NEW YORK (KRT) – Automobile dealers are clearing their lots to make room for next year’s models. With rebates and other incentives at a high point, it’s a good time to buy a vehicle.

Most rebates are regionalized, according to Phil Reed, consumer advice editor for Edmunds.com.

Before you visit any dealerships, it’s wise to do research on what incentives are available in your area.

Edmunds.com allows you to get price quotes in your area for a specific make and model, and will list any known incentives being offered.

Many of the current advertised incentives involve gasoline rebates for purchasing an SUV, Reed said.

Others include bonuses for military personnel or for selecting on-site financing.

One little-known incentive is dealer cash, meaning money that manufacturers make available to dealers.

Unlike other rebates and incentives, dealer cash isn’t advertised.

Instead, Reed added, dealers use it to sweeten offers for hesitant buyers: “What if I could give you the car for $500 less?”

“It’s like you’re playing poker and you have a couple of aces,” he said. “You’re not going to tell the other players about it.”

Once you’ve found the rebates for your area, keep a print copy, so you can call the dealer’s bluff and benefit from the incentives before starting price negotiations.