10 Models Poised to Drop in Price Before Year-End

Here’s a clean, practical list for late-2025 car shoppers.

How we built this list:

– We looked for models sitting on lots a long time (high days’ supply).

– We tracked fresh lease markdowns (when leases fall fast, purchase deals usually follow).

– We noted models facing new versions in early 2026 (dealers clear 2025 stock first).

– We analysed VIN data (aged VINs, prior demo/loaner use, auction sighting history, open recalls that stall sales).

The 10 to watch and why

1) Mercedes-Benz S-Class (S 500)

Leases dropped sharply this month. S-Class often gets extra help near year-end. Ask for demo or loaner units and check build date on the door sticker.

2) Maserati Grecale

Very high inventory in many regions. Stores tend to add quiet dealer cash on aged 2025s. Look for early-year build months.

3) Jaguar F-PACE

One of the slowest movers right now. Floorplan costs pile up, so December clearance pushes are common.

4) Audi Q8

Supply is heavy. Watch for “manager specials” on V6 trims and showroom cars from prior months.

5) Land Rover Discovery

Another high-supply luxury SUV. If price won’t budge, ask for accessory credits (roof rails, mats) and fee reductions.

6) Lincoln Aviator

Three-row luxury with strong availability. Quote at least three dealers within 100 miles; the spread can be big.

7) Volkswagen Taos

Mainstream compact SUV with a lot of units on hand. Regional bonus cash and doc-fee offsets often appear late in the month.

8) Ford Mustang (gas)

Unusually high days’ supply for a halo coupe. Year-end tends to bring targeted retail cash on leftover colors and trims.

9) Cadillac LYRIQ (EV)

Luxury EV with slower turn this fall. Expect stronger lease support and willingness to waive add-ons to move units.

10) Ford Mustang Mach-E (EV)

Another EV where leases do the heavy lifting. Purchase prices can soften after lease programs reset in November/December.

Why luxury and EVs are most likely to budge right now

– Luxury SUVs and sedans make up a big chunk of the slow-seller list this month.

– Several high-end EVs are moving slowly, so brands lean on subsidized leases and dealer cash to keep volume steady.

– New 2026 arrivals (and early 2027 reveals) pressure dealers to clear 2025 inventory.

EpicVIN’s quick playbook (use this at the store)

– Hunt “aged” VINs. Open the driver’s door and read the build month. Cars built 6–12 months ago are easier to discount.

– Ask for the demo. Manager cars and service loaners have miles, but the price cut can be real.

– Stack the deal. Combine factory programs with dealer discount, then ask to remove add-ons (nitrogen, paint sealant, VIN etch).

– Widen your net. Quote 3–5 dealers. The best price might be two cities away.

– For EVs, consider leasing. It can shield you from resale swings; some brands bake credits into the lease math.

What real shoppers say

– Buyers report mixed luck on end-of-model-year deals: some stores hold firm, others cut deep once cars age. Aiming high (like 15% off) only works where supply is truly heavy.
Thread: r/askcarguys — What happened to end of model year discounts?
https://www.reddit.com/r/askcarguys/comments/1n2jsom/what_happened_to_end_of_model_year_discounts/

– Deal-hunters track live rebates and leases (0% APR, conquest cash, strong EV programs). Skim one of these lists before you email dealers.
Thread: r/carincentives — New cars with the biggest discounts off MSRP
https://www.reddit.com/r/carincentives/comments/1na35l0/new_cars_with_the_biggest_discounts_off_msrp/

Use this list step-by-step

1) Pick 2–3 targets from the Top-10 that fit your needs and budget.

2) Email, don’t call. Ask for an out-the-door price on a specific VIN that looks aged.

3) Reference current programs in plain words: “I see leases fell this month; if I buy, what can you do on this VIN?”

4) Be patient but firm. The sweet spot is the week after Thanksgiving and the final 10 days of December.

5) Run the VIN before you sign. EpicVIN will flag title status, prior damage, open recalls, and even past auction photos if they exist.

Bottom line 

– Pick 2–3 targets; focus on aged VINs and demos.

– Email 3–5 dealers for out-the-door quotes; ask to remove add-ons.

– Best timing: week after Thanksgiving and last 10 days of December.

– EVs: price the lease first. Gas: stack factory + dealer incentives.

– Before any deposit, run the VIN check (title, mileage, recalls, auction history).