6 Reliable Cars That Could Plummet in Price This Fall
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Few people know more about the patterns of auto market price fluctuations than Emil Sultanov. As the CEO of Long Term Car, a monthly vehicle rental service in San Diego, his livelihood depends on his ability to buy and sell his fleet vehicles at just the right time.
He always has an eye out for deals, and if he can save money when prices drop, so can you — and he’s anticipating steep savings on a few particular models this fall.
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“I’ve seen the ebbs and flows of the automotive market, and there are a few key factors that could lead to price drops on some reliable models this season,” said Sultanov.
Since maintenance fees eat into Sultanov’s profits, reliable vehicles are his bread and butter. Here are the models known for dependability that he expects to sell at a discount in the coming months and why. And, with the Fed aggressively slashing interest rates, this autumn could be one of the best times to buy in years.
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End-of-Year Clearances
Automakers are already delivering their 2025 models to dealerships, which means dealers have to offload this year’s models to make way for the incoming inventory. For some models, that means fall clearance sales.
“Car manufacturers often push out the current year’s models to make room for the upcoming year’s vehicles,” said Sultanov. “This is one of the biggest opportunities for deals on reliable cars, especially models that haven’t undergone major redesigns. Look for these vehicles to drop in price.”
Toyota Camry
If you’re looking for models that have a good chance of contributing to an inventory glut, America’s best-selling sedan — a stalwart of reliability — is a good place to start.
“Known for its longevity and strong resale value, the Camry often sees price reductions as dealers aim to move the current model year off the lot,” said Sultanov.
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Honda Accord
America’s second-best-selling midsize sedan earned the title of Kelley Blue Book’s “Midsize Car Best Buy of 2024” — and Sultanov expects it to sell at a discount for the same reasons as the Camry.
“Another top contender in the midsize sedan category, the Accord often gets discounted around fall to make room for new inventory,” said Sultanov. “These models tend to drop because dealerships want to avoid carrying over unsold inventory into the next calendar year.”
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EV Trends Are Impacting Gas-Powered Car Prices
Sultanov says another reason to expect fall discounts is that the trend toward electric is forcing a gradual price reduction in the traditional vehicle market.
“Automakers are offering incentives on reliable gas-powered cars to compete with the growing selection of hybrids and EVs,” he said, specifically pointing to the following models.
Chevrolet Malibu
The Malibu is Chevy’s only remaining sedan, and in about a month, the last one ever produced will roll off the line at the Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kansas, which will then be retooled to produce Chevy Volt electric vehicles.
Dealers have little leverage with discontinued vehicles that are doomed to become yesterday’s news. “As Chevy continues to focus on its EV lineup, models like the Malibu are likely to see bigger discounts this fall,” said Sultanov.
Ford Escape
In 2018, Ford produced 28% fewer Escapes at its Louisville Assembly Plant than the year before. The writing was on for the once hot-selling model. This year, the automaker announced the Escape would be going the way of the Malibu in 2025, so keep your eyes peeled for discontinuation discounts this fall.
“Ford’s push into electrification with models like the Mach-E could lead to price cuts on its gas-powered Escape, making it a solid option for those looking for a versatile compact SUV,” said Sultanov.
Supply Chain Normalization
Sultanov said that supply-chain disruptions from previous years were still artificially raising the prices of some models — but now most of those disruptions have eased and inventories have stabilized.
“As a result, we could see price drops on models that had been in short supply,” he said.
Mazda CX-5
In 2022, CarExpert reported that semiconductor shortages were forcing Mazda to omit some convenience features from certain trims of the highly rated CX-5. However, supply chains have since recovered and Mazda dealers are flush — maybe too flush for their own good.
“Mazda’s popular compact SUV is a great choice for those seeking a mix of reliability, performance and style,” said Sultanov. “With inventories catching up, expect discounts on this model.”
Subaru Forester
In 2022, Torque News reported that Subaru Forester sales rose by 128% in October alone as improving supply chains made full-time manufacturing possible once again. Sultanov thinks Subura’s Forester plants remained in high gear for too long — and that buyers stand to benefit.
“Known for its reliability and all-weather capability, the Forester may see lower prices as Subaru catches up on production,” he said.
Furthermore, the 2025 Forester is a redesign, which could further incentivize dealers to cut prices on outgoing 2024 model.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I’m a Car Dealer: 6 Reliable Cars That Could Plummet in Price This Fall
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