Military and First Responders Guide to Car Discounts

Members of the military, healthcare workers, and first responders have some of the toughest jobs in America. As a small token of appreciation for their service, many automakers offer generous discounts to current and former military members. Some car companies extend the discounts to first responders, as well.  

As the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the lifesaving work of the country’s health care professionals, several carmakers have expanded their programs to include medical professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and other hospital workers. 

Mazda just announced a program of free oil changes and enhanced interior cleanings to ensure the cars of healthcare workers stay in tip-top condition. The offer is available from Mazda dealers even if you don’t drive a Mazda vehicle. The offer is good until June 1, 2020. 

For Military buying programs, it doesn’t matter whether you are or were a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or National Guard. Though each program has specific eligibility requirements, they typically extend to active-duty members, reservists, military retirees, and military veterans within a few years of their discharge date.

You’ll need to be able to provide appropriate military, first responder, or medical professional I.D. to get the discounts. For special finance or lease deals, you will have to meet credit and income requirements. Not all of the programs are the same, so it is essential to read the fine print with any offer.

In addition to discounts on new car prices, military members, first responders, and healthcare providers can also get discounts on two other expensive components of car ownership: financing and auto insurance.

We’ll look at the offerings from each automaker on the following pages, then explore some additional money-saving discounts available to Americans who serve. 

Eligibility: Military/First Responders/Healthcare Professionals

Participating Mazda dealers offer $500 bonus cash to active duty military members and family members living at the same address. The military benefit extends to veterans and retirees within two years of their separation from the service. 

Some dealers in the Northeast U.S. have extended a similar program to first responders and healthcare professionals until April 30.

There’s a limit of two rebates per customer.

The automaker allows the military discount to be combined with their other cash back, loyalty, and financing deals. The current program shows an expiration date of April 30, 2020, though they typically renew the plan each month with only minor changes.