• by Tanya Gazdik , Staff Writer, September 6, 2016

It’s the day after Labor Day, and in Michigan that means the kids are (finally) heading back to school. Unlike most of the country, where the kids have been back in school a few days or weeks, our state legislators passed a law a few years back prohibiting schools from starting before Labor Day. The thinking was it would promote tourism in the state and encourage — what else — road trips. 

I went on three separate 1-hour+ mini-trips around the state this weekend, so even without kids, I guess I’m doing what they want state residents to do. I’m sure the automakers love the idea of all those road trips, too.

The impending season change also means we will start seeing more and more 2017 model vehicles both on dealer lots and in marketing efforts. But there are still plenty of 2016 models that are worth a look, including a few that are actually going to either disappear completely or change radically in the next model year. Consumers shouldn’t be put off by that because, in most cases, these are still perfectly fine vehicles, albeit the leftovers. 

Another by-product of these “leftovers” is that automakers won’t likely be marketing them any further, except in dealer ads where they offer big discounts. On the flip side, automakers will likely be marketing the heck out of all of the replacements before not too long. 

Car shopping destination Edmunds.com released a list of new car "leftovers" that promise to offer some of the biggest discounts on the market in the coming weeks. These cars range from luxury brands (Mercedes-Benz E-Class) to reliable everyday sedans (Subaru Impreza). 

“Even though these vehicles are being redesigned or going away altogether, they still have the same great technology and performance that you’d find in most new cars, but at a much better value,” says Ron Montoya, Edmunds.com senior consumer advice editor. “Bargain hunters are strongly encouraged to consider these vehicles, and the sooner they start shopping, the better. Since we’re approaching the end of the car-buying year, inventories of these cars will start to dwindle and colors and options may be limited.”

Edmunds identifies nine specific vehicles as its “Best New-Car Leftovers for 2016” and here are five that stand out: 

• 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan (Redesign)

Even luxury car shoppers can appreciate a bargain and the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class delivers both on the car and the price, according to Edmunds. The E-Class sedan, set to be redesigned for the 2017 model year, has long been one of the go-to picks for midsize luxury sedans. The "A" rating Edmunds editors gave it in 2015 further solidified its reputation. (The coupe and wagon will remain unchanged for now.)

• 2016 Hyundai Genesis Sedan (Rebranded as Genesis G80)

If you want a midsize luxury sedan with many of the same features of the E-Class but with a lower price tag, give the Genesis sedan a look – especially now. The price gap becomes even more pronounced with the savings on the 2016 Hyundai Genesis. An added bonus is that there won't be much difference in the 2017 version: Hyundai is creating its own luxury brand, "Genesis Motors," and this model will carry over largely unchanged but with a new name: Genesis G80.

• 2016 Buick LaCrosse (Redesign)

The all-new 2017 Buick LaCrosse will be hitting dealer lots soon, but there are still plenty of 2016 models on hand. Edmunds says the LaCrosse is a comfortable, entry-level full-size sedan with a hybrid model and all-wheel drive as options.

• 2016 Cadillac SRX (Replaced by XT5)

The Cadillac SRX isn't exactly going away. Instead, Cadillac is giving its luxury SUV a makeover and a new name: Cadillac XT5. Some of its more notable features are a classy interior and a comfortable ride, according to Edmunds. 

• 2016 Subaru Impreza Sedan (Redesign)

The Subaru Impreza sedan is scheduled for a 2017 redesign. In the meantime, Subaru will be encouraging its dealerships to clear out the remaining 2016 models of what Edmunds calls a spacious and reliable sedan with standard all-wheel drive. 

Even though the Labor Day weekend is over, any day is a good day for a road trip. Especially if it’s in a new vehicle.