Best Cash-Back Finds: 12.27.07

Many year-end incentives end on January 2 so we thought it would be a good time to sift through the deals and see what models are actually worth your hard-earned cash-back dollars. For a list of all incentives, click here.

2008 Saturn Vue

• MSRP: $21,250
• Cash back: $2,000
• Percent off MSRP: 9.4%
• Expires: 1/2/08
• 5-Year Ownership Costs
• Cars.com Best New Car for Small Families

The redesigned Saturn Vue is a favorite at the Cars.com offices. It recently won our small SUV faceoff against the Nissan Rogue and Toyota RAV4 and has a relatively upscale interior. It also scored nearly perfect on IIHS crash tests — an airbag redesign will have future Vue’s in fact perfect. The one main fault with the Vue is the seemingly high MSRP on certain trim levels. With $2,000 off that — including the sporty Red Line trim — this is a great deal.

2007 Ford Mustang

• MSRP: $19,250
• Cash back: $2,500
• Percent off MSRP: 12.9%
• Expires: 1/2/08
• 5-Year Ownership Costs

Depending on where you live you could save some decent dough on a 2007 Mustang. Not much has changed for 2008 and the sale doesn’t include special models like the Shelby GT and GT500, but you can still get a V-6 or V-8 coupe or convertible with significant cash back. Winter weather will probably also prod dealers to move these RWD cars off lots.

2007 Hyundai Sonata

• MSRP: $17,345
• Cash back: $2,500
• Percent off MSRP: 14.4%
• Expires: 1/2/08
• Cars.com Best Bet

The Cars.com Best Bet is not selling as well as one would expect. Consider consumer snobbery a smart shopper’s gain. The Sonata gets decent mileage — 21/31 mpg city/hwy for the four-cylinder, 19/28 mpg for the V-6 — scored decently in crash tests (got an Average on side crash tests, Good scores in front and rear) and it was reasonably priced before any rebate.

2007 Kia Rondo

• MSRP: $16,395
• Cash back: $1,500
• Percent off MSRP: 8.8%
• Expires: 1/2/08
• 5-Year Ownership Costs

Unlike many of the models on this list the Rondo is not overwhelmingly thought of in a positive light among Cars.com staffers. But the little minivan-like vehicle has its upsides. It has a comfortable ride, an optional third row, lots of cargo area and it’s priced right. Add up to $1,500 cash back and the jellybean shaped Rondo could find more loving homes.

*Rebate amounts may vary by region.