Car Rebates & Incentives
Manufacturers offer thousands in discounts that most buyers leave on the table. Incentives are separate from negotiation — you should get both.
Types of Incentives
Some are advertised, others you need to ask about. Stackable means you can combine it with other incentives.
Cash Rebate
StackableDirect discount off the purchase price. Also called "customer cash" or "bonus cash."
$500 – $5,000
0% APR Financing
Choose oneLow interest through the manufacturer's lender. Usually can't combine with cash rebates.
0 – 2.9%
Lease Cash
StackableLowers the capitalized cost on a lease, reducing your monthly payment.
$500 – $3,000
Loyalty Bonus
StackableFor current owners of the same brand. Requires proof of ownership.
$500 – $1,500
Conquest Cash
StackableFor switching from a competitor brand.
$500 – $1,500
Military / First Responder
StackableActive military, veterans, police, fire, EMTs. Requires ID.
$500 – $1,000
College Grad
StackableRecent graduates or current students, usually within 2 years of graduation.
$400 – $750
Dealer Cash
StackableManufacturer pays the dealer to move inventory. Not advertised — you have to ask.
$500 – $2,000
Amounts vary by region and change monthly. Verify current offers with the manufacturer or dealer.
Cash Rebate vs. 0% APR
The most common choice. You usually can't get both — here's how to decide.
Example: $35,000 car, 60-month loan
0% APR
$3,000 Rebate + 6.5% APR
In this example, 0% APR saves $2,440. But results vary — always run the numbers for your rate.
Rule of thumb: If your bank rate is under 4%, take the cash rebate. Over 7%, take 0% APR. In between, calculate.
Stacking Example
Multiple incentives can apply to the same deal. This is before any price negotiation.
$3,500 in savings before you even start negotiating the sale price. Then negotiate on top of this.
How to Find Incentives
- 1
Manufacturer website
Check the "Offers" or "Incentives" section. Enter your ZIP for regional deals.
- 2
Ask the dealer directly
"What incentives are currently available on this model?" Get it in writing.
- 3
Ask about dealer cash
"Is there any dealer cash on this vehicle?" This is never advertised — you have to ask.
- 4
Mention your eligibility
Military, first responder, college grad, brand loyalty, competitor conquest — mention all that apply upfront.
Watch Out For
- •Many rebates require financing through the manufacturer's lender — not your credit union
- •Incentives often exclude certain trims, colors, or limited editions
- •You must take delivery before the offer expires — signing a contract isn't enough
- •Incentives change monthly. Don't assume last week's offer still exists
- •Never let a dealer count the rebate as their "discount" — negotiate the price first, then apply incentives on top
Best Times for Incentives
End of month/quarter
Dealers push to hit sales targets
Aug – Oct
Clearing outgoing model year inventory
Holiday weekends
Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday
New model launches
Previous generation gets aggressive incentives
EV Incentives
The federal EV tax credit (up to $7,500) expired September 30, 2025. State incentives ($1,000 – $7,500) and utility rebates ($500 – $2,000) may still apply depending on where you live.
Check AFDC State Laws & Incentives or our EV Buying Guide.
Check Current Offers
Enter your ZIP code on any of these to see regional incentives.
FAQs
Can I stack multiple incentives?
Yes. Cash rebates, loyalty bonuses, conquest cash, military discounts, and dealer cash are usually combinable. The exception: 0% APR typically can't combine with cash rebates.
What is dealer cash?
Money the manufacturer pays the dealer to move inventory. Not advertised. Ask: "Is there any dealer cash on this vehicle?"
Can I negotiate AND get incentives?
Yes. Incentives come from the manufacturer, not the dealer. Negotiate the price first, then apply rebates on top. These are separate.
Do I need dealer financing to get rebates?
Cash rebates usually don't require dealer financing. Special APR offers (0%, 1.9%) require the manufacturer's captive lender (Toyota Financial, Honda Financial, etc.).
Do incentives apply to all trims?
Not always. Base trims usually qualify. High-demand trims, limited editions, and first-year models often have fewer or no incentives.
See What Others Paid After Incentives
CarWhere shows real transaction prices including incentives applied.