Labor Day Weekend New Car Bargains: Sales Special Season Kicks Off As Auto Companies Clear 2013-Model Inventories

For many Americans, this three-day holiday weekend is the last chance to soak up some late summer sun. For car shoppers, it’s also a good time to head out to the local showroom to kick some tires and inhale some sensual new-car smells.

“With dealers now adding a variety of 2014 model-year vehicles to their inventories, Labor Day weekend should provide a great opportunity for new-car shoppers to snag a hot deal, especially on the remaining new 2013 models,” Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com, said. “This weekend new-car shoppers can find many lease, cash back and subsidized financing deals.”

Ahead of the holiday, the auto pricing and information site released its picks on sale and lease specials for mid-priced passenger vehicles. Out of 11 models, six are made by the Detroit 3, three are Japanese and two are European. KBB calculated a "fair purchase price" that is updated weekly and reflects what customers are actually paying for these models, which is lower than the manufacturer's suggested retail price, in some cases by thousands of dollars.

This month is also seeing some good deals on 2013 minivans and SUVs, according to TrueCar.com. The 2013 Nissan Quest SV minivan, for example is averaging nearly $5,000 under the recommended retail price as Nissan has been pumping up its incentive spending in recent months. A Ford Expedition XLT two-wheel drive is selling at over $6,000 of the recommended price, putting it in the mid $30,000s.

Here’s a list of TrueCar.com’s best deals for the month: