Many people, whilst shopping for a new car, tend to go for the most recent models on the market. This makes sense, of course. It stands to reason that the latest models have the best new safety features, sleekest looks, and most luxurious interiors available on the market. What most people don’t realize is that the newest model doesn’t always have the newest features.
In fact, most of the time it’s just the same as last year’s model. What’s more, many of last year’s SUVs can be gotten for a much lower price. This has a lot to do with the way dealerships operate in regards to their unsold inventory and involves a number of factors that informed consumers should consider when eyeing a 2019 model SUV.
Societal Presumptions
These days, people assume that the latest SUVs on the lot are also the most up-to-date models available to the average consumer. By and large, this assumption is true, but there are exceptions and there is much to consider.
In our society, there is a drive for car manufacturers to release new vehicles every year. This is a result of the availability of new technology and a change in cultural norms and aesthetic preferences. Yet, while it’s true that new models are released every year, the vehicles themselves don’t typically differ that much from the previous year’s model.
This is attributed to a concept with AutoTrader refers to as the “model cycle,” which occurs in six-year increments. Automakers don’t generally update SUVs with a fresh look or impactful update but once every six years.
The Model Cycle
This six-year cycle is fairly easy to predict as well. Within the first two years, the vehicle stays basically the same, though they are marketed as “new models.” After three years, the vehicle tends to get a little bit of a facelift, either outwardly, or by virtue of implementing one of a few new technological pieces available.
After a year of new available colors and a slight shifting of headlight sizes, no changes are made for another two years. In years four and five, the vehicle remains about the same. After all, they “updated” the design pretty recently. Year six is when the true redesign begins. The entire SUV is updated and often with a completely new interior and exterior.
It is in the price of vehicles within this six-year cycle where the most differences occur. So not only are the 2019 SUVs not seeing any big updates from the 2018 models, but they’re also far more expensive. As a consumer, this can work in your favor.
The Benefits of Turnover
Car dealerships have high turnover rates when it comes to moving out old product and moving new ones in. They need to clear out those older 2018 SUVs and are willing to offer price cuts or other incentives in order to do so. Many vehicles have been sitting on lots since the summer of 2017 and savvy SUV buyers will be able to reap the benefits of this dormancy.
These prices and incentives can change from month to month and some of the best SUV deals appear at the beginning of the year. Before long, some of the better models will undoubtedly be sold off, so it pays for consumers to keep a close watch on things in the coming weeks.
Smart Consumers
The best way to take advantage of these clearance deals is to know exactly what dealerships are willing to offer. It’s important for consumers to do their research on the deals and differences of the SUV models before making a decision. Thanks to the Internet, though, these things don’t have to work only by word of mouth. There are plenty of websites out there looking to advise car buyers on getting the best possible vehicles for the lowest possible prices.
