ford Fusion
Ford Taurus
Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, and F-450 trucks
Ford Escape
Ford Taurus X
Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Ford Focus
Ford Expedition
Ford Econoline
Lexus ES350/IS250/IS350 (2009)
Lincoln MKX
Lincoln MKS
Lincoln MKZ
Mercury Mountaineer
Mercury Milan
Mercury Grand Marquis
General Motors brands (Chevrolet, Cadillac, Hummer, GMC, Saab) – 2010 models
Honda Civic
Kia Forte
Kia Soul
Mazda CX-8/CX-7/CX-9
Mazda Mazda3
Mazda Mazda6
Mitsubishi – All 2009/2010 models
Infiniti EX35/FX35/FX50/M35/M45/QX56
Nissan – Most 2010 models
Suzuki XL7
Suzuki Equator
Suzuki Grand Vitara
Suzuki SX-4
Suzuki Kizashi
Toyota – All 2010 models and 2011 Camry, including Hybrid
Volkswagen – most 2010 models except Jetta TDI sedan
Audi – 2009 A3, A8, Q7, TT, TTS, A4, A6
Volvo – S80, XC70, C30, C70, S40, V50, V70

Of course, the best deals result from having both a 0% loan and a good price discount. Many car buyers are so happy to get a great loan deal that they overlook the fact that they should also be getting a price discount (not rebate) from their dealers. Shop for or negotiate your best price, even when you are getting a zero-percent loan. Don’t let dealers try to tell you that you can’t have both.

You can get free price quotes on any of the above cars from Edmunds.com.The quotes will automatically include any cash-back rebates or discounts that are currently available.