The cash rebate is probably the best bet if the buyer intends to sell or trade in within two to three years.

There is also the option to donate the cash rebates to a charity of choice.

"It's no big deal anymore to see $3,000 or $4,000 cash rebates."

And they will often kick in cash rebates of a few thousand dollars, too.

A flat cash rebate per person, for example, would leave low-income families far better off because they drive much less than average.

On some models, the cash rebate was higher with the earlier program than with the newest one.

The paperwork he signed gave him an "instant cash rebate" of $500.

For example, cash rebates and financing offers may be available, which can help tip the scale in one direction.

"But cash rebates were just announced, and I expect sales to subside a bit."

If private health plans did a better job of holding down costs, their members would reap the benefits, getting cash rebates or lower premiums.