Cash for Flunkers

August 12, 2009 5:31 PM

When will 2010 car models (Nissan, Honda, Toyota) be available this year?

I spoke to a local dealer, who told me that the 2010 models are likely to be really delayed this year and may not come in until 2010 itself. In previous years, the next year's models have been available from September of the previous year. I care because I really want Electronic Stability Control, which was not available in the 2009 small cars I was interested in, but is expected to be standard on the 2010 models. (ESC becomes mandatory from 2012). Does anyone work for one of these companies or have any better information than I do? Was the dealer just trying to sell me a 2009 model or is he right?

posted by Susurration to travel & transportation (8 comments total)

It depends upon not only upon make but also model. For example, the 2010 Mazda 3 has been out for ~3 months, but the 2010 Mazda Speed 3 just came out.
posted by reishus at 5:32 PM on August 12

OK, good point. Interested in Nissan Versa, Honda Fit (ECS only available with navigation for 2009, which adds $2k), Toyota Scion - in that order of preference (possibly). Any ideas?
posted by Susurration at 5:45 PM on August 12

Whoops, meant Scion XD, not Toyota Scion ...
posted by Susurration at 5:46 PM on August 12

I haven't been paying too much attention, not being in the market for a car right now, but I'm pretty sure I've heard ads for 2010 cars. On the other hand, I also think some dealers might still have some new '08s.
posted by madcaptenor at 6:53 PM on August 12

Nissan and Toyota are having their big model-year-end sales events right now, ditto Honda with that scary Mr. Opportunity guy. Not sure about Scion; I'm not sure they do clearances. I'm not sure if this means that the 2010s are arriving soon, or just that dealers are really eager to sell their remaining 2009s right now (and might therefore be reticent on the subject of the 2010s).

This site suggests that the new Fit will be available in late summer, and the 2010 Versa will be out by mid-September. Since none of these models are getting major redesigns, there's not much promotion or buzz surrounding them, so there's not a whole lot I can dig up.
posted by Metroid Baby at 7:01 PM on August 12

Just bought a 2010 Kia Soul. So, yeah, just depends on the company, really.

And it has ESC. Is that becoming mandatory?
posted by InsanePenguin at 7:13 PM on August 12

2010 Prius is out. Can't comment on anything else.
posted by 6:1 at 7:27 PM on August 12

My boss just bought a 2010 Corolla
posted by radioamy at 11:14 PM on August 12