Toyota Incentives Should Remain High for Months

Now analyst believe Toyota may have to keep incentives high until at least end of summer and quite possibly until the end of the year. If they don't, Toyota risks a sales meltdown again.

Starting March 1st, Toyota began offering 0% financing, low-rate lease deals, and cash rebates on certain models. Sales have reportedly increased as much as 70% compared to last month.

Now Toyota is in a tough spot. Historically, they've done well without the need for incentives, but consumers are now expecting it. The longer they keep incentives high, the more damage will be done to the brand and to its resale values.

Generally, this is good news for car buyers (especially if you intend to keep the car for more than 5 years).

Toyota has been forced to offer large incentives on its 2010 vehicles, but when the 2011 models come out, Toyota will likely try to ween consumers off the spiffs. In the meantime, you should have several months to get a great deal on Toyota vehicles. It's an opportunity that doesn't come along very often.