Consumer Reports analyzed late-summer car deals and the results are none too surprising. The biggest incentives are on gas-gourgers and big vehicles, the cars no one wants right now.

Car | Average incentive value | Average incentive value per vehicle
Hatchbacks/wagons | $1,300 | $400
Budget and small cars | 1,000 | 450
Sporty/convertible | 2,300 | 750
Sedans | 2,300 | 1,200
Minivans | 2,200 | 1,600
SUVs | 2,600 | 1,900
Pickup trucks | 3,200 | 3,100

It's important to consider other factors, like maintenance, depreciation, dealer incentives, safety and fuel efficiency. Consumer Report says, "getting a great deal on a bad car is no deal at all."

Driving a great, end-of-summer new car deal [Consumer Reports] (Photo: jurvetson)