Booming car sales in SWFL

FORT MYERS, Fla.- Buy one car and get another free? Is this for real?

WINK News discovered car sales are booming in Southwest Florida and dealers say they have never seen incentives to buy this good.

If you’re looking to buy a car, now is probably the best time.

“Incentives are at all-time highs, gas prices are starting to come down,” said Michael Spinazze with Sutherlin Nissan in Fort Myers.

“I just wanted to upgrade. I wanted a new car,” said Ralph Rodriguez.

Rodriguez said he feels the economy is strong enough now to replace his current car that he’s had for five years.

“I felt very comfortable just buying another car,” said Rodriguez.

WINK News obtained brand-new Auto Count reports that show Southwest Florida car sales in October were up 30 percent compared to October 2013.

Car dealerships are doing practically anything to get you to drive off the lot with a new car.

Sutherlin Nissan in Fort Myers is offering a buy one get one free deal.

“Pick out a brand new Nissan Altima and we will give you a 2-year lease on another Nissan at no cost,” said Spinazze.

Many other dealerships are feeling the positive effects. Comparing October 2013 to the same month in 2014, Fort Myers Toyota sold 153 more new cars, Fucillo Kia sold 81 more new cars, and Sutherlin Nissan sold 112 more vehicles.

“You have got good interest rates out there and awesome lease programs,” said Brian Del Negro with Fort Myers Jaguar and Land Rover.

Del Negro says sales for higher end cars are also up dramatically.

“Gas prices being down number one, people are wanting to replace their older car, great interest rates,” said Del Negro.

“I think people are getting in to more of buying cars just because of the economy is kind of picking up and it makes people happy,” said Rodriguez.