11 Best Labor Day 2014 Car Sales You Should Know About

Car seekers who have been holding off on making their next purchases are in luck. Labor Day is one of the best weekends of the year for car buying; as next year’s models start to roll out, dealerships are unveiling a host of deals and promotions to entice potential buyers and clear out old inventory.

With manufacturers scrambling to clear 2014 models from the floor, car buyers who’ve yet to settle on their next cars and financing packages can take advantage of a number of 0% APR and cash-back incentives now available. These deals can help buyers save thousands of dollars on their vehicles — both upfront and over the life of their auto loans.

“Labor Day marks the time when dealers move inventory to make room for new vehicles, which means you can find some great deals on existing models,” said Michelle Naranjo, editor in chief at online car shopping website Autobytel.com ABTL. “If you’re in the market for a new car, now is a good time to buy, with solid savings on large SUVs to subcompacts … and everything in between.”

To help consumers find the best money-saving Labor Day car deals this year, GOBankingRates partnered with Autobytel to compile a list of great deals available on 2014 crossovers and SUVs, luxury, sedans, sports cars, and trucks.

“Not all buyers will qualify for the offers listed here, because factors such as down payment amounts may affect qualification,” Naranjo said.  “Residency and credit restrictions may also apply.  Be sure to check 2014 vehicle incentives and rebates for your area, or ask your local dealer about lease and purchase offers available to you.”

Prices noted are starting MSRPs.

With seating for seven and sports handling that offers plenty of fun behind the wheel (and plenty of passenger hauling utility inside), the 2014 Mazda MZDAF CX-9 qualifies for some competitive Labor Day deals, such as 0% APR for up to 60 months plus $1,000 APR bonus cash, or $3,500 customer bonus cash.

Labor Day deals on the 2014 Ford Expedition FORD are attractive, too. Buyers can cash in on rebates and special incentives designed to move inventory, including 0% APR for 72 months; 0% APR for 60 months plus $2,500 bonus cash; or up to $6,000 cash back.

Audi AUDAF is offering discounts on many of its vehicles in time for this year’s busy Labor Day shopping weekend. Look for rates as low as 1.90% APR and $800 to $1,000 off your first monthly payment for the A4, A5 Cabriolet and the A6 sedan. Take advantage of special offers on some of Audi’s most sought-after options and packages available on select 2014 models.

Also look for available Labor Day discounts on the luxurious, performance-driven 2014 Cadillac GM CTS, including 0% APR for 60 months. Current, non-GM lessees can also take advantage of $1,000 toward the lease or purchase of qualifying Cadillac models, and current GM lessees get $1,000 toward the purchase of a new Cadillac.

Families will love the Labor Day weekend deals on the well-appointed 2014 Hyundai HYMLF Sonata, with 0% APR for up to 72 months; $2,000 retail bonus cash; or a $500 valued-owner coupon offer. Similar to other manufacturer incentive programs, Hyundai offers special programs for college graduates and military personnel, as well as mobility assistance for the disabled.

Incentives for the powerful 2014 Chrysler 300, with its sleek interior and responsive handling, remain strong this season. Labor Day weekend shoppers can take advantage of up to $4,250 in cash allowance and APRs as low as 0% on certain 300 models. Military, college student and graduate rebates of $500 are also available.

The 2014 Nissan (NASDAQl NSANF) Maxima comes with a long list of luxury and high-tech features, and a broad range of Labor Day sales incentives to boot. Take advantage of 0% APR for 72 months, plus up to $1,000 in total savings; or $500 bonus cash, $500 Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation cash and $4,000 cash back. Nissan’s Labor Day lease offers are attractive, as well.

Never fear, muscle car enthusiasts. You don’t have to look too far to find plenty of end-of-summer manufacturer specials, including some from Dodge, which is offering up to $4,000 cash allowance for buyers, and up to $1,000 cash allowance and APRs as low as 0.24% for lessees on certain 2014 Challenger models.

“The Challenger boasts distinctive throwback styling and plenty of power under the hood,” Naranjo said. “Opt for the meaty V8 if you can swing it.”

2014 Ford Mustang, $22,510

An enduring automotive legend and inventor of the Pony Car genre, the Ford FORD Mustang celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Car buyers can pay homage by cashing in on Ford’s attractive Labor Day deals for its 2014 model, with 0% APR for 72 months; or 0% APR for 60 months plus $2,000 bonus cash, or $4,750 cash back for the 2014 Ford Mustang GT with premium package.

The nation’s best-selling pickup truck year after year, the 2014 Ford F-150 comes with a robust list of Labor Day sales incentives depending on the configuration. For example, buyers can take advantage of 0% APR for 60 months, plus up to $3,500 in total savings; or up to $8,000 in total savings for the XLT SuperCab or SuperCrew with leather and luxury package.

The only turbo-diesel light truck on the American market, the 2014 RAM 1500 offers exceptional fuel economy and an eight-speed automatic transmission (another segment-first). It was also named the 2014 Autobytel Truck of the Year for the second year in a row. RAM is offering up to $5,000 cash allowance for buyers, and up to $2,500 cash allowance, with APRs as low as 0.17% for lessees.

“The RAM 1500 is back for its second round as the 2014 Autobytel Pickup Truck of the Year, but don’t think for a second that Chrysler’s quarter-ton managed to repeat by resting on its laurels,” Naranjo said.  “It is clearly one of the most innovative trucks available, which makes this year’s Labor Day RAM 1500 sale even more appealing.”

*Descriptions of incentives and rebates listed above were obtained from manufacturer website information. Regional incentives and rebates may vary. Not all buyers will qualify. See terms and details of incentives and rebates featured here at manufacturer websites. Amount of down payment and other factors may affect qualification. Residency and credit restrictions may apply. Be sure to check 2014 vehicle incentives and rebates for your area, and ask your local dealer about available lease and purchase offers.

This article was created in collaboration with Autobytel Inc., inventor of online car-buying and provider of information and services to help people research, shop for, buy, and own the perfect vehicle.