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Car Dealers Jump On Black Friday Bandwagon

SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) -- For many people, Black Friday means camping out for deals on everything from toys to big-screen TVs. That's changing fast, as car dealers and manufacturers get into the Black Friday game, offering consumers thousands in trade-ins and cash-back deals.

For instance, Ford says "during the four days {of Black Friday weekend}, customers who trade in their vehicle automatically receive a $1000 rebate from Ford toward the purchase or lease of one of several top-selling vehicles. Additionally, customers can elect to receive a $1000 Amazon Gift Card when purchasing one of Ford vehicles included."

The manufacturer adds that about 95 percent of its lineup is included in this deal.

And other car makers are jumping on the bandwagon.

Chevrolet is offering zero-percent financing and $1000 cash back on a number of their most popular models. Honda started early with a 14-day sale.

But dealers and manufacturers aren't offering these deals in the holiday spirit. Black Friday weekend has become a sales bonanza for car dealers, earning them as much or more than other holiday sales like the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekend.

There is a catch. Sales managers like Town Ford's Barry Johnson caution the deals do have an expiration date.

"If you were to come in next week," Johnson told KPIX, "No you cannot get the same deal."

Johnson says his Redwood City dealership makes about 30 percent of its total income for the month of November over Black Friday weekend.

And while he doesn't have people camping overnight for doorbusters just yet Johnson predicts Black Friday deals are going to get better for consumers, and more competitive for car dealers and manufacturers.

Consumer advocates caution it is always a good idea to research a new car purchase to make sure you are getting the best deal.

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