(December 17, 2015) IRVINE, Calif. — Just in time for the holidays and year-end bargains, the experts from Kelley Blue Book kbb.com have assembled their list of the 10 best lease, financing and cash back deals for new cars available in December from a variety of auto manufacturers.

"With holiday shopping in full force, our list of standout December deals focuses on the finalists and winners of the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards, which is designed to help car shoppers identify the cream of the crop of all available new models," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com.

"This month's 10 Best Deals list places a strong emphasis on value and includes sedans and SUVs, a sleek luxury choice, as well as a minivan, sports car and truck. Topping the list is the 2016 Honda CR-V, named this year's Best Buy Award Winner in the small SUV/crossover segment."

Below are the KBB.com editors' picks for standout new-car lease, financing and cash back deals, all available at least through January 4, 2016:



Tips for first-time car buyers

With the year's end quickly approaching, first-time car buyers would be apt to take advantage of holiday deals. Kelley Blue Book experts recommend the following tips to ensure a smooth car buying process:

    • Establish a realistic budget and know what you can spend monthly. Look at your cost of living in all core areas, like shelter, food and health insurance, and other bills. Once those are calculated, determine an amount that you can spend on a car payment, fuel, and car insurance. Also keep in mind your level of indebtedness in comparison to other assets.

    • Do your research.  Visit KBB.com for the latest and greatest reviews of new cars and their late-model alternatives.

    • Locate a convenient dealer.  When weighing a couple of choices, compare dealer locations, and if all other things are equal, showroom environments.

    • Determine the proper purchase price.  The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price gives you an accurate idea of what people have recently paid in your area for the car you are interested in.

    • Secure financing, or know your options. When determining the best financing option, be sure to measure the cost of financing against the price of the car. And while you're at it, save yourself the added extra costs in fees and paperwork time by researching companies like LightStream, the online lending division of SunTrust Bank, where good credit can land you a personal loan at fixed, competitive rates without fees.