Swap the tassel, catch the keys.

In the most vain celebration of my own college graduation (Go Coogs!), I wanted to share the best part of ditching the books: smokin’ deals on new cars! Automakers eagerly engage college grads in the hopes that young first-time buyers will remain loyal to their brand later in life. Some deals are sweeter than others. Here’s a rundown of the best.

Suzuki. Everyone knows they make the coolest bikes, but you may not realize that Gixxer DNA is finally finding its way into Suzuki’s car lineup. Suzuki offers the biggest discount for graduates in the business — $1000 — and for a limited time, the rebate can be coupled with 0% financing and about three months’ worth of prepaid gas. Test-drive an SX4. It’s worth your time.

General Motors. You’re bound to find a car to fit your personality at a Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer, Pontiac, Saab, or Saturn dealer. GM’s lineup is broad — and that’s why there’s not one standardized rebate. Instead, graduates pay reduced supplier pricing rates — and get to keep most non-grad incentives, as well.

Ford. How does $500 toward a Mustang sound? In the era of high fuel prices… probably not as nice as $500 toward a 34-mpg Focus with Sync. In any case, the choice is yours — the rebate can be applied to any Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury.

Scion. Toyota’s youthful brand isn’t far behind. Scion buyers get a $400 rebate, pay no money down, and have no monthly payments for 90 days.

Volkswagen. VW buyers don’t get grad cash, but they might be financed here when other manufacturers turn away. The Beetle-builders will finance grads with no credit history — but if you have bad credit, you’re out of luck.

Other manufacturers offer similar programs, and most allow up to two years for graduates to take advantage of these offers. If you’re a recent grad, congratulations. Study hard before your first car purchase, and drop a line if I can be of any help.

Many happy miles,
Adam

1 comment May 23rd, 2008

Welcome to the ExpoTV Cars Blog!

Hey Expo! I’m Adam of highmileage.org — you might know me as highmileage here on the site. I’m excited to share my analysis of the automotive industry, so I hope you’ll keep reading and offer counter-commentary.

It’s always important to consider the credentials of any media outlet. Know your reporter! In the interest of full disclosure, here’s a short biography.

My youth was spent buried in stacks of AutoWeek and Automotive News. At the age of 16, I began to chronicle automotive prose in a personal blog. I studied at the Jack Valenti School of Communication at the University of Houston, and covered automotive and engineering-related subjects for the 45,000-circulation Daily Cougar.

I surfed across ExpoTV in July 2006, and immediately recognized the power of the medium. Three months later, I filmed my first vehicle review using crayons, posterboard, and a pocket-sized digital camera. The final product was so compelling that, over the years, I was driven to upgrade my equipment and refine my techniques. The hard work paid off when ExpoTV asked me to anchor the New York Auto Show in April 2008.

In May 2008, I graduated with a double-major in linguistics and print journalism. Scripting for video requires exceptional linguistic versatility, and production logistics require that information is accurate. ExpoTV allows me to combine my journalistic strengths with my passion for cars. Here, I can reach an audience of “gearheads-in-training:” incredibly car-conscious shoppers who crave education — and dialogue.

ExpoTV is the perfect place for honest words. If I can ever offer help or advice, be in touch!

Many happy miles,
Adam

Add comment May 23rd, 2008