Rebates

It’s become painfully obvious, given all that’s going on with regard to the pandemic, that Black Friday new-vehicle promotions this year will be like no other. As has been the case with mass-merchant retailers like Target and Walmart, automakers rolled out their post-Thanksgiving deals early, and they remain in effect through the end of the month.

Already we’ve seen seismic shifts in the new-car business, including the proliferation of full-electronic transactions and contact-free home test-drives and delivery. Dealerships across the country will likely remain open for business to conduct Black Friday deals in person, but they’ll be subject to restrictions, especially with regard to social distancing and the number of shoppers allowed in a showroom at a given time. Some dealers may require prior appointments for in-person sales and test-drives, so be sure to check before heading out the door.

After a disastrous COVID-19-induced slump earlier in the year, new-vehicle sales have since picked up and inventory is said to be running thinner than usual. But with production having ramped up the factory-fresh 2021 models are rolling in, with both automakers and dealers anxious to whittle down their remaining 2020 stock.

That’s why Black Friday deals are the richest on what have now become last year’s models. You may not have the greatest number of choices with regard to trim levels, colors and options, but you can certainly garner a great deal driving home a 2020 model. 

You’d be hard-pressed to find a new vehicle that doesn’t carry a cash back deal of at least $500-$1,000 or cut-rate financing as low as 0.0%. We found no fewer than 45 cars, trucks, and SUVs from the 2020 model-year being offered this month with cash-back rebates over $4,000, and 27 greater than $5,000. The biggest rebates are being slapped on the hoods of the 2020 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV (which are redesigned for 2021) at a whopping $9,500. And keep in mind that a cash rebate can be applied to your down payment, which can either keep more cash in your pocket, lower monthly payments, or help you qualify for better car-loan rates if your credit history is dicey.

We’re listing the biggest cash back offers of $5,000 or more, as well as the most-affordable lease deals of the month being offered as part of automakers’ Black Friday promotions at the bottom of this post.

The offers we’re noting largely come from the Midwest area, but since they can vary by region to meet specific local supply and demand issues, be sure to check automakers’ websites with your zip code entered to both find deals that may be specific to where you live. You might also come across last-minute extra sweeteners dealerships and manufacturers may enact as a last-minute measure. As always, additional incentives may apply to any