The Arizona Republic

Good car deals during Labor Day weekend

- MATT JONES

Labor Day is the last three-day weekend of summer, so as we go into the end of August and early September, you can expect to see some fairly aggressive deals from car dealership­s as they try to wrap up the summer selling season.

The combinatio­n of end-of-modelyear clearance prices on outgoing models and relatively high levels of inventory means you can find a close-out bargain before pickings get slim.

To help with the hunt, Edmunds selected five of the best deals.

Cash-back offers, rebates and incentives can vary by region. Check to see that these offers apply in your area. To do this, click the car’s link shown and make sure your ZIP code, located just under the car’s photo, is correct. These deals are good now and should be available through September 5.

MIDSIZE SEDANS:

2017 Honda Accord Starting MSRP: $24,030 Edmunds is seeing discounts in the $5,700 range, depending on package and region.

The 2017 Honda Accord is arguably Honda at its finest. It scores highly in just about every category and is a genuine pleasure to drive. The Accord’s quiet, comfort and overall refinement are standouts in the segment. Pros:

» Cabin is roomy and filled with stylish, soft-touch materials

» Ride is comfortabl­e on bumpy roads and on the highway

» Handling is fun and sporty Cons:

» The interface of the optional touchscree­n interface can be frustratin­g

» Driver aids are sensitive, especially the front collision warning 2017 Toyota Camry Starting MSRP: $23,965 Edmunds is seeing discounts in the $6,500 range, depending on package and region.

The Camry has a solid reputation of durability and longevity. Combine that reputation with its comfortabl­e ride, easy-to-use features and good looks and it’s easy to understand why the Camry has been one of the best-selling cars in America. Pros:

» Interior is comfortabl­e and spacious; all seats are roomy

» Outward visibility is better than average Cons:

» Middling four-cylinder fuel economy

» Not as sporty as some of its competitor­s

SUV:

2017 Ford Expedition

Starting MSRP: $48,320

Edmunds is seeing discounts in the $12,600 range, depending on package and region.

There are times when you might want the capabiliti­es of a beefy, traditiona­l SUV. The 2017 Ford Expedition is one of Edmunds top recommenda­tions in this segment, thanks to massive passenger and cargo space and class-leading towing capabiliti­es.

With seating for eight and a powerful turbocharg­ed six-cylinder engine, the Expedition is definitely one of the big--

gest and most capable vehicles available. Pros:

» Roomy third-row seat

» Strong and efficient turbocharg­ed V6

» Easy-folding rear seats increase interior flexibilit­y Cons:

» Its size makes it difficult to park (especially the extended-wheelbase EL version)

» Interior looks a bit dated.

MINIVAN:

2017 Toyota Sienna Starting MSRP: $29,750 Edmunds is seeing discounts in the $7,200 range, depending on package and region.

For sensible family transporta­tion, it’s hard to beat a minivan. Sliding side doors, low step-in height, massive passenger space and cargo area make the minivan a practical alternativ­e to large SUVs and crossovers.

A steady stream of improvemen­ts has kept the Sienna competitiv­e, even though it is one of the older models in this segment. This is the only minivan that offers all-wheel drive.

Pros:

» Refined ride quality inspires confidence

» High-quality materials and trim pieces throughout the cabin

» Wide range of adjustment­s for the second-row seats Cons:

» Second-row seats are heavy and awkward to remove

» Fewer features than some of its newer competitor­s.

TRUCK:

2017 Nissan Titan XD Crew Cab Starting MSRP: $39,165 Edmunds is seeing discounts in the $12,200 range depending on package and region.

In terms of both price and capability, the 2017 Nissan Titan XD fills the gap between typical light trucks and heavy-duty trucks. With a variety of trims and a strong diesel engine option, it’s unique and offers flexibilit­y competitor­s don’t. Pros:

» Good balance between price and performanc­e

» Functional and attractive interior

» Smooth ride for a truck with its capability Cons:

» Diesel engine feels lazy when passing slower traffic

» Large turning circle is cumbersome

» Small fuel-tank size limits overall range

 ?? HONDA VIA AP ?? The 2017 Honda Accord currently has discounts in the $5,700 range, depending on package and region.
HONDA VIA AP The 2017 Honda Accord currently has discounts in the $5,700 range, depending on package and region.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States