Right now Hyundai is offering a $2000 rebate in the Northeast. I know Hyundai is offering a huge amount of dealer cash because I've been getting lower then usual quotes this month. Let's say Hyundai increases the manufacturer's rebate in November to $2500. Am I correct that chances are that the dealer cash will be diminished if the rebate goes up? Is that a safe bet?

Not sure what you mean by "dealer cash". Are you referring to some secret factory-to-dealer incentive above and beyond the advertised factory discount? I'm not sure how common those are with Hyundai. Or are you just talking about the dealer's normal negotiable markup which is around 8% depending on model? In any event, I doubt that one would influence the other.

In general I would not hold my breath for the factory rebates to get bigger, in fact if memory serves me there was a $3,000 discount not so long ago. Hyundai sales are booming, and like all automakers it is eager to wean consumers off of these huge discounts.

It can be confusing as to how the incentives apply. If I remember correctly rebates apply before tax, where "cash" incentives are after tax is applied? Regardless, it seems you get to about the same out the door price how ever they go. Right now with fuel costs being not too horrible, SFs are selling well, so you're not going to get a huge amount off MSRP like you would in times of $4/gal gasoline.

Joel

Why not? other suvs including 2010 santa fe have more efficient engines so cost less in the long run. Unless hyundai offers a big discount on the 2009 santa fe I don't see a reason to buy it. Also don't forget one of the reason for the discount is quick depreciation.

This post has been edited by theref: Nov 3 2009, 12:04 AM

I was just offered $550 below invoice for a 2009 Santa Fe, along with $2,500 on top of that with the rebate.

I'm torn...I know this is a great deal, however I do like the new features of the 2010 (especially the new engine and trans). However, I can't find any credible information on when the new model will be released in the states. So I'm not sure if I should hold off for the 2010 or get the 2009... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/puzzled.gif)

Well, I was in the same situation 2 weeks ago and decided to turn down the dealer's offer. Hyundai is going to release a new Santa Fe in 2010 and also the new Tucson will come to the market within the next few months which will add to the buyers' options. So, many buyers are holding off to see the new models. With the increasing competition on the market and the fact that the other manufacturers like Honda are also giving huge incentives, I think Hyundai will have to increase the incentives in order to sell the 2009 Santa Fe. I've decided to wait until the end of this month and see if Hyundai will increase the cash incentives and if they didn't, I'll wait until the 2010 models are released. In either case, I won't be a loser.

Just my 2 cents.