Christian P. Pewitt Blogs: Six Labor Day Deals for Back to School

Has this back-to-school season already taught you that your family's cargo needs have outgrown your current vehicle?

Regardless of whether your preference for getting your crew to and from school has you shopping for something large and luxurious (like the Cadillac SRX), a convenient crossover utility vehicle (like the Jeep Compass), a functional family car (like the Hyundai Sonata or Toyota Camry), or an uber-utilitarian minivan (like the Dodge Grand Caravan or Chrysler Town & Country), the AskPatty Auto Buying Service has identified some of the very best deals to help new-car shoppers get back to school easier.

2016 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT Plus Minivan

When it comes to offering lots of flexible space for people and their stuff, nothing beats a minivan, with enough room to transport your students and maybe even a few sports teams. The rugged 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan minivan offers a variety of flexible cargo and seating systems, with room for seven and all their stuff thanks to convenient its Stow ‘n Go seating system. Under the hood is a 283-horsepower, 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transaxle, boasting 3,600-pounds of towing capacity.

MSRP / Market Average*: $31,390 / $24,911
$ Discount / % Discount: $6,479 / 20.6%
Estimated Monthly Payment**: $298
Fuel Economy MPG (City / Hwy / Comb): 17 / 25 / 20.6

2016 Jeep Compass Sport FWD Small SUV

The 2016 Jeep Compass small SUV is available in two- or four-wheel drive in two trims -- Sport and Latitude -- and with a choice of three drivetrain configurations, ranging from a 158-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission, a 172-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with either CVT2 or six-speed automatic transmission, or a 172-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine joined to a six-speed automatic transmission. Cargo capacity ranges from 22.7 cubic feet behind five passengers, or 62.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

MSRP / Market Average*: $20,690 / $16,678
$ Discount / % Discount: $4,012 / 19.4%
Estimated Monthly Payment**: $200
Fuel Economy MPG (City / Hwy / Comb): 23 / 30 / 26.4

2016 Hyundai Sonata 1.6T Eco Midsize Car

The midsize 2016 Hyundai Sonata sedan boasts an eye-catching design and, in Eco trim, is powered by a 177-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. With 16.3 cubic feet of space, the 2016 Sonata has a large trunk for the class, and it also has standard split-folding rear seats to accommodate larger items. If your hands are full, Hyundai’s optional Smart Trunk feature will open the trunk automatically when the proximity key is near the rear of the vehicle for three seconds.

MSRP / Market Average*: $24,560 / $19,867
$ Discount / % Discount: $4,693 / 19.1%
Estimated Monthly Payment**: $238
Fuel Economy MPG (City / Hwy / Comb): 28 / 38 / 32.7

2016 Cadillac SRX Standard FWD Luxury SUV

Cadillac’s compact luxury utility vehicle appeals to SUV drivers who want a smaller vehicle, with a smooth yet powerful ride, and a plethora of luxury and comfort features. The front-wheel-drive 2016 Cadillac SRX is powered by a 308-horsepower/3.6-liter V-6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and offers cargo capacity ranging from 29.8 cubic feet behind five passengers, or 61.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

MSRP / Market Average*: $38,600 / $31,670
$ Discount / % Discount: $6,930 / 18.0%
Estimated Monthly Payment**: $379
Fuel Economy MPG (City / Hwy / Comb): 17 / 24 / 20.2

2016 Toyota Camry LE Midsize Car

Completely redesigned in 2015, the 2016 Toyota Camry remains America’s best-selling sedan. The Camry offers customers an ideal combination of spaciousness, value, safety, performance, comfort, and reliability in the midsize segment. Powered by a 178-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, Toyota's popular sedan offers seating for five passengers and stores 15.4 cubic feet of backpacks and gear in the trunk.

MSRP / Market Average*: $23,905 / $19,637
$ Discount / % Discount: $4,268 / 17.9%
Estimated Monthly Payment**: $235
Fuel Economy MPG (City / Hwy / Comb): 25 / 35 / 29.7

2016 Chrysler Town & Country S Minivan

The upscale 2016 Chrysler Town & Country minivan is especially popular for large families who want to travel in comfort. This sophisticated sibling to the Dodge Grand Caravan offers a variety of flexible cargo and seating systems, boasting 143.8 cubic feet if stowag behind the first row, 83.3 behind the second row, and 33 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row.

MSRP / Market Average*: $35,140 / $29,474
$ Discount / % Discount: $5,666 / 16.1%
Estimated Monthly Payment**: $353
Fuel Economy MPG (City / Hwy / Comb): 17 / 25 / 20.6

These six vehicles offer something for every family's needs. Opportunities for savings are available nationwide and demonstrate potential pricing on new cars based on the possible discount from the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (“MSRP”). The Market Average pricing shown below may feature manufacturer’s rebates and special cash incentives, depending on what our data shows to be the greatest opportunities for savings for new car shoppers in the current time period.

Ready to find a great Labor Day deal on the perfect Back-to-school car?

Streamline your buying process with the AskPatty Auto Buying Service, where you can research great family cars and request a Guaranteed Savings Certificate from your Certified Dealer to get your negotiation-free Guaranteed Savings (available in most states) and save yourself both time and money.

*“Market Average” is based on the national average of recent vehicle transactions, including destination and delivery charges after incentives that are subject to change. This does not include tax, title, licensing, documentation or processing fees, other state and governmental charges and/or fees or any other charges or fees allowed by law. See AskPatty Auto Buying Service for details. These TrueSavings deals demonstrate potential savings on new cars based on the possible discount from the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).

**Estimated monthly payments are based on a 2.5% APR for 72 months with 20% down on the current market average price, and excludes sales tax and other fees and charges that may vary by region or state. Actual APR may vary based on credit rating, local market conditions, and other factors. These examples are for information purposes only and are not an offer to lend. See dealer/lender for details, including actual available offers.