According to Consumer Reports, employee discounts may save you some money on your next car, but you could get stuck with the car you buy. The best selling cars may not even qualify for the employee discount program, and you may a raw deal on your trade-in. Profitable car dealerships know all the tricks to still get more money out of you, while unloading their inventory. Check out the full story and see which discounted cars are recommended by Consumer Report.

Also look at the dealer invoice prices and incentives before shopping. It pays to get educated. Most dealers will come down to your price if you stay in the battle. Because cars instantly lose value when you drive off the lot, your best deal is to buy a used car with low mileage. Cars don't tend to change dramatically from year to year. So last year's models will still have airbags, automatic transmission, anti-lock brakes, and a DVD player for the kids; but at a much cheaper price.

Check prices:
Kelley Blue Book
Edmunds
NADA Guides