While compelling, BOGO deals often relied on "free" being more attractive than the actual math. For most buyers, a direct cash discount or 0% APR financing on a single vehicle—common in November and December 2017 —offered better long-term value than owning two vehicles and paying the associated double taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs.
: Even if the second car was free, it created a new customer relationship for service plans, extended warranties, and future trade-ins. Consumer Reality Check buy one car get one free 2017
: It allowed dealers to move two pieces of "stagnant metal"—often a sedan and a large SUV—off the lot simultaneously. While compelling, BOGO deals often relied on "free"
True "buy one get one free" deals on vehicles are rarely a simple giveaway of two equal assets. Historically, these promotions followed a specific pattern: Consumer Reality Check : It allowed dealers to
: A customer would be required to buy a high-margin, fully loaded vehicle, such as a large SUV, at full manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).
: The second vehicle was typically a base-model sub-compact with minimal features, like a Mitsubishi Mirage or a Kia Rio .
By late 2017, dealer incentives reached record highs, averaging over $4,300 per vehicle. The BOGO strategy served several industry purposes: