Were you planning on hitting the mall this Friday? Or perhaps a big-box electronics store? The day after Thanksgiving is known as a time to score deep discounts on holiday gifts and more. But what you may not know is that you could save thousands by skipping the shops and heading to your local car dealership.

Makers including Ford, Toyota and Chevrolet are all offering Black Friday specials. Ford is offering a $1,000 pre-paid MasterCard just in time for holiday shopping. Toyota Black Friday deals vary by region, and Chevrolet is marking down new car prices and offering cash back deals for Black Friday. If your idea of holiday spirit is more about giving than saving money, Mazda will donate $100 to a charity of your choice for every new Mazda it sells through Jan. 2, 2014.

One of the great things about carmakers’ Black Friday specials is that you don’t have to wait in line in front of dealerships to get a great price. Black Friday lines up with the annual year-end inventory clearance process that dealers begin late in September, which helps really drive savings at this time of year. While consumers will find special deals on a handful of models for Black Friday, the real values are found on those 2013s that dealers are trying to sell to make room for their 2014s.

Even if you don’t see an advertised Black Friday new car deal, you should try contacting your local dealer to see if they’re offering any specials on the car you’ve had your eye on. And remember, if you save enough on a new car, you won’t need a Black Friday discount on that great new tablet!