How does 'Buy one get one' free car sales work for new cars?

: While the second car might have "no additional cost," you are typically still responsible for registration fees, taxes, and insurance for both vehicles.

: 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 not truly free; rather, it is a creative application of manufacturer incentives and lease terms.

: Brands like Cadillac are offering "conquest" discounts (up to $3,000) for switching from a competitor.

: 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 .

: 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.