Well, it's the end of the year once again-end of the model year, that is. This traditionally has been a great time to buy a new car because there are lots of end-of-the-model-year deals. Of course, you can't expect to walk into a dealership and have them give the car away-you still have to work for it.

It's also important to remember a few things too. First, certain models/colors/options may not be available-these are leftovers, after all. Second, remember that you're buying a year-old car. If you plan to keep the car for a relatively short time, you're better off waiting a little bit longer for a 2001 model. Don't worry, they'll be discounting the new cars just as heavily. If you're planning to keep the car until it dies, then it makes sense to get a leftover. The reason that makes buying a car now more attractive is the large manufacturer to dealer/consumer rebates and incentives. It's also important to keep in mind that the reason for the hefty rebates on some models, for example all of the DaimlerChrysler minivans, is that new, redesigned models are on the way.

There are plenty of GM cars available and with big rebates, too. There are always plenty of Prizms to choose from-the Prizm is basically the same car as the Toyota Corolla. Toyota has a $600 dealer incentive on the Corolla while Chevrolet has a $2000 rebate on the Prizm. If you don't mind having a Chevrolet badge, then the Prizm is obviously the better deal. The models that GM dealers are heavy on include most of the Cadillacs, the Buick Park Avenue, the Chevy Blazer and Tracker, the Oldsmobile Bravada and Silhouette minivan and the GMC Jimmy and Envoy.

Over at Chrysler, you'll find lots of Jeeps available. Jeep sales have slowed this year, especially with the Cherokee. There's a $1,500 rebate on the Cherokee as well as the Grand Cherokee. There are big rebates on the minivans-$3,000 on the long-wheelbase versions and $2,500 on the shorties. That's because new versions are on the way.

If you're looking for an import minivan, you may want to consider the Mercury Villager/Nissan Quest. Both of these are being discontinued due to poor sales, however the Mercury version has a $2,500 rebate while the Nissan carries $2,000 ($1,000 consumer, $1,000 dealer).

At Ford, note that the Contour and the Mercury Mystique are also discontinued, there are plenty of Cougars around and the giant Ford Excursion SUV hasn't sold as well as Ford expected so there's plenty to choose from.

You won't find as much price flexibility with the import brands; however, Honda is introducing a new Civic so you should see larger than normal discounts. Of all the imports, Daewoo is loaded with cars and you should see big discounts. Nissan is the weakest of the big Japanese carmakers. For example, there's a $2,000 consumer rebate and a $2,000 dealer incentive on the Pathfinder and $1,400/1,400 on the Altima. There's also plenty of Suzuki Grand Vitara and Vitara SUV's available, too.

Happy buying!

[Peter C. Sessler has written over 30 automotive books. Besides books, he also writes for several Internet web sites and car magazines. He has also written (with his wife) a children's six-book series on auto racing. His latest books include "Camaro Photo Archive," "Jeep Prototypes and Concept Cars," "The Ultimate American V-8 Engine Data Guide" and "SVT Mustang Cobra Recognition Guide, 1993-2000."]