5 Ways to Get the Best Deals on 2014 Closeouts

4. Consider Capacity
This one may seem obvious, but it’s worth reinforcing: what do you really plan to do with your new 4x4? Many off-road drivers typically go for overkill when buying their rig; who can blame them? But if you’re looking to save some coin, it’s important to walk into the dealer knowing what you’re planning on towing, if anything. Typically, the tow ratings for a 4WD are less than the ratings of a 2WD, and automatics often have higher towing capacities than stick shifts. In other words, it’s good to know beforehand if you’re planning on rock crawling or hauling a fifth wheel. For the traditional truck crowd questions to ask include whether you’re set on heavy duty or can settle with a light duty option, and whether or not you have enough people that like you to justify buying the full-size or crew cabs. If you’re hauling a couple of dirtbikes or ATVs out to the desert, an extended bed may be necessary. If you’re planning on keeping that thing empty, a short bed is not a bad call.

5. Know Your Numbers and Don’t be Distracted by Dumb Ones
Walking into a dealer blind is never a good thing, so do your research.  One of the first and easiest steps is to visit Edmunds.com and check out the current new car rebates and incentives listed, or purchase a new vehicle price sheet. Truecar.com also offers at least a starting point for the typical price paid for the car you’re after. You should never pay sticker price unless you want to throw money away – in which case I’ll shoot you my PayPal address. Also don’t focus strictly on dealer invoice price, which is typically marked up 2-3% to cover fleet costs and is almost always not the final cost dealers pay.

Fall offers a ton of different fine-print discounts that you can leverage, including dealer holdback, customer rebates and factory-to-dealer incentives. Customer rebates in the past few years have been particularly high for domestically manufactured SUVs, and there’s nothing wrong with supporting American industry. Rebates on popular foreign models – such as the Toyota 4Runner or Honda CR-V, likely won’t be as generous.

Factory-to-dealer incentives are especially important, as so many customers look them over. At this time of year, factories are more prone than ever to pay dealers to move last year’s inventory off the lot, and they pay dealers handsomely for it. Dealers aren’t enthusiastic to tell you this, but if you come in with that knowledge it’s something with which to negotiate.

Regarding distractions: never, ever bring your trade-in to the dealership before you’ve established the total cost of the vehicle. Doing so allows you to be distracted by the ‘killer deal’ the dealership will give you for your old Bronco… even if he’s killing you on the price of that new Colorado. The same holds for low monthly payments. It might be nice to have more cash now to spend on a winch or LED bar, but you’ll definitely pay for it in the end. Do a little research with your vehicle beforehand by checking Autotrader or Craigslist to see where vehicles like yours are priced on the open market. If you have the time, a trip to Carmax isn’t a bad idea as a starting point either, as it will at least provide some insight into your vehicle’s worth and provide a backup plan should the dealer low-ball you on a trade (Carmax will buy your car whether you purchase from them or not).

Keep these tips in mind and you’re guaranteed to get an awesome deal on a new off-road truck or SUV. Then all you have to do is go get it dirty… and that part’s free.