U.S. News & World Report today unveiled May’s list of the Best Cars to Buy Now. To make U.S. News’ monthly list, a car has to meet three criteria: declining sales, strong manufacturer incentives and excellent scores in the U.S. News Best Cars rankings.

“With auto sales slowing, we’re seeing better incentives,” says Jamie Page Deaton, managing editor of U.S. News Best Cars. “There are even incentives on some luxury models, like the BMW X3, Jaguar F-Pace and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Luxury incentives this good are rare, so buyers should move quickly to take advantage of them.”

This month, U.S. News Best Cars has identified eight cars and SUVs that not only offer hefty savings but are also a pleasure to own.

May 2018: The Best Cars to Buy Now

Model

U.S. News Best Cars
Rankings Score
(Out of 10)

Available Deal

Hyundai Sonata

8.7

0% financing for 72 months or $2,000
cash back; lease for $209 per month for
36 months with $1,889 due at signing

Toyota Prius

8.5

0.9% financing for 60 months; lease for
$239 per month for 36 months with
$3,199 due at signing

BMW X3

8.5

1.9% financing for 60 months; lease for
$469 per month for 36 months with
$4,394 due at signing

Jaguar F-Pace

8.6

1.9% financing for 60 months; lease for
$469 per month for 36 months with
$4,394 due at signing

Ford Expedition

9.4

2.9% financing for 36 months and $1,000
cash back; lease for around $549 per
month for 39 months with about $3,889
due at signing

Mazda MX-5
Miata

8.9

0.9% financing for 72 months or $1,000
cash back

Mercedes-Benz
C-Class

8.4

Lease for $419 per month for 36 months
with $4,417 due at signing

Kia Optima

8.4

0% financing for 60-66 months or $4,000
cash back; lease for $159 per month for
36 months with $2,499 due at signing

The cars on the list of U.S. News Best Cars to Buy Now either have year-over-year sales declines or slower-than-average sales growth, indicating a good negotiating position for shoppers. Cars on the Best Cars to Buy Now list also take advantage of rising incentive spending, with low-interest rates and cash back offers, as well as lease deals. Finally, all cars on the list have an overall score of at least 8.4 (out of 10) in the U.S. News Best Cars rankings.

Deals listed are from manufacturers’ sites using representative ZIP codes. Deals may vary depending on location, the buyer’s credit score, and other factors. Deals are valid through May 31, 2018, according to manufacturers’ sites. In some cases, they extend to June 2018.

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