CAMPBELL, CA (October 15, 2008)–IntelliChoice.com (www.intellichoice.com), the leading source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis, and part of media and marketing services company Source Interlink Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SORC), today announced its “Best Deals of the Month” for October 2008 for all new cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles. The monthly ranking shows continuing and aggressive rebates on vehicles, underscoring a state of desperation within the auto industry.
“Massive rebates are being offered on vehicles that were selling just fine on their own merits not long ago. This trend highlights severe hardship in the industry, and on October’s list, the best examples are the Chrysler 300C, Toyota Tundra and Hummer H3,” said James Bell, publisher and editor of IntelliChoice.com. “In terms of offering further rebates and deals, automakers are just about at their limit in what they can or will offer. With stiffer loan qualifications and fewer leasing options available, programs like Chrysler’s that offer more cash on the hood in lieu of leasing, may be better for consumers in the long run, simply by reducing the overall load obligation. Dealers on the other hand, may still offer additional incentives just to move inventory, especially as the 2009 models are hitting the lots.”
Bell noted that lately, IntelliChoice.com’s list of Best Deals from month to month is seeing relatively high turnover due to constantly changing incentives–which signals that buyers need to be on their toes. “In the small wagon class, the 2008 Toyota Matrix is a better deal than September’s winner, the Scion xB, on the strength of rebates. Additionally, the Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab 2WD won out over Ram 3500 Regular Cab 2WD based on a $4,500 rebate on the Ram 3500. They are relatively similar vehicles but the Quad Cab offers more incentives.”
IntelliChoice.com’s “Best Deals of the Month” identify new cars, trucks, and SUVs with the best ownership cost value in 33 respective classes. Selections are based on current car prices, market conditions and the lowest national manufacturer consumer new car rebate. In addition, IntelliChoice.com uses the latest information from numerous automotive resources to evaluate what it costs to buy, own and operate each new car model-year trim line over a five-year basis.
The following “Best Deals” for October 2008 are ranked by vehicle type and size
| Class | Brand | Model |
| Subcompact Car | MINI | Cooper Hatchback |
| Compact Car over 17000 | Honda | Civic Hybrid |
| Compact Car under 17000 | Toyota | Corolla |
| Midsize Car over 21000 | Toyota | Prius |
| Midsize Car under 21000 | Toyota | Prius |
| Convertible | MINI | Cooper Convertible |
| Luxury Convertible | Audi | A4 Convertible |
| Near Luxury Car | Lexus | ES |
| Luxury Car | Infiniti | M35 |
| Large Car | Hyundai | Sonata |
| Base Sport Car | Volkswagen | R32 |
| Sport Car | Chevrolet | Corvette Convertible |
| Sport Sedan/Wagon over 38000 | Lexus | GS |
| Sport Sedan/Wagon under 38000 | Chrysler | 300 C |
| Compact Utility/Crossover | Ford | Escape Hybrid |
| Midsize Crossover | Toyota | Highlander Hybrid |
| Luxury Crossover | Lexus | RX 400h |
| Small Wagon | Toyota | Matrix |
| Midsize/Large Wagon | Subaru | Outback Wagon |
| Intermediate SUV | HUMMER | H3 |
| Full-Size Utility | Toyota | Sequoia |
| Luxury SUV | HUMMER | H2 |
| Compact Pickup Truck 2WD | Toyota | Tacoma Regular Cab 2WD |
| Compact Pickup Truck 4WD | Toyota | Tacoma Regular Cab 4WD |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck 2WD 1/2 Ton | Toyota | Tundra Regular Cab 2WD |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck 2WD 3/4 Ton | Dodge | Ram 2500 Quad Cab 2WD |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck 2WD One Ton | Dodge | Ram 3500 Regular Cab 2WD |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck 4WD 1/2 Ton | Lincoln | Mark LT 4WD |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck 4WD 3/4 Ton | Dodge | Ram 2500 Regular Cab 4WD |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck 4WD One Ton | Dodge | Ram 3500 Quad Cab 4WD |
| Minivan | Toyota | Sienna |
| Full-Size Van | Chevrolet | Express Passenger Van |
| Cargo Van | Chevrolet | Express Cargo Van |
IntelliChoice.com updates vehicle data several times a month in order to capture the many expiring auto rebates and ongoing incentive programs offered by manufacturers–giving consumers the most up-to-date analysis on which vehicles offer them the best value for their money.
IntelliChoice.com’s “Best Deals” designation enables consumers to identify how car rebates affect a vehicle’s value throughout ownership and not just at the time of purchase. Ownership costs can vary significantly among different trim lines of the same model.
Additionally, IntelliChoice.com continuously updates fuel costs based on the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Vehicles designated as “IntelliChoice.com Best Deals of the Month” are typically cars and trucks that have good to great ownership cost values before any manufacturer rebate. A rebate can often turn a good ownership cost value into a great value, and a great value into an “IntelliChoice.com Best Deal of the Month.”
Please visit http://www.intellichoice.com/ for more information or to check the auto rebate section of any vehicle report for the most up-to-date incentives.
IntelliChoice.com, part of Enthusiast Media’s Automotive Digital, is the market leader in automotive ownership cost and value analysis. Founded in 1986, IntelliChoice.com is committed to empowering consumers to make better purchase decisions by providing independent and essential automotive information and tools. Through the IntelliChoice.com web site (www.intellichoice.com), consumers get the help they need to research, compare, configure and price vehicles. The site also connects buyers to the buying alternatives of their choice, including vehicle manufacturers and an online car buying guide. Enthusiast Media is a division of Source Interlink Companies, Inc., (NASDAQ: SORC), a media and marketing services company. Source Interlink (www.sourceinterlink.com) is one of the largest publishers of magazines and online content for enthusiast audiences and a leading distributor of home entertainment products, including DVDs, music CDs, magazines, games, books and related items.
