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Memorial Day is widely seen as one of the best days for buying a new car. However, it might feel like there is never a good time to buy a car these days. Consumer Reports skimmed the new car market and found the best new car deals for Memorial Day 2022. 

The Hanlees Hilltop Nissan dealership in Richmond, California during the global chip shortage
A Nissan dealership during the global chip shortage | Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Are there good new car deals on Memorial Day? 

According to Consumer Reports, Memorial Day is one of the best times of the year to buy a new car. Often dealerships offer lower prices, and financing can also be more favorable. However, due to the limited new car inventory, we might not see quite the same great deals. But if you know where to look and can move quickly, some deals are around. 

CR cross-referenced nationwide new-car incentives and discounts that represent savings below the sticker price, and against cars, CR ranked well overall; ’cause a good deal on a bad car ain’t a good deal at all. 

The selected models range from five percent off MSRP up to about eight. CR says that these deals tend to stay the same across the model range. However, keep in mind that some local deals could outshine these nationally advertised new car deals for Memorial Day.

What is the Best New Car Deal for Memorial Day 2022?

ModelPotential savings off MSRP (%/$)Price RangeMPGConsumer Reports Rating
2022 Chevrolet Equinox$2,311 (8%)$25,800 – $32,600Overall 19 / City 13 / Hwy 27 mpg74/100
2022 Chevrolet Blazer$2,911 (8%)$33,400 – $44,000Overall 19 / City 13 / Hwy 27 mpg
82/100
2022 Nissan Murano$3,106 (7%)$33,310 – $46,560Overall 21 / City 15 / Hwy 29 mpg81/100
2022 Ram 1500$3,244 (7%)$35,900 – $77,780Overall 17 / City 11 / Hwy 24 mpg
75/100
2022 GMC Acadia$3,236 (7%) $34,800 – $48,600Overall 19 / City 13 / Hwy 28 mpg
70/100
2022 Chevrolet Traverse$3,263 (7%)$33,700 – $53,400Overall 20 / City 14 / Hwy 28 mpg83/100
2022 Chrysler 300$2,153 (6%)$31,770 – $42,155Overall 22 / City 15 / Hwy 32 mpg83/100
2022 Cadillac XT5$2,800 (6%)$43,995 – $55,895Overall 20 / City 13 / Hwy 30 mpg82/100
2022 Dodge Charger$2,294 (6%)$32,500 – $74,900Overall 20 / City 13 / Hwy 31 mpg80/100
2022 Toyota Prius Prime$1,878 (5%) $28,670 – $34,450Overall 69 / City 56 / Hwy 81 mpg79/100

The car industry has massive shortages

The Toyota Marin dealership with trucks and SUVs parked in its lot located in San Rafael, California
The Toyota Marin dealership | Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

It’s nice to see any kind of discount on new cars these days. Unfortunately, the hard part here will be getting your hands on some of the models before May 31st, when most of these deals expire. The inventory shortage is a dagger to anyone hoping to snag a good deal on a new car.

This doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find what you want; it just might not happen quickly.

We’ve written dozens of pieces trying to arm new car customers with tips, tricks, and advice for buying a car in this wild time. Aside from trying to find deals like this, there are really only three things that will help you buy a new car in 2022.

How do you buy a car in 2022?

A car salesperson talks to a customer at his desk
A car salesperson talks to a customer at his desk. | J. Conrad Williams Jr./Newsday RM via Getty Images

There are three major things to keep in mind while car shopping during the chip shortage and other supply chain issues post-pandemic:

  1. Remain open to multiple models – The best thing you can do to increase the likelihood of finding a good deal on a new car is to have multiple models that you are open to buying. Focusing on one model in one specific trim will make the process harder and take longer. Stay flexible.
  2. Do your research – One of the best weapons in your arsenal is the internet. Sales lists like this only scratch the surface. Expand your search to dealers from outside your region. Also, remember to figure out what style of car you want or need. This can help you keep the noise to a minimum at the dealership.
  3. Be patient – Take your time. The market is insane right now and will continue to shift and shake. One of the best things you can do is slow down and zoom out on the market. Take the lady who just bought a brand new Ford Bronco at MSRP. Anecdotally, that should be impossible. However, some things fall through the cracks. Stay patient and wait for the right car for the right deal, if you can.
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