0% Car Loans Continue for April.

APRIL 2, 2008– ZERO 0% PERCENT STAYS as sales on cars and trucks drop again!

The news isn’t pretty but it isn’t a surprise. Chrysler sales were down 19% from last month so the 0% zero percent financing on 2008 models for 60 months  remains on most fo their models and up to 72 months for 2007 leftovers.

Ford and GMC are hanging in with their low interest loans, if only to appear in the game, even if the dealer stock-days in supply, is not as jammed as Chrysler,Dodge and Jeep products. Consider the fact that gas hogs like the Commander and Aspen are off 44%.

Meanwhile, Hyundai and Toyota are shoving 2008 models out the door before the first quarter is over, making room for 2009 models; SONATA and CAMRY. 

Interesting to note that the best buy right now is a 2008 Dodge RAM 2500 or 3500 Cummins Diesel 6.7l 4wd or 2wd at 0% zero financing for 60 mos. You can take the $4500 rebate, but believe me at 5.99% you will save over $8000.00 in interest beyond the $4500 rebate. 

PLUS—You get the LIFETIME-UNLIMITED MILEAGE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. The standard 5 yr. 100k warranty on the Cummins Engine is in effect. The 2008 model Cummins does not appear to have the same customer complaints of poor fuel economy, Dragging and constant DPF filter issues caused by emissions build-up.  The key to owning one of these models is to drive it hard, work it like a draft horse and change the filter often.  My other recommendation is to change the oil at 7-8k intervals, and stick to the same fuel brand as often as you can. 

Several of my clients have recommended K&N air filters and exhaust upgrades to improve fuel economy on the Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Cummins 6.7L, (usually 17/22) but I would wait until you have at least 10,000 miles on the truck before you do any chips or engine computer upgrades.

This is a great time to buy a new car or truck. Dealers, including myself, are offering huge invoice deals, you collect all the incentives and take home the extra warranty to boot.  No other car company is close to CHRYSLER, JEEP, or DODGE in the BARGAIN Discount car deals program right now. BUT, don’t expect it to last forever. With many manufacturers, including TOYOTA, shuttering plants and cutting shifts, production will dry up soon. If you want specific features, options and features, you better act fast or you’ll miss the window.

Sarah Lee/MYCARLADY.com is a 20 yr. automotive industry expert, and author of The Complete Internet Car Buying Guide.