Deal or No Deal | Not-Quite-Free Cars

Too good to be true

Beware, the "one" in those buy one get one free deals may cost more than two vehicles.

I have been intrigued and astounded by some of the car commercials I’ve seen lately. Buy one get one free? I couldn’t believe auto dealers would just hand out free cars.

Well, it turns out I shouldn’t believe it.

Here’s the “deal”

Most of these deals are advertised as such: If you buy a big SUV or large truck, you can get a small, inexpensive car for free. However, in truth the deals are much more specific. The “deal” only applies to a few models, or maybe only one. They ask for several thousand dollars more than the price on an already very expensive SUV, in exchange for another car (of their choice) for “free.”

No, they don’t think you’re an idiot

After you get to talking with the salesman, it becomes clear that you could easily buy two different vehicles for less money. The people who work at these dealerships know that you’ll be able to do the math. They really don’t expect to end up giving anyone a “free” car. They just wanted to get you into the dealership and convince you to take out a personal loan for a vehicle you actually want.

Scam or just manipulation?

These offers are meant to easily fall to pieces when people start to read the fine — or large — print. That way, the salesman gets to be in a position of talking you out of a bad idea, which gains customers’ trust. Then, the salesman is in a position to make offers that will cost less, looking like he is much more concerned about the customer’s needs than about his commission.

Homework time

The best idea if you want to get the best deal on a vehicle (or two) is to do the legwork yourself. Walk into a dealership knowing what you’re talking about — that is how you will get the best deal.

You can start your homework by reading up on these cars for less than $18,000 recommended by CNN Money. Here are the top three.

1. Nissan Versa

This one starts out at just more than $9,000. It gets about 31 mpg on the highway and 26 in the city. CNN describes it  as “roomy inside despite its tiny size.” CNN points out that nowadays you can get all the bells and whistles — like Bluetooth connections and satellite radio — for a lot less, if anything at all.

2. Scion xB

Scion xB

The Scion xB is a top pick because of its safety features. It retails for $15,750, give or take, and gets 28 mpg on the highway. CNN calls it a “crossover SUV, minus the extra ground clearance and all-wheel-drive.” This next generation xB is quieter and more powerful than its boxy first edition. It’s also more roomy inside.

3. Honda Fit

The Honda Fit is also a top safety pick. It costs $14,750 – to $16,260. It gets 33 mpg on the highway. CNN calls it “the real entry-level Honda,” which I interpret to mean the least expensive Honda. The report admits that the Fit is noisier inside than the Civic, but it has ”flexible” interior space.