5 great deals on redesigned 2014 cars

When it comes to cars, do you care more about the latest style or scoring a bargain price? If "bargain hunter" describes your profile, take a look at the deals on 2014 cars that have new, redesigned 2015 versions waiting to replace them.

For instance, the 2014 Ford Mustang -- with a splashy 2015 redesign already arriving on dealers' lots -- carries up to $3,500 in rebates on V-6 versions.

If you are shopping for one of these 2014 cars, don't assume that the rebate is the only price break you can get. Remember, dealers need to clear out room for the incoming 2015 redesigns. "Negotiate to get the best deal you can before even talking about the cash rebates," suggests analyst Matt DeLorenzo of Kelley Blue Book.

Here's a closer look at five 2014 bargain deals.

Nissan Murano

Nissan is offering clear-out deals with rebates of up to $3,500, with an additional $500 if you take a loan from Nissan's own finance company. Reviews of the 2014 Murano compiled by U.S.News praise the mid-size SUV for sporty handling and its responsive 6-cylinder engine.

Inside, critics praise an upscale cabin that could look at home in a luxury SUV, with spacious and comfortable front and rear seats. The EPA gas mileage rating is 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.

The list price of the Murano is $29,415. According to Kelley Blue Book price data, the average purchase price on the base model Murano S is $23,755 when the $3,500 rebate is applied but before taxes and state fees.

Chrysler 300

The 2015 version of Chrysler's large sedan will emerge at next month's Los Angeles Auto Show. Meanwhile, the 2014 model carries rebates of up to $5,250 in most of the country and even more in some specialized regional deals.

Reviewers praised the 300 from 2014 for the quick acceleration of its standard V-6 engine (a V-8 power plant also is available). The 300 also displayed crisp handling despite its large size along with a smooth and quiet highway ride.

For the V-6 engine, the EPA rating is 19 MPG in the city, 31 highway. The list price for the 300 is $31,990. When you apply the broadly-available $5,250 rebate, the Kelley Blue Book "fair purchase price" -- or average transaction cost is $24,638.

Ford Expedition

It's a big SUV with a big price. But if that's the kind of room you need, it also has a big rebate. With a redesigned 2015 Expedition just starting to get to dealers, the 2014 has a $5,250 rebate.

Competing with such General Motors stalwarts as the Chevrolet Suburban and the GMC Yukon, the Expedition is praised for its smooth ride over tricky roads and its strong towing power.

Gas mileage is not the strong point of vehicles this size, and the V-8 engine is rated for 14 MPG in city driving, 20 on the highway.

While the retail price for the two-wheel drive XLT version is $43,170, the Kelley Blue Book average transaction price for the 2014 Expedition with the $5,250 rebate applied is $35,308, before taxes and fees.

Nissan Maxima

With a redesigned 2015 Maxima going on sale later this year, dealers are aiming to clear out the 2014 model with the aid of a $4,500 rebate.

While it is not a luxury brand, the Maxima comes with an upscale interior design that approximates some luxury models. Reviewers say that the standard V-6 engine provides good acceleration, and it is rated for 19 MPG in the city and 26 on the highway.

A comfortable ride in that highway driving combines with responsive steering for twistier roads. With a list price of $32,115 for the S version, the Kelley Blue Book average transaction price is $25,100 once the $4,500 rebate is applied, before taxes and fees.

Dodge Challenger

If muscle car style and acceleration still rev your engines, take a look at the 2014 Challenger, which carries rebates of up to $3,500 with someregional variations.

A competitor to the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, the retro-styled Challenger is praised for its capable handling and roomy interior space. The Challenger base model comes with a 6-cylinder engine, but shoppers for this car will find it hard to resist the optional Hemi V-8, which is rated for 15 MPG in city driving and 18 on the highway.

Take a look at the R/T version, the most reasonably priced V-8 choice. With list price at $31,490, the average selling price after applying the $3,500 rebate is $26,050.