Buy One Car Get One Free 2017 May 2026

In 2017, the automotive market was characterized by an abundance of inventory, particularly sedans, as consumer preferences shifted toward SUVs and trucks. To combat this and meet aggressive annual sales goals, dealerships utilized "Buy One, Get One Free" (BOGO) promotions as a high-impact marketing tactic. While these offers appeared revolutionary, they were often complex financial maneuvers designed to clear slow-moving stock while maximizing dealer profit. The Mechanics of the "Free" Car

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: buy one car get one free 2017

: 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). In 2017, the automotive market was characterized by

: In many cases, the "free" car was actually a two-year lease where the down payment and monthly installments were covered by the manufacturer incentives that would have otherwise been used to discount the primary vehicle. Why Dealers Ran BOGO Deals in 2017 The Mechanics of the "Free" Car True "buy

: It allowed dealers to move two pieces of "stagnant metal"—often a sedan and a large SUV—off the lot simultaneously.

By late 2017, dealer incentives reached record highs, averaging over $4,300 per vehicle. The BOGO strategy served several industry purposes:

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.