March of 2011 marks the first time that the Mazda 2 can be purchased with zero interest for 60 months and no down payment. How high are the payments you may ask? Even without a down payment the zero interest/60 month payment option will set your monthly payment at $236 per month for a base model. The Mazda 3 is also available under the same financing conditions.

The Mazda 5, 6, CX-7, and CX-9 all have attractive lease rates for the month of March. Thirty-six month leases vary from $239 to $359 depending on the model. Down payments on these leases are as low as $1,833 due at signing.

One of the best ways to clear a lot is to offer the right incentive packages to new car buyers. Mazda is leading the way with its March offerings. Many of these models offer high mpg and low monthly payments. That’s a one-two punch you won’t mind taking.

There are advantages to each, but given our economy, opting for the 0% interest auto loan may be the way to go.  Yes, you will incur debt that you would not if you paid cash, but taking out a loan and then paying it back on time and without issue will only boost your credit score.  Additionally, making monthly payments leaves you with a greater amount of cash on tap, and you can invest that money using low-risk strategies such as CDs and money market accounts, effectively earning more than 0%.  Obviously, if you bought your vehicle with a single lump payment of cash you would not be able to invest it like this. 

Traditionally, auto loans serve as an added area of profit for any large dealership.  However, automakers have been trying to boost sales, so take advantage while you can.

The following Chevy are available with 60 month 0% interest car loans:

• 2010 Aveo
• 2010 Cobalt
• 2010 HHR
• 2010 Colorado
• 2010 Suburban
• 2010 Tahoe
• 2010 Traverse

Even more incredible, Chevrolet is selling the following models with available 72 month 0% interest car loans:

• 2010 Corvette (just incredible to get this car with long term 0% APR financing)
• 2010 Impala
• 2010 Avalanche
• 2010 Silverado

Many of these Chevys are virtually unchanged from model year 2010 to 2011, so you won’t be missing much. Plus these cars are still brand new. With used car prices still so inflated due to scarcity in the marketplace, you might be able to get a new car at a more affordable price than a used one.

1. $5000 Cash back
2. Zero Percent Financing for 72 Months

Since the ’09 and ’10 ‘Vettes are so similar, you won’t be giving up much in the way of power or amenities by opting for the year old model. What you will be getting is an amazing deal. It’s very seldom that buyers can get 0% interest car loans on true supercars.

1. Zero percent APR financing guarantees me the lowest price possible.  This is not true. Dealers may inflate the vehicle’s price in order to compensate for the lack of profit they will make from charging you interest on your financing arrangement.
2. Zero percent APR financing is offered on any Toyota, Honda, Chevy, Mazda, etc I want. Not true. In most cases, 0% interest car loans are available only on select vehicles. Sometimes they are from the last model year. The car or truck you REALLY want might not be available at zero interest.
3. Anyone can qualify for zero percent auto financing. No way. Not everyone qualifies, even if they have a stellar credit score. Having too much existing debt payment, too many existing auto loans, or other factors affecting your debt-to-income ratio could negate your credit score and disqualify you.

• Buick
• GMC
• Cadillac — you don’t see 0% financing from these guys often!
• Chevy
• Ford
• Lincoln
• Mercury
• Nissan
• Infiniti
• Toyota — subject to regional variance

Meanwhile, Honda is offering 0.9% financing on many models.

• Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Jeep Liberty
• Jeep Commander
• Dodge Charger
• Dodge Ram

For more information on Jeep and Dodge 0% financing, visit Real Car Tips.

• Prius
• Yaris
• Corolla
• Camry
• Venza
• RAV4
• Highlander

Even if you cannot qualify for 0 interest car loans, you might be able to get approved for interest rates ranging from 0.9% to 3.9% in single percentage point increments.   There are also low monthly lease payments available, though you have to a credit score of either 650 or 720 to qualify, depending on the vehicle in question.  Additionally, $2200 to $3700 is due at signing.

However, other 0 interest car deals are only available for shorter term lengths, such as 36, 48, or 60 months.  This can be a problem, because such a short term length necessitates that you either provide a hefty down payment or suffer very large monthly installment payments.  If you can afford these installments, then you’re good.  But just make sure that you don’t let the temptation of 0% financing get the best of you.  Zero percent financing on new cars can be a great deal, but it’s not necessarily the right option for everyone.