Are Black Friday Car Deals Worth It in 2024?

Black Friday Car Shopping Deals

Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and—for some of us—burning ourselves while trying to be kitchen rockstars. But after the turkey coma wears off, the shopping frenzy begins. While most people think of TVs and air fryers on Black Friday, many also wonder: are there good Black Friday deals on cars?

Sort of. While car dealerships don’t open at 5 a.m. with doorbusters, the auto industry does try to ride the wave of holiday spending. And for the first time in years, 2024 is shaping up to be a really good year for end-of-year car deals.

Why This Year Is Different

The last few years have been tough for car buyers. Thanks to pandemic-related supply chain issues, there simply weren’t enough cars to sell. That meant dealerships didn’t need to offer discounts—they could barely keep inventory on the lot. But 2024 is different.

Inventory levels are finally rebounding. Manufacturers have new models hitting the market, especially in the EV space. But consumer demand has softened due to high interest rates and rising car prices. That’s led to an inventory surplus—around 3 million new vehicles sitting on lots nationwide. And that surplus means discounts are back.

Who Has the Most Inventory—and the Best Deals

Brands with excess inventory are the most motivated to offer big savings. Stellantis brands (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram) are leading the pack with massive supply and a 20% drop in sales. GM and Ford are also above average. Nissan has too many Rogues, Frontiers, and Pathfinders. Even luxury brands like Volvo have more stock than they’d like.

On the flip side, brands like Toyota, Honda, Lexus, and Subaru are still in short supply. They source fewer parts from China and have been hit harder by chip shortages. These brands also tend to be more reliable, so demand remains high—which means fewer discounts.

Interest Rates Are Dropping

Here’s more good news: interest rates are finally coming down. The Federal Reserve lowered rates in September and again in November. This is trickling down to auto financing, especially through manufacturer financing arms. For the first time in a long time, we’re seeing:

• 0% APR for up to 60 or even 72 months

• Low APR specials from 0.9% to 2.9%

• Improved lease deals thanks to more favorable money factors

That kind of financing can make a big dent in your monthly payment, especially on higher-priced models.

Types of Car Incentives in December

Automakers are rolling out a mix of incentives:

• Customer Cash/Rebates: Straight-up discounts off the MSRP, sometimes available to everyone, other times for specific groups like military, recent grads, or loyal customers.

• Loyalty and Conquest Bonuses: Discounts for sticking with or switching to a brand.

• Low APR Financing: As mentioned, some buyers can snag 0% or low-interest financing.

• Leasing Incentives: Lower payments thanks to manufacturer-subsidized money factors.

One key tip: you usually can’t combine low APR financing with cash rebates. It’s one or the other, so run the numbers to see which option saves you more.

December 2024: Who Has the Best Deals?

So, which brands are actually putting their money where their markdowns are? If you’re hunting for the deepest discounts and best financing options this December, here’s a breakdown of the hottest offers in the market—from cash rebates to 0% APR deal

🔥 Best Low APR Offers:

• Volkswagen: 0% for 60 months on Tiguan, 0.9% on Atlas

• Mazda: 0.9% for 60 months on the CX-90

• Ford: 2.9% for 72 months on the Expedition

• Ram: 0.9% for 72 months on select 1500 trims

• Toyota: 2.9% on Tundra

• Subaru: 0% for 72 months on the Solterra EV, good lease deals on the Ascent

💰 Biggest Rebates:

• Jeep: Up to $10,000 in stackable rebates (realistically, $4–6K for most buyers)

• Ram: Strong rebates on 1500 trucks

• Volvo: Discounts and lease offers on XC90

• Maserati: $5,000+ on leftover 2022 Quattroportes (yes, they still have new 2022s!)

Don’t Overlook EV Incentives

Electric vehicles are a sweet spot right now, thanks to tax credits and manufacturer discounts:

• Ford Mach-E: 0% for 72 months (no tax credit due to battery sourcing)

• Tesla Model 3 & Y: 0% for 36 or 60 months with 20% down (rare for Tesla!)

• Kia EV9: 0% for 72 months + potential tax credit (made in Georgia)

Note: Tax credit eligibility changes in 2025. Fewer models will qualify, and future incentives are uncertain based on upcoming elections. So act now if an EV is on your radar.

Pro Tips for Holiday Car Shopping

• Do your homework. Use manufacturer websites to check rebates and financing offers based on your zip code.

• Check inventory. Make sure the specific model, trim, and color you want is actually available.

• Move fast. Cars (especially leftover 2024s) are moving quickly. Inventory on a website today may be gone tomorrow.

• Don’t wait until the last minute. You don’t want to spend New Year’s Eve at a dealership.

Final Thoughts

After years of limited supply and sky-high prices, 2024 is finally offering a window of opportunity for car buyers. Whether you're shopping for a truck, SUV, or electric vehicle, this is one of the best times of the year to make a move—if you do your research and act quickly.

💸 Want to make sure you don’t overpay? Check out The No BS Guide to Buying a Car, my online course packed with insider tips, strategies, and checklists to help you get the best deal.

🎧 And if you want even more tips, subscribe to The Straight Shift podcast and share it with your car-shopping friends.

Until next time—drive smart and shop savvy!