In most cases, the "free" second car is not truly free; rather, it is a creative application of manufacturer incentives and lease terms.
: You buy a high-margin vehicle (like a full-size SUV) at full MSRP, and the dealership uses the resulting rebates and incentives to prepay a 24-month lease on a base-model subcompact. buy one get one car deals
: Dealers may significantly mark up the price of the first vehicle to cover the cost of the "free" one. In most cases, the "free" second car is
: Brands like Cadillac are offering "conquest" discounts (up to $3,000) for switching from a competitor. : Brands like Cadillac are offering "conquest" discounts
: Be wary of "scratch-off" mailers that claim you have won a car or a BOGO deal. These are often used as "bait" to get you into the showroom for high-pressure sales tactics. Better Alternatives for 2026
: Many manufacturers are currently offering 0% APR for up to 72 months on models like the 2026 Tesla Model Y , 2026 Nissan Pathfinder , and 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee .
: While the second car might have "no additional cost," you are typically still responsible for registration fees, taxes, and insurance for both vehicles.