Driving Bargains
Best Used Vehicle Values
“Get a copy and study it.”
Warren Brown, The Washington Post
By AIER Research Staff
Driving Bargains
Best Used Vehicle Values
By AIER Research Staff
Great Barrington, MA
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Economic Bulletin, Vol. XLIX No. 8 August 2010
Copyright © 2010 American Institute for Economic Research
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Contents
1. Car Costs in Perspective................................................................... 1
A Fundamental Expenditure................................................................... 2
Cost Differences: A Worked Example................................................... 3
Keep Long-Term Costs in Mind............................................................... 5
2. Trends in the Auto Market.............................................................. 7
A Buyer’s Market.......................................................................................... 7
Government Perks: Tax Credits............................................................... 8
Other Incentives.........................................................................................10
The Green Movement..............................................................................10
3. The Automobile Price Outlook...................................................13
Getting a Fix on the Sticker Price.........................................................13
Getting a Fix on Financing.....................................................................14
Calculating Savings...................................................................................16
4. Should You Buy Used Or New?....................................................19
Best Buys in Used Cars.............................................................................20
5. Should You Buy Or Lease?.............................................................35
Basics of a Lease.........................................................................................36
Comparing Financing Methods...........................................................37
An Explanation of Leasing Terms.........................................................39
6. Protecting Your Investment......................................................... 41
An Insurance Primer.................................................................................42
Minimum Is Not Adequate.....................................................................44
No-Fault, Rentals, and Renewals..........................................................46
Safety Recalls...............................................................................................47
Lemon Laws.................................................................................................48
7. 2009 Rankings....................................................................................49
Using the Tables.........................................................................................49
Which Models Are Listed........................................................................50
What the Rankings Indicate...................................................................51
Do Older Models Sell for More?............................................................51
Index. ............................................................................................................... 95
1
Car Costs in Perspective
Car Costs in
Perspective
1
It may come as a surprise to many Americans that there is an object of
everyday life that typically eats up more of their money than even the food
they eat. This is the automobile. In fact, for a car or truck owner, this vehicle can usually be viewed as a money pit on wheels.
Americans, on average, spend much more money on transportation each
year than they do on anything else except keeping a roof over their heads.
They spend three times more on getting from here to there than they do on
healthcare. The expenditure far outdistances what they pay for entertainment, clothing, food, or the Social Security they will rely on in retirement.
Americans spend nine times more on transportation than on their own
education.
The cost of having and running a car is far more than the purchase price
and gasoline. There are car insurance premiums, maintenance and repair
5%
12.0%
0%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010.
6.1%
5.8%
3.5%
2.2%
Miscellaneous
12.7%
Food
10%
17.6%
Transportation
15%
Housing
20%
Education
25%
Apparel and Accessories
30%
Entertainment
Pensions and Social Security
32.3%
Health Care
Selected Components of Average Consumer Expenditures
35%
7.8%
2
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
bills, license and registration fees and tolls. Then there are the luxuries—
larger, sleeker, or fancier models, sunroofs, leather seats, pricey stereos, and
security systems—all of which add up over the course of a lifetime. The
estimated average costs of owning and operating a motor vehicle over a 50year period can range from more than $256,000 to nearly $373,000, depending on the size of car. And that’s just the cost of a single vehicle. Owning
multiple vehicles means proportionally higher expenditures.
These figures are not meant to discourage car ownership—or to imply
that anyone who drives a vehicle other than a clunker is financially foolish.
For most Americans, automobile transportation remains a necessity. Ours
is a mobile, geographically spread out society with a growing population.
Only a small percentage of the workforce lives within walking distance of
employment, shopping, entertainment, and other daily destinations. And
for the vast majority of Americans, public transportation either is unavailable, unreliable, inconvenient, or too dangerous to rely on as a means of
getting everywhere they need to go. Private transportation remains a household staple.
A Fundamental Expenditure
The money Americans spend on personal motor vehicles and parts is several times greater than what they spend on public transportation (including
transit systems, railways and taxicabs). Between 1990 and 2008, the latest
Estimated Average Costs of an Automobile Over 50 Years
     Cost
 Category
Depreciation
Gas/Oil
Insurance
Maintenance
Taxes
Total:
—————————— Automobile Type ——————————
Small
Medium
Large
4WD Sport
MiniSedan
Sedan
Sedan
Utility Vehicle
Van
$79,557
$69,300
$50,250
$36,450
$21,350
$256,907
$103,936
$89,775
$50,200
$39,975
$29,150
$313,036
$140,382
$96,600
$54,200
$44,550
$37,250
$372,982
$137,055
$122,850
$48,200
$44,325
$36,750
$389,180
$108,667
$102,750
$46,700
$42,075
$30,900
$331,092
Note: Current dollars. Based on 750,000 miles of travel over 50 years; 12-year, 100 percent depreciation on autos. Source:  “Your Driving Costs,” American Automobile Association, 2010.
Car Costs in Perspective
year for which data is available, the number of registered motor vehicles in
the United States increased from 189 million to 248 million, and the number of miles traveled by passenger cars, trucks, and motorcycles increased
from 2 trillion to just under 3 trillion. Furthermore, in 2008, there were 1.2
registered vehicles for every licensed driver in the United States.
The increase in the number of vehicles in the United States over the
years has resulted in a healthy market for used cars and trucks. For many
consumers, buying a brand-new car is a luxury, and savvy buyers can find
great value when picking up a used car. In fact, used cars account for more
than 70 percent of all cars sold or leased.
We’ve written this book to help you make financially smart decisions
on what car makes the most sense for you. It addresses the various costs of
owning a car, and the chapters ahead provide an outlook on today’s auto
market, discuss the merits of acquiring a new or used car, consider whether
it’s better to buy or lease, and explain vehicle insurance. Most importantly,
given the huge demand for used cars, the economists at the American Institute for Economic Research have devised a system of ranking used vehicles
by resale value. Whether you’re looking to buy a car to drive for a long time
or to sell or trade it in after a few years, these rankings will allow you to
make sound financial choices that fit your needs.
The wiser a person acts in choosing an automobile, and the better a
person keeps automobile expenditures in check, the more money he or she
will have to spend on other essentials—not merely food and clothing, but
healthcare and recreation, education, and investing for retirement. Thus,
the prudent car user can avoid driving his or her health, happiness, and
future welfare into the ground.
Cost Differences: A Worked Example
The sticker price of new cars continues to rise. From 1990 to 2008, the average expenditure for a new car rose from $15,827 to $28,350. This was only
partly because of price inflation. Cars today compared to two decades ago,
are designed and built better, require less maintenance, have better warranties, and offer greater comfort and safety. (Consider the warning beeps
a newer model will emit if a key is left in the ignition or a turn signal is left
on, vastly improved air conditioning and defrosting, or new features such as
lumbar seat adjustments and GPS navigation.) In fact, the quality adjusted
3
4
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
price indexes for new cars and trucks actually have been flat or decreasing
since the late 1990s. You pay more for cars today, but you get more for your
car than you did yesterday.
Other expenses of car ownership continue to rise, most conspicuously
the costs of insurance, maintenance, and repair. Given the rising expense of
operating a car, it’s wise to consider both short- and long-term expenses.
The lifetime cost of driving small sedans, for example, is a good
deal less than the lifetime cost of sports-utility vehicles. This difference
dramatically increases if money not spent on a costlier vehicle is invested
instead.
Let’s say a car owner chooses to buy small sedans over a 50-year driving
career. By choosing such cars over pricier large sedans, this owner will
save a small fortune. Consider just one category: depreciation (the drop in
resale value because of age). The average annual depreciation of a small
sedan is $1,216 less than that of a large sedan over the 12-year life of a
vehicle. Investing this sum annually can yield striking results. After 50
years, at a 5 percent return each year, the principal ($60,800—meaning 50
payments of $1,216), would amount to $266,631, thanks to the magic of
compound interest.
Selected Components of the Consumer Price Index
400
Automobile Insurance
350
300
250
Maintenance
& Repair
200
New Trucks
150
New Cars
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
Note: 1982-84=100. Data are seasonally adjusted. Latest plots, May 2010. Source, BLS.
2010
100
Car Costs in Perspective
That sum represents just one category of expenses. Whether you choose
to pay cash for a vehicle or finance it, and whether you trade in your vehicle
every few years instead of running it into the ground, all play a role in determining cost differences.
Smart decisions about cars, of course, are based on considerations other
than money alone. A large family will probably need a larger car. People
who can afford an expensive car without jeopardizing their other financial
interests have more options than those who are more hard-pressed for
money.
Similarly, not everyone should choose to run a car into the ground.
To be sure, a number of independent studies have concluded—and we
agree—that driving a car as long as possible probably is the most economical practice over the long run. But other factors typically can come into
play. A person may want a clean-looking car for work purposes or for social
reasons. After all, if you are in a comfortable financial standing, you can certainly afford to drive a nice car. Furthermore, a well-chosen car that doesn’t
depreciate terribly in value (meaning, resale cost) can help its owner acquire
a new one without suffering a large financial setback.
Fortunately, substantial long-term savings can be enjoyed without
having to drive the same car for 12 years (or even half that long) while
putting up with the annoyance and aggravation of wear and tear and mechanical issues. This is where this book can help: The rankings in Chapter
7 can help you figure out how to minimize your financial outlays while
driving a relatively new car every few years.
Keep Long-Term Costs in Mind
When it comes to buying a car, many consumers are shrewd negotiators—
really battling for a bargain. But many people do not consider the savings
they’ll realize by buying a more cost-effective car.
Seemingly minor differences in spending—say $40 or $50 per month—
can become very great differences over the course of years. What’s more, if
a car ultimately proves to be more than what a buyer can afford, it can end
up repossessed or the buyer will have to make substantial financial sacrifices
to keep it.
An essential step to becoming a pound-wise, not penny-foolish, car
owner is to keep an accurate record of automobile transportation costs.
5
6
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Compare them with your expected income, with current and anticipated
expenses, and with the data presented in this book. Then you will be better
able to judge at a given time “how much
car” is consistent with a prudent household
AIER is here to help: You
financial plan.
can find a number of useful
If your auto-related expenditures
worksheets and tools at
appear large in relation to your income,
www.aier.org/cars
then you may be mismanaging your
Link
financial affairs—no matter how good the
bargain you struck on the purchase price of your car. Keeping a detailed
record of your car costs can also be a useful tool in alerting other drivers in
the family—especially younger people who may not have purchased a car
previously—as to the actual amounts involved. These costs may be very
different from what they imagined.
@
2
Trends in the
Auto Market
Trends in the Auto Market
The automobile industry was hit particularly hard during the recent
worldwide financial crisis. During 2009, the industry consolidated on a
global scale. Two of the Detroit Big Three automakers—General Motors
and Chrysler—filed for bankruptcy protection after struggling with low
demand for their vehicles, heavily indebted balance sheets, and an inability
to cut costs. As part of restructuring operations, GM is discontinuing production of its Hummer, Pontiac, and Saturn brands, and has sold off Saab
to a foreign manufacturer.
The industry also suffered from widespread vehicle recalls by several
major manufacturers. Toyota recalled more than eight million vehicles
over braking and sudden acceleration issues, which government inquiries
have attributed to poorly designed floor mats and “sticky” pedals. GM and
Honda also issued separate recalls for a range of models. For more information on these recalls, turn to Chapter 6.
The Transportation Department and the Environmental Protection
Agency issued new fuel efficiency standards in April 2010, requiring
vehicles to average 35.5 miles per gallon by model year 2016. These new
standards are aimed to further encourage the development and production
of vehicles using fuel technologies that leave a smaller carbon footprint,
such as plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles.
The flux in the industry, coupled with negative publicity from the recalls,
has resulted in manufacturers offering numerous incentives to car-shoppers.
These trends, along with favorable tax credits, have created an overall
favorable market for buyers.
A Buyer’s Market
The fierce competition among automakers has spurred foreign manufacturers to build factories in North America, and to keep car prices as low as
7
8
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
possible for as long as possible. The drop in the U.S. dollar’s exchange value
against foreign currency—a trend throughout much of 2007 and 2008—did
not significantly affect the price of foreign cars. Instead of raising the dollar
price of cars to make up for the U.S. currency’s decline in value, foreign
manufacturers opted to absorb some of the dollar’s decrease. With the dollar
strengthening in value during early 2010, the buyer’s market should persist
as imported cars become more affordable. Furthermore, Japanese and European companies are increasingly manufacturing their cars and trucks in
the United States. Most of the moderately priced Japanese vehicles that are
sold here are also made here. Toyota, for example, operates plants in 13 locations across North America, most within the United States, and produces
more than 1.1 million vehicles on this continent.
Another important trend that is influencing car prices is the growing use
of the Internet to gather information before purchasing a vehicle. Consumers can go online and easily find invoice prices for new cars and published
values for used cars, get model information, crash-test results and other
safety news, read vehicle reviews, utilize car-buying and dealer-referral
services, and shop for financing and insurance. The increased transparency
in invoice prices, in particular, has strengthened the ability of consumers to
negotiate.
Government Perks: Tax Credits
Although the considerable tax credits and incentives offered during 2009
have expired, the government still offers federal tax credits to buyers of
hybrids and alternative-energy powered vehicles. As part of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005, the government introduced a diminishing credit system
on the purchase of new hybrids. These credits are available on models
that improve on fuel economy by at least 25 percent over their comparable
gasoline-powered models.
The total credits are determined by a two-part calculation and include a
conservation credit as well as a fuel-economy credit.
The first part is determined by how much fuel the vehicle saves during
120,000 miles of driving when compared to its weight class in 2002.
The second part is based on the vehicle’s improved fuel economy when
compared to the fuel economy of its weight class in 2002.
The maximum available credit is $3,400. This credit for hybrids will be
Trends in the Auto Market
9
offered until its manufacturer sells 60,000 hybrid vehicles, after which the
credit is decreased by 50 percent every six months. As of June 2009, both
Toyota and Honda’s credits for hybrids have expired, and Ford’s credit
phase-out began April 1, 2009, and expired April 1, 2010. Hybrids from
other manufacturers are still eligible for the credit; however, this tax incentive expires December 31, 2010, and unless renewed, vehicles purchased
after that date are not eligible.
To qualify for the credit, the hybrid needs to be approved by the Internal
Revenue Service, cannot be purchased for resale, and must be driven primarily in the United States. The rules are not yet clear about what happens
if you purchase a hybrid, take the credit, and later decide to sell the car (if
you do, you may end up having to give back some or all of the credit). If you
lease a hybrid, the credit goes to the leasing company, not you.
Diesel-powered vehicles and certain alternative-fuel powered vehicles
are also qualified for tax credits ranging from $3,400 to $4,000. The federal
government is also devoting up to $2
billion from the economic-stimulus
A list of qualified vehicles,
bill on vehicles powered by emerging
their credits and expiration
technologies, such as plug-in hybrids.
schedule is available online
Starting December 31, 2009, credits
at www.fueleconomy.gov/
L
ink
were made available for the first
feg/taxcenter.shtml.
200,000 plug-in models sold by each
manufacturer. The minimum credit is $2,500 and is increased by $417 for
every kilowatt-hour of battery capacity on board the vehicle in excess of
four kilowatt-hours, up to a maximum of $7,500 for most passenger cars.
However, these tax incentives offer no immediate value to consumers
yet, as no highway plug-in hybrid or electric vehicles have qualified for the
credit. New vehicles such as the Chevrolet Volt or the plug-in version of the
Toyota Prius may qualify, but are not likely to be available until the end of
2010.
@
Other Incentives
There are incentives and perks for hybrids at the state level as well. Virginia
and Georgia, for example, allow qualified hybrid vehicles to travel in the
High Occupancy Vehicle lane regardless of the number of passengers. Some
cities even offer free parking for hybrids. For some drivers, these perks,
10
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
such as getting home earlier because of traveling faster in the HOV lane,
may more than offset the extra cost of the hybrid.
The Green Movement
Once enamored of large SUVs, car buyers are increasingly turning away
from these gas-guzzlers to fuel-efficient, gas/electric hybrid vehicles. A
combination of rising gas prices, manufacturers’ cash and tax incentives,
plus increasing concerns about the environment and about American consumption of foreign oil—are driving the sales of green vehicles.
Hybrids only accounted for 2.2 percent of car sales as of June 2010, but
demand for them is growing, and most manufacturers now offer or plan to
offer these vehicles. In the past, waiting lists for new hybrids extended for
several months, and were usually exacerbated when gasoline prices were
high. As gas prices dropped, demand slowed, but expectations of future gas
price increases, along with environmental concerns, continue to stimulate
demand for these vehicles.
Typically hybrids use less fuel than their gas-only counterparts. For
example, based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates, the
gas-powered 2010 Honda Civic is rated at 26 MPG in city driving and 34
MPG highway, while the
hybrid version of the car
Alternative fuel vehicles and electric vehicles
is rated at 40 MPG city
also may be eligible for federal income tax
credits. To qualify, a vehicle must run solely on and 45 MPG highway.
compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, Keep in mind that these
liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen, or any fuel are official estimates;
comprised of 85 percent methanol by volume. many hybrid owners
Tip
have reported lower fuel
efficiency during regular use. Also, starting with 2008 models, the EPA
changed the way it calculates MPG. The new methodology offers a more
realistic estimate that accounts for the faster speeds and acceleration of typical drivers, the common use of air conditioning, and increased operation in
cold temperatures.
Studies have found that hybrids cost more to own and operate overall
than their conventional counterparts, despite being more fuel-efficient.
This is largely because hybrid purchase prices range from roughly $3,000
to $9,000 more than similar gas-powered models. Hybrids also depreciate
Trends in the Auto Market
in value faster and incur extra sales taxes and financing costs. Fuel savings
would have to increase substantially over current levels (in some cases, more
than five times) to compensate for these added costs.
Consider the case of the 2011 Toyota Camry. The base model (with an estimated combined mileage of 26 MPG) with typical options sells for $20,549,
according to Edmunds.com, while a comparable 2011 Camry Hybrid (with
an estimated combined mileage of 33 MPG) sells for roughly $27,680.
Assuming 15,000 miles driven per year, and an average $3 per gallon gas
price, after five years of ownership, fuel-cost savings from the hybrid would
amount to only $1,836, which would not offset the $7,131 price difference.
Ignoring what you could earn from investing the money instead of
spending it, the Camry Hybrid would have to get nearly 63 MPG for its cost
to be comparable to the gas model. Alternatively, at current MPG estimates,
you would have to drive more than 20,000 miles a year to be better served
by owning the hybrid.
As the technology matures and manufacturers ramp up production,
the price gap between hybrids and traditional gas-powered cars is likely to
close. Excluding tax benefits, hybrids may not be the money savers they first
appear to be, but their popularity is growing and, based on current trends,
they are here to stay.
11
3
The Automobile
Price Outlook
The Automobile Price Outlook
The ultimate cost of owning a car involves a multitude of expenses—from
fuel and maintenance to licensing and insurance, and even depreciation.
However, unlike most of the costs of owning and operating your vehicle,
the purchase price is negotiable. The same goes for the terms of the loan
when buying on credit.
Your task as a savvy car buyer is to research the major factors that can affect your ability to negotiate a favorable purchase price and favorable terms
on a loan. If automobile manufacturers are likely to raise prices or cut back
on their financial incentives, it may be to your advantage to buy a car. Similarly, if interest rates are expected to increase in the near future, you may be
better off buying now.
Getting a Fix on the Sticker Price
Many factors affect the pricing trend for cars. In recent years, price increases
have been modest, reflecting intense competition among automakers. On
average, manufacturers’ suggested retail prices (M.S.R.P. or sticker prices)
have remained nearly constant since 2005. A few models, such as the Volkswagen Jetta (2.5L), decreased, and others such as the Chevrolet Malibu LT
and the Hyundai Sonata SE, increased.
Often, a portion of the increase in a sticker price reflects improvements
to a vehicle. Carmakers may be asking more money, but they are offering a
better car. Today’s vehicles require less maintenance and fewer repairs than
their predecessors, and carry better warranties. Features that were once
optional, such as anti-lock brakes, may become standard. It’s the same with
features that are new or were only available before in luxury cars, such as
side-curtain airbags or heated seats. Sometimes, dealers offer a choice of paying extra for these options; other times, they are part of the package. Other
improvements are made because the federal government mandates them.
13
14
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Quality improvements help explain why, for example, the sticker price
of a Honda Accord (V6) increased from roughly $12,000 in 1990 to nearly
$27,000 today. However, these figures may overstate the increase in the
prices that car buyers actually pay. In recent years, buyers have enjoyed
especially large discounts as car manufacturers offered various rebates and
incentives to keep their sales up.
On the other hand, if a model is so popular that dealers are all but sold
out, you may have to pay the full sticker price. Indeed, if a model is exceptionally scarce relative to demand, you may pay more. The Toyota Prius hybrid, for example, had buyers on months-long waiting lists during a period
of high gasoline prices, pushing up prices. Popularity premiums for models
typically disappear within a year. If you are tempted to pay a premium for
a popular car, be aware that it might not carry over proportionately to the
vehicle’s subsequent resale value.
It is also possible that carmakers will try to recapture some of the profit
that they lose through discounts and incentives by raising their sticker
prices. You may be able to get $4,000 off the sticker price, but the price may
have been raised to offset some of this discount. You should always keep
in mind that any advertised incentive should be regarded as only a starting
point for negotiation.
Getting a Fix on Financing
Since a majority of car buyers cannot afford up-front cash purchases, getting
a good financing deal is a crucial step in the buying process. According to
Consumer Reports, a bad financing deal can cost $2,700 more than a good
one. If you plan on purchasing a vehicle on credit and interest rates drop, the
lower interest on your loan can offset the higher purchase price of the car.
Conversely, higher interest rates can offset decreases in new car prices.
It is never easy to predict what levels interest rates may reach. The
current prime interest rate (the rate at which banks lend money to their
preferred customers) is at its lowest in decades. Nevertheless, because of the
financial crisis, consumers are facing a tightened credit market, and it may
require considerable shopping around to find a good financing deal.
Sometimes manufacturers offer cut-rate loans only to buyers who are
willing to forego cash rebates—an option that buyers who need the rebates
as down payments for their new cars are unlikely to choose. Keep in mind
The Automobile Price Outlook
15
that rebates or low-cost financing incentives should have no bearing on your
negotiations, because the manufacturer offers these bargains, not the dealer.
(Dealers often receive their own reimbursements and incentives from
manufacturers.)
In any given year, the shift in incentives and interest rates can result in
a net increase or decrease in the overall costs of acquiring a new car. The
change depends on how both prices and interest rates have moved.
Some banks and credit unions now offer the option of refinancing a car
loan. The best refinancing rates are available on shorter-length loans and
to customers with good credit. However, avoid stretching out the payments
beyond the term left on your existing loan. In this way, despite a lower
interest rate, you won’t end up paying more in total interest.
It pays to do your math when comparing dealer incentives. Suppose your
car dealer offers you a choice between a $1,500 cash rebate and a 2 percent
two-year loan. Assume you need to borrow $15,000, and your bank is
willing to make the same loan at 6 percent. By taking the loan at 2 percent
rather than 6 percent, you would save $608.70. On balance, the $1,500 rebate
is the better deal.
Average Added Costs for New Car Quality Adjustments
Model
Other2
Year
Safety
Emissions1
Cost
Increase
Price
Increase
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
$185.53
230.81
15.50
169.05
212.67
68.30
25.08
82.96
310.50
29.24
150.91
170.17
185.18
271.42
$333.34
363.27
155.27
408.42
422.51
337.94
465.63
467.28
417.81
-124.31
n.a
64.12
1,315.63
713.99
$9.11
n.a.
n.a.
5.39
25.16
n.a.
n.a.
37.16
193.11
n.a.
56.57
82.39
n.a.
n.a.
$20.76
52.14
n.a.
9.87
67.65
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
26.79
0.00
0.00
n.a.
n.a.
$155.66
178.67
15.50
153.79
119.86
68.30
25.08
45.80
117.39
2.45
94.34
87.78
185.18
271.42
Includes changes to improve fuel economy and emissions control. 2 Includes improved warranties,
corrosion protection and changes in standard equipment. n.a. = not available.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quality Changes for Vehicles 1997-2010.
1
16
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Calculating Savings
Cash rebates and seemingly small changes in interest rates can make significant differences to the cost of buying a car. But it takes doing a little math to
know how much the difference will be or which options would be best. The
table on the next two pages shows the cost or benefit of interest-rate differences per $1,000 borrowed on standard two-, three-, four- and five-year car
loans. You can use the table to compare the two choices dealers are most
likely to offer as incentives: a loan at a below-market rate or a cash rebate.
Suppose your car dealer offers you a choice between a $1,500 cash rebate
and a loan at 2 percent interest over two years. Assume you need to borrow $15,000, and your bank is willing to make the same loan at 6 percent
interest. According to the tables, taking the loan at 2 percent rather than
6 percent, over two years you would save $40.58 per $1,000 borrowed. On
a $15,000 loan, your savings at the lower rate of interest would be $608.70.
On balance, the $1,500 rebate is the better deal.
Note:  Figures represent present value using a discount factor of 5 percent.
    Loan
   Period
Lower
———————————————————— Higher Rate ————————————————————
(In Months)
Rate
2%
3%
4%
5%
6%
7%
8%
9%
10%
11%
12%
13%
24
1%
$9.99 $20.04 $30.15 $40.33 $50.57 $60.87 $71.24 $81.66 $92.15 $102.70 $113.32 $123.99
2%.....................
10.05 20.16 30.34 40.58 50.88 61.25 71.67 82.16 92.72 103.33 114.01
3%........................................ 10.11 20.29 30.53 40.83 51.20 61.62 72.11 82.66 93.28 103.95
4%............................................................
10.18 20.42 30.72 41.08 51.51 62.00 72.55 83.16 93.84
5%...............................................................................
10.24 20.54 30.91 41.33 51.82 62.37 72.99 83.66
6%.................................................................................................. 10.30 20.67 31.09 41.58 52.13 62.75 73.42
7%......................................................................................................................
10.36 20.79 31.28 41.83 52.45 63.12
8%.........................................................................................................................................
10.43 20.92 31.47 42.08 52.76
9%............................................................................................................................................................ 10.49 21.04 31.65 42.33
10%................................................................................................................................................................................
10.55 21.17 31.84
11%...................................................................................................................................................................................................
10.61 21.29
12%...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10.68
2%
3%
4%
5%
6%
7%
8%
9%
10%
11%
12%
13%
36
1% $14.50 $29.13 $43.91 $58.82 $73.87 $89.05 $104.38 $119.84 $135.43 $151.17 $167.04 $183.04
2%.....................
14.64 29.41 44.32 59.37 74.56 89.88 105.34 120.94 136.67 152.54 168.54
3%........................................ 14.77 29.69 44.73 59.92 75.24 90.71 106.30 122.04 137.90 153.91
4%............................................................
14.91 29.96 45.15 60.47 75.93 91.53 107.26 123.13 139.13
5%...............................................................................
15.05 30.24 45.56 61.02 76.62 92.35 108.22 124.22
6%.................................................................................................. 15.19 30.51 45.97 61.57 77.30 93.17 109.17
7%......................................................................................................................
15.32 30.78 46.38 62.11 77.98 93.99
8%.........................................................................................................................................
15.46 31.06 46.79 62.66 78.66
9%............................................................................................................................................................ 15.60 31.33 47.20 63.20
10%................................................................................................................................................................................
15.73 31.60 47.61
11%...................................................................................................................................................................................................
15.87 31.87
12%...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16.00
Savings Per $1,000 Borrowed at Different Interest Rates
The Automobile Price Outlook
17
Note:  Figures represent present value using a discount factor of 5 percent.
(continued)
 Loan
   Period
Lower
———————————————————— Higher Rate ————————————————————
(In Months)
Rate
2%
3%
4%
5%
6%
7%
8%
9%
10%
11%
12%
13%
48
1% $18.83 $37.90 $57.21 $76.76 $96.55 $116.58 $136.85 $157.35 $178.08 $199.05 $220.26 $241.69
2%.....................
19.07 38.38 57.93 77.72 97.75 118.01 138.52 159.25 180.22 201.43 222.86
3%........................................ 19.31 38.86 58.65 78.68 98.94 119.44 140.18 161.15 182.36 203.79
4%............................................................
19.55 39.34 59.37 79.63 100.13 120.87 141.84 163.04 184.48
5%...............................................................................
19.79 39.82 60.08 80.58 101.32 122.29 143.49 164.93
6%.................................................................................................. 20.03 40.29 60.79 81.53 102.50 123.70 145.14
7%......................................................................................................................
20.26 40.77 61.50 82.47 103.68 125.11
8%.........................................................................................................................................
20.50 41.24 62.21 83.41 104.85
9%............................................................................................................................................................ 20.74 41.71 62.91 84.35
10%................................................................................................................................................................................
20.97 42.17 63.61
11%...................................................................................................................................................................................................
21.20 42.64
12%...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21.44
...............2%.............3%............. 4%.............5%
6%
7%
8%
9%
10%
11%
12%
13%
60
1% $23.00 $46.36 $70.09 $94.19 $118.65 $143.47 $168.65 $194.19 $220.09 $246.34 $272.94 $299.89
2%.....................
23.37 47.10 71.19 95.65 120.47 145.65 171.19 197.09 223.34 249.94 276.89
3%........................................ 23.73 47.83 72.29 97.11 122.29 147.83 173.72 199.97 226.58 253.53
4%............................................................
24.10 48.55 73.37 98.56 124.10 149.99 176.24 202.84 229.80
5%...............................................................................
24.46 49.28 74.46 100.00 125.90 152.15 178.75 205.70
6%.................................................................................................. 24.82 50.00 75.54 101.44 127.69 154.29 181.24
7%......................................................................................................................
25.18 50.72 76.62 102.87 129.47 156.42
8%.........................................................................................................................................
25.54 51.44 77.69 104.29 131.24
9%............................................................................................................................................................ 25.90 52.15 78.75 105.70
10%................................................................................................................................................................................
26.25 52.85 79.81
11%...................................................................................................................................................................................................
26.60 53.56
12%...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26.95
Savings Per $1,000 Borrowed at Different Interest Rates
18
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
4
Should You Buy
Used Or New?
Should You Buy Used Or New?
Millions of cars are traded in every year, many of them with relatively
low mileage. In addition, millions of leased cars are returned to dealer lots
annually. These leased vehicles are usually well kept and in much better
condition than the fleet cars of years past because of contract stipulations,
including limitations on the number of miles to be driven. So used car buyers have a wide range from which to choose.
Whether leased or purchased, later models aren’t physically deteriorating as fast as their predecessors because of improvements in quality. The
average age of vehicles in the United States has been rising, and in 2008 was
at 8.8 years, which represents a 10 percent increase from 1999. This trend is
expected to continue.
This improvement in quality, coupled with the glut in used cars, means
that it is possible to get a good deal on a two- or three-year-old used car.
Our tables of used cars at the end of this chapter show that the 2007 Acura
RL V6, for example, one of Consumer Reports’ recommended used cars,
currently sells for approximately 60 percent of its original manufacturer’s
suggested retail price. The percentages in our tables probably exaggerate the
drop in price for some cars and understate the drop for others. Nonetheless,
they provide some indication of what dealers are asking today for used cars,
compared with what they were asking when the cars were new.
The trend toward longer warranties has also made used cars more attractive. The standard bumper-to-bumper warranty used to run for three
years or 36,000 miles. Some automakers now offer warranties for four years
and 50,000 miles, or even longer. Power-train warranties, which cover the
car’s engine and transmission, may run as long as 10 years or 100,000 miles.
(Many warranties can be transferred from one owner to the next, but do
check before you buy.) Some used cars that have been certified by carmakers
carry additional warranties. For example, Toyota’s certified used cars carry
a seven-year, 100,000-mile, limited factory warranty.
19
20
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
At the moment, budget-conscious buyers should have relative ease in
finding a recommended late-model car selling at a good discount from its
original price. Even if you can afford a new car, resale prices are currently
low and would seem to favor used-car purchases over new-car purchases.
Of course, there still are bargains to be had on new cars.
If you have decided to buy a new car, there are a number of consumer
services that provide valuable price information. Determining the actual
dealer cost (and manufacturer rebate or dealer holdback, if any) of a vehicle
gives you an important
advantage. You’ll know
Whether buying new or used, we recomthe difference between
mend consulting the April issue of Consumer
Reports, which lists new and used cars that are the sticker price and the
“good bets.” To obtain user reviews, crash-test dealer’s actual cost. That
difference—sometimes
ratings, up-to-date pricing and other inforworth thousands of
mation, use an automotive website such as
Tip
Edmunds (www.edmunds.com).
dollars—gives you room
to negotiate. Let the salesperson know at the outset that you have the dealer cost and start negotiating
from it, not the sticker price. In other words, force the salesperson to work
up, instead of you trying to beat the price down. Typically, you can buy
most vehicles for 4 to 8 percent over factory invoice. Expect to get a better
deal on less popular models and to pay more for vehicles in high demand.
Best Buys in Used Cars
If you decide to shop for a used car, there is a simple way to determine
which models may be the best buys. Some cars that have been judged roadworthy by independent auto analysts have depreciated in dollar value much
more rapidly than others. If you are thinking of buying a new car, you want
to buy one that will retain its resale value as long as possible, and avoid
those cars that depreciate quickly—even if they have been tested and found
to be mechanically reliable.
On the other hand, if you are shopping for a used vehicle that you plan
to drive for a long time, a car that has had high depreciation can offer the
best value. You can obtain inexpensive, reliable transportation by choosing a
recommended model that has depreciated faster than most others.
The tables of used cars list, in increasing order, Consumer Reports’ recom-
Should You Buy Used Or New?
mended vehicles according to their resale values expressed as a percent of
the original sticker price. The tables show substantial differences in the
extent to which different makes and models have depreciated.
The tables also show the resale value as an approximate percent of the
Do Your Homework!
Whether you’re buying new or used, a number of consumer services can give
you valuable information.
Consumer Reports offers a computerized price-and-options printout for most
new cars. You can order a printout by calling (800) 888-8275. The cost is $14
for the first report, and $12 for each additional report ordered at the same
time. The 10- to 20-page reports are delivered by fax or mail, or viewable online. Consumer Reports also provides reports on used cars. The phone number
for ordering is (800) 258-1169, and the cost is $12.
Used auto price information is also available in the National Automobile Dealers Association’s NADA Official Used Car Guide.
On the web, Edmunds (www.edmunds.com), Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.
com), and the National Automobile Dealers Association (www.nadaguides.
com) provide pricing information on new and used cars, as well as a host of
other buying information.
For used car buyers, it is a good idea to browse the websites of CARFAX (www.
carfax.com) and AutoCheck (www.autocheck.com) and obtain vehicle history
reports. These can tell you if a specific vehicle has been totaled or salvaged,
experienced flood damage, or had other problems that may affect its safety
or resale value. Typically, dealers provide such reports when requested. When
buying from private individuals, obtain the vehicle identification number
(VIN) from the seller and a history report, before negotiating on the price.
At the website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, www.
nhtsa.gov, you can find front- and side-impact crash-test results and rollover
resistance ratings, as well as information on recalls, defects, and consumer
complaints for each model. To see only the rollover ratings, go to www.
safercar.gov. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety provides additional
crash-test results at its website, www.iihs.org.
The American Institute for Economic Research is not connected with these organizations.
21
22
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
cost of purchasing a similar 2010 model. Vehicles that depreciated more
than other recommended models or whose resale prices are relatively small
compared to the cost of purchasing a similar new model are likely to be
good buys. The vehicles with resale prices that show both high depreciation
and sell for a relatively small proportion of similar new models are probably
the best buys.
Table 1, which lists recommended used cars for model year 2005,
shows two cars that are roughly the same size and sticker price—the 2005
Hyundai Sonata (4-cylinder) and the 2005 Honda Accord (4-cyclinder).
The Sonata appears near the top of both columns. The average retail value
of a 2005 Sonata in April 2010, $6,685, was only 41.8 percent of its original
sticker price of $15,999. And, it was only 35.7 percent of the 2010 sticker
price for a comparable new Sonata ($18,700).
Compare those differences with the Honda Accord. The $11,999 average
retail value of a 2005 Accord was more than 74 percent of its original sticker
price and 57 percent of the sticker price for a 2010 model. The Sonata not
only has a lower price than the Accord, but in terms of price relative to
what the car originally cost (42 percent vs. 74 percent) and what it would
cost to replace them with a new model (36 percent vs. 57 percent), the Sonata provides more car for the money.
Should You Buy Used Or New?
23
Table 1: Comparison of 2005 Recommended Used Vehicle
NADA Retail Values
As % of Original M.S.R.P.
Buick Century Custom-V6
Lincoln Town Car-V8
Buick LeSabre Custom-V6
Ford Taurus-V6
Mercury Sable-V6
Ford Crown Victoria-V8
Acura RL-V6
Volvo S80-5 Cyl./I6
Hyundai Sonata-4 Cyl.
Saab 9-2X-4 Cyl.
Lexus SC-V8
Chrysler Crossfire-V6
Mazda MPV-V6
Lexus GS
Honda Accord-V6 Hybrid
Mitsubishi Endeavor-V6
Mazda Tribute-V6 FWD
Mercury Grand Marquis-V8
Mercedes-Benz E Class
Lexus LS-V8
Honda S2000-4 Cyl.
Ford Escape-V6 FWD
Mercury Mariner-V6
Hyundai Santa Fe-V6
Mazda Mazda6-4 Cyl.
Lexus ES-V6
BMW Z4 Series
Acura TL-V6
Lexus IS-I6
Toyota Landcruiser-V8
Infiniti G35-V6
Hyundai Tucson-4 Cyl.
Honda Accord-V6
Honda Civic-4 Cyl. Hybrid
Acura MDX-V6
Ford Focus-4 Cyl.
Acura TSX-4 Cyl.
Mazda MX-5 Miata-4 Cyl.
Lexus GX470-V8
Toyota Camry Solara-4 Cyl.
Pontiac Vibe-L4
Nissan Altima-4 Cyl.
Infiniti FX35-V6/V8
Kia Sportage-4 Cyl.
Lexus RX330-V6
Toyota Avalon-V6
34.6
39.3
41.8
41.7
48.3
47.7
53.4
47.2
48.6
41.6
44.2
47.6
51.9
54.0
58.0
57.4
50.1
56.5
53.2
59.9
56.7
54.0
65.0
56.4
51.9
53.8
74.3
55.7
59.4
58.7
52.9
61.3
63.5
60.8
60.2
60.4
67.5
58.3
60.4
74.1
61.4
63.6
65.2
69.1
63.0
64.4
As % of 2010 M.S.R.P.†
Lincoln Town Car-V8 Ford Taurus-V6 Hyundai Sonata-4 Cyl. Volvo S80-5 Cyl./I6 Mercury Grand Marquis-V8 Mazda Tribute-V6 FWD BMW Z4 Series Lexus GS Lexus LS-V8 Acura RL-V6 Lexus SC-V8 Mitsubishi Endeavor-V6 Hyundai Santa Fe-V6 Toyota Landcruiser-V8 Acura TSX-4 Cyl. Ford Focus-4 Cyl. Ford Escape-V6 FWD Honda Civic-4 Cyl. Hybrid Lexus ES-V6 Infiniti FX35-V6/V8 Acura MDX-V6 Lexus IS-I6 Mercedes-Benz C Class Honda Accord-V6 Mercury Mariner-V6 Acura TL-V6 Toyota Tundra-V6 Hyundai Tucson-4 Cyl. Nissan Altima-4 Cyl. Lexus GX470-V8 Mazda Mazda6-4 Cyl. Mitsubishi Outlander-I4 Ford Mustang-V6 Honda Pilot-V6 Kia Sportage-4 Cyl. Toyota Prius-4 Cyl. Ford Ranger-V6 Mazda MX-5 Miata-4 Cyl. Toyota Avalon-V6 Honda Accord-4 Cyl. Toyota Highlander-4 Cyl. Toyota Camry-4 Cyl. Volkswagen Jetta-4 Cyl. TDI Scion xB-4 Cyl. Toyota Sienna-V6 Scion tC-4 Cyl. 30.8
32.0
35.7
38.2
39.4
39.6
39.8
40.3
41.4
42.5
42.7
43.2
43.2
45.1
45.7
45.8
46.3
46.6
48.4
48.6
49.3
49.4
50.0
50.0
50.4
50.4
50.5
51.3
51.5
51.7
51.8
52.3
53.2
53.9
54.7
55.3
55.4
56.2
57.0
57.0
57.2
59.1
59.2
59.6
59.7
60.1
24
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Table 1: Comparison of 2005 Recommended Used Vehicle
NADA Retail Values (continued)
As % of Original M.S.R.P.
Toyota Prius-4 Cyl.
Honda Pilot-V6
Mitsubishi Outlander-I4
Toyota Highlander-4 Cyl.
Subaru Forester-4 Cyl.
Toyota Sienna-V6
Acura RSX-4 Cyl.
Ford Mustang-V6
Toyota Camry-4 Cyl.
Nissan 350Z-V6
Scion tC-4 Cyl.
Mercedes-Benz C Class
Volkswagen Jetta-4 Cyl. TDI
Subaru Legacy-4 Cyl.
Toyota Celica-4 Cyl.
Subaru Baja-4 Cyl.
Ford Ranger-V6
Subaru Impreza-4 Cyl.
Scion xB-4 Cyl.
Toyota Corolla-4 Cyl.
Honda CR-V-4 Cyl.
Toyota 4Runner-V6
Toyota Echo-4 Cyl.
Toyota Matrix-4 Cyl.
Mazda Mazda3-4 Cyl.
Honda Accord-4 Cyl.
Honda Civic-4 Cyl.
Honda Element-4 Cyl.
Toyota Tundra-V6
Toyota RAV4-4 Cyl.
Toyota Tundra-V8
Toyota Tacoma-V6
Toyota Tacoma Double Cab-V6
Toyota Tacoma-4 Cyl.
74.2
82.9
70.9
74.3
72.8
73.2
71.3
62.7
76.8
71.5
66.4
68.9
83.3
84.7
94.7
32.8
37.1
41.1
41.5
43.7
45.1
45.1
47.6
48.3
50.1
54.1
58.7
59.1
60.4
63.2
64.2
67.2
67.2
72.6
As % of 2010 M.S.R.P.†
Honda Civic-4 Cyl. Toyota Tundra-V8 Toyota Corolla-4 Cyl. Honda Element-4 Cyl. Toyota Matrix-4 Cyl. Mazda Mazda3-4 Cyl. Honda CR-V-4 Cyl. Subaru Forester-4 Cyl. Toyota RAV4-4 Cyl. Toyota 4Runner-V6 Subaru Legacy-4 Cyl. Subaru Impreza-4 Cyl. Toyota Tacoma-V6 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab-V6 Toyota Tacoma-4 Cyl. Buick Century Custom-V6 Buick LeSabre Custom-V6 Mercury Sable-V6 Ford Crown Victoria-V8 Saab 9-2X-4 Cyl. Chrysler Crossfire-V6 Mazda MPV-V6 Honda Accord-V6 Hybrid Mercedes-Benz E Class Honda S2000-4 Cyl. Infiniti G35-V6 Toyota Camry Solara-4 Cyl. Pontiac Vibe-L4 Lexus RX330-V6 Acura RSX-4 Cyl. Nissan 350Z-V6 Toyota Celica-4 Cyl. Subaru Baja-4 Cyl. Toyota Echo-4 Cyl. 61.4
62.0
62.8
63.1
64.4
65.2
65.4
65.5
65.8
67.4
69.7
70.8
73.6
77.5
82.8
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
From Consumer Reports list of “Reliable used vehicles,” April 2010. † Same or comparable new model;
n.a. indicates no comparable model available.
Should You Buy Used Or New?
25
Table 2: Comparison of 2006 Recommended Used Vehicle
NADA Retail Values
As % of Original M.S.R.P.
Ford Taurus-V6
Ford Crown Victoria-V8
Acura RL-V6
Lexus SC-V8
Mercury Grand Marquis-V8
Mazda MPV-V6
Hyundai Azera-V6
Honda Accord-V6 Hybrid
Lexus LS-V8
Volvo XC70-5 Cyl.
Lincoln Zephyr-V6
Honda S2000-4 Cyl.
Mercedes-Benz E Class
Porsche Cayman-6 Cyl.
Volvo S60-5 Cyl.
Lexus ES-V6
Lexus GS300-V6
Ford Escape Hybrid-FWD
Mazda Mazda6-4 Cyl.
Acura TL-V6
Infiniti M35-V6
Toyota Landcruiser-V8
Infiniti G35 Sedan-V6
Hyundai Santa Fe-V6
Mercury Milan-4 Cyl.
Mazda Tribute-4 Cyl.
Honda Accord-V6
Ford Fusion-4 Cyl.
Subaru B9 Tribeca-6 Cyl.
Subaru Legacy-6 Cyl.
Porsche Boxster-6 Cyl.
Acura TSX-4 Cyl.
Ford Focus-4 Cyl.
Infiniti FX35-V6/V8
Lexus GX470-V8
Toyota Camry Solara-4 Cyl.
Mazda Mazda5-4 Cyl.
Acura MDX-V6
Toyota Prius-4 Cyl.
Mitsubishi Outlander-I4
Lexus RX330-V6
BMW Z4 Series
Honda Civic-4 Cyl. Hybrid
Hyundai Tucson-4 Cyl.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Pontiac Vibe-L4
41.5
46.2
47.7
50.4
51.5
51.6
52.0
53.4
53.7
54.0
55.2
55.5
55.7
57.8
58.7
59.2
59.3
59.6
60.1
60.7
60.8
61.4
61.4
61.5
61.8
62.8
62.9
62.9
63.1
64.1
64.3
64.4
64.7
65.0
65.0
65.2
65.2
65.3
66.0
66.5
66.9
67.3
67.5
67.9
68.1
68.3
As % of 2010 M.S.R.P.†
Ford Taurus-V6 Mercury Grand Marquis-V8 Lexus LS-V8 Lexus SC-V8 Acura RL-V6 Hyundai Azera-V6 Volvo XC70-5 Cyl. Hyundai Santa Fe-V6 Mercury Milan-4 Cyl. Toyota Landcruiser-V8 BMW Z4 Series Acura TSX-4 Cyl. Infiniti M35-V6 Ford Focus-4 Cyl. Ford Escape Hybrid-FWD Lexus ES-V6 Ford Fusion-4 Cyl. Infiniti FX35-V6/V8 Acura MDX-V6 Toyota Tundra-V6 Acura TL-V6 Lexus GX470-V8 Honda Accord-4 Cyl. Honda Accord-V6 Ford Mustang-V6 Mitsubishi Outlander-I4 Mazda Mazda6-4 Cyl. Volkswagen Rabbit-5 Cyl. Scion xB-4 Cyl. Subaru B9 Tribeca-6 Cyl. Nissan Altima-4 Cyl. Porsche Boxster-6 Cyl. Mazda Mazda5-4 Cyl. Mercedes-Benz C Class Mazda Tribute-4 Cyl. Honda Civic-4 Cyl. Hybrid Mercury Mariner-4 Cyl. Hyundai Tucson-4 Cyl.
Toyota Prius-4 Cyl. Honda Pilot-V6 Toyota Camry-4 Cyl. Porsche Cayman-6 Cyl. Toyota Sequoia-V8 Porsche 911-6 Cyl. Ford Escape Toyota Highlander-4 Cyl. 34.3
42.8
46.5
48.1
49.2
49.6
50.8
51.3
51.9
52.0
52.0
52.5
53.2
53.4
53.7
54.4
54.8
57.3
57.4
57.6
57.6
58.2
58.3
58.9
59.0
59.1
59.2
59.2
59.4
59.6
60.6
60.8
61.4
61.5
61.9
62.0
62.1
62.5
62.9
64.0
65.7
66.3
66.3
66.6
66.8
67.0
26
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Table 2: Comparison of 2006 Recommended Used Vehicle
NADA Retail Values (continued)
As % of Original M.S.R.P.
Nissan Altima-4 Cyl.
Ford Mustang-V6
Mercury Mariner-4 Cyl.
Nissan 350Z-V6
Toyota Camry-4 Cyl.
Honda Ridgeline-V6
Toyota Highlander-4 Cyl.
Mercedes-Benz C Class
Scion tC-4 Cyl.
Ford Escape
Acura RSX-4 Cyl.
Porsche 911-6 Cyl.
Honda Pilot-V6
Subaru Forester-4 Cyl.
Toyota Sienna-V6
Kia Sportage-4 Cyl.
Scion xA-4 Cyl.
Honda Accord-4 Cyl.
Volkswagen Rabbit-5 Cyl.
Toyota Tundra Double Cab-V8
Subaru Baja-4 Cyl.
Toyota Corolla-4 Cyl.
Lexus IS-V6
Honda Odyssey-V6
Toyota Sequoia-V8
Scion xB-4 Cyl.
Toyota Matrix-4 Cyl.
Honda CR-V-4 Cyl.
Toyota RAV4-4 Cyl.
Mazda Mazda3-4 Cyl.
Toyota 4Runner-V6
Toyota Tundra-V6
Subaru Impreza-4 Cyl.
Honda Civic-4 Cyl.
Toyota Tacoma-V6
Toyota Tacoma Double Cab-V6
Toyota Tundra-V8
Toyota Tacoma-4 Cyl.
68.3
68.4
68.4
68.9
69.1
69.6
70.7
70.8
71.6
72.5
72.6
72.7
73.3
73.3
73.4
74.1
75.3
76.2
76.4
76.9
77.4
77.6
78.5
78.8
78.9
79.5
80.4
80.8
82.2
83.4
83.4
83.6
83.9
85.9
89.1
90.8
92.5
100.6
As % of 2010 M.S.R.P.†
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Kia Sportage-4 Cyl. Honda Ridgeline-V6 Scion tC-4 Cyl. Toyota Tundra-V8 Toyota Corolla-4 Cyl. Toyota Sienna-V6 Toyota Matrix-4 Cyl. Lexus IS-V6 Subaru Legacy-6 Cyl. Honda Odyssey-V6 Mazda Mazda3-4 Cyl. Honda CR-V-4 Cyl. Toyota Tundra Double Cab-V8 Toyota RAV4-4 Cyl. Honda Civic-4 Cyl. Subaru Forester-4 Cyl. Toyota 4Runner-V6 Toyota Tacoma-V6 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab-V6 Subaru Impreza-4 Cyl. Toyota Tacoma-4 Cyl. Ford Crown Victoria-V8 Mazda MPV-V6 Honda Accord-V6 Hybrid Lincoln Zephyr-V6 Honda S2000-4 Cyl. Mercedes-Benz E Class Volvo S60-5 Cyl. Lexus GS300-V6 Infiniti G35 Sedan-V6 Toyota Camry Solara-4 Cyl. Lexus RX330-V6 Pontiac Vibe-L4 Nissan 350Z-V6 Acura RSX-4 Cyl. Scion xA-4 Cyl. Subaru Baja-4 Cyl. 67.2
67.4
67.7
67.8
69.9
70.4
70.7
72.7
73.3
74.4
74.5
74.5
75.6
76.2
77.0
77.6
78.7
79.0
80.2
84.6
87.8
90.3
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
From Consumer Reports list of “Reliable used vehicles,” April 2010. † Same or comparable new model;
n.a. indicates no comparable model available.
Should You Buy Used Or New?
27
Table 3: Comparison of 2007 Recommended Used Vehicle
NADA Retail Values
As % of Original M.S.R.P.
Ford Taurus-V6
Lincoln Town Car-V8
Hyundai Azera-V6
Lexus SC-V8
Acura RL-V6
Kia Rondo-V6
Kia Optima-4 Cyl.
Honda S2000-4 Cyl.
Hyundai Sonata-4 Cyl.
Volvo S60-5 Cyl.
Buick Lacrosse-V6
Subaru Legacy-6 Cyl.
Kia Spectra-4 Cyl.
Kia Rondo-4 Cyl.
Infiniti M35-V6
Lincoln MKZ-V6
Toyota Tundra-V6
Mitsubishi Eclipse-4 Cyl.
Mercury Milan-4 Cyl.
Mercedes-Benz CLK Class
Pontiac Vibe-L4
Porsche Cayman-6 Cyl.
Toyota Camry Solara-4 Cyl.
Mercedes-Benz E Class
Nissan Altima-4 Cyl. Hybrid
Toyota Landcruiser-V8
Ford Fusion-4 Cyl.
Nissan Maxima-V6
Infiniti FX35-V6/V8
Mazda Mazda6-4 Cyl.
Acura TSX-4 Cyl.
Volvo V70-5 Cyl.
Kia Sportage-V6
Acura TL-V6
Toyota Prius-4 Cyl.
Subaru B9 Tribeca-6 Cyl.
Honda Accord-4 Cyl. Hybrid
Honda Accord-V6
Mitsubishi Outlander-V6
Lexus RX350-V6
Ford Mustang-V6
Lexus GS-V6
Lexus ES-V6
Lexus GX470-V8
Lexus LS-V8
Ford Focus-4 Cyl.
47.2
49.4
58.6
59.8
59.9
59.9
60.6
62.4
64.8
64.8
64.9
66.0
66.7
67.0
67.6
68.8
69.3
69.4
70.0
70.5
71.3
71.4
71.6
71.7
72.0
72.1
72.2
72.2
72.3
72.3
72.3
72.7
72.9
73.2
73.3
73.3
73.8
73.8
73.9
74.2
74.5
74.6
74.6
75.0
75.4
75.5
As % of 2010 M.S.R.P.†
Ford Taurus-V6 Lincoln Town Car-V8 Buick Lacrosse-V6 Kia Optima-4 Cyl. Hyundai Azera-V6 Lexus SC-V8 Acura RL-V6 Lincoln MKZ-V6 Acura TSX-4 Cyl. Mercury Milan-4 Cyl. Hyundai Sonata-4 Cyl. Infiniti M35-V6 Toyota Landcruiser-V8 Ford Focus-4 Cyl. Hyundai Accent-4 Cyl. Ford Fusion-4 Cyl. Infiniti FX35-V6/V8 Honda Accord-4 Cyl. Honda Accord-V6 Ford Mustang-V6 Ford Escape Hybrid-FWD Volvo V70-5 Cyl. Nissan Altima-4 Cyl. Hybrid Toyota Tundra-V6 Nissan Maxima-V6 Mitsubishi Eclipse-4 Cyl. Volkswagen Rabbit-5 Cyl. Lexus GX470-V8 Subaru B9 Tribeca-6 Cyl. Porsche Cayman-6 Cyl. Kia Sportage-V6 Hyundai Tucson-4 Cyl. Acura TL-V6 Lexus LS-V8 Lexus ES-V6 Mazda Mazda6-4 Cyl. Hyundai Santa Fe-V6 Toyota Prius-4 Cyl. Mitsubishi Outlander-V6 Honda Pilot-V6 Mercury Mariner-4 Cyl. Mazda MX-5 Miata-4 Cyl. Toyota Tundra-V8 Lexus RX350-V6 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Toyota Highlander-4 Cyl. 39.5
44.3
53.1
55.1
55.7
57.2
58.2
58.4
59.4
59.4
59.6
61.2
61.4
62.2
62.5
63.2
63.8
64.0
64.3
64.8
64.8
65.1
65.6
65.9
66.0
66.0
66.4
67.3
67.7
68.6
69.1
69.8
70.2
70.3
70.4
70.5
70.9
71.3
72.2
72.3
72.9
73.0
73.8
73.8
74.0
74.5
28
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Table 3: Comparison of 2007 Recommended Used Vehicle
NADA Retail Values (continued)
As % of Original M.S.R.P.
Ford Escape Hybrid-FWD
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Suzuki SX4-4 Cyl.
BMW 328i RWD
Nissan 350Z-V6
Nissan Altima-V6
Toyota Highlander-4 Cyl.
Infiniti G35 Sedan-V6
Toyota Tundra-V8
Toyota Camry-4 Cyl. Hybrid
Hyundai Tucson-4 Cyl.
Honda Ridgeline-V6
Mercury Mariner-4 Cyl.
Toyota Sienna-V6
Hyundai Accent-4 Cyl.
Honda Accord-4 Cyl.
Mazda MX-5 Miata-4 Cyl.
Subaru Forester-4 Cyl.
Honda Pilot-V6
Kia Sportage-4 Cyl.
Toyota Corolla-4 Cyl.
Acura MDX-V6
Toyota Matrix-4 Cyl.
Porsche 911-6 Cyl.
Porsche 911-6 Cyl.
Toyota RAV4-4 Cyl.
Volkswagen Rabbit-5 Cyl.
Scion tC-4 Cyl.
Lexus IS-V6
Nissan Altima-4 Cyl.
Hyundai Santa Fe-V6
Ford Escape-4 Cyl.
Toyota Highlander-V6
Audi A4-4 Cyl. Turbo
Toyota Camry-4 Cyl.
Honda Fit-4 Cyl.
Toyota Tundra Double Cab-V8
Toyota 4Runner-V6
Honda Element-4 Cyl.
Toyota Tundra CrewMax-V8
Toyota Yaris-4 Cyl.
Toyota Tacoma-V6
Toyota Tacoma Double Cab-V6
Honda CR-V-4 Cyl.
Subaru Impreza-4 Cyl.
Honda Civic-4 Cyl.
75.6
76.0
76.0
76.8
77.1
77.2
77.4
77.5
77.6
78.2
78.5
79.2
81.3
81.5
81.9
81.9
82.0
82.3
82.5
83.0
83.2
84.1
84.3
85.1
85.1
85.6
85.6
85.7
86.7
87.3
88.0
88.1
88.1
88.3
88.7
89.9
90.2
90.5
91.4
91.6
92.7
97.1
98.3
98.4
99.0
100.7
As % of 2010 M.S.R.P.†
Scion tC-4 Cyl. Kia Sportage-4 Cyl. Nissan Altima-V6 Toyota Corolla-4 Cyl. Toyota Matrix-4 Cyl. Honda Ridgeline-V6 Toyota Camry-4 Cyl. Hybrid Toyota Yaris-4 Cyl. Nissan Altima-4 Cyl. Porsche 911-6 Cyl. Porsche 911-6 Cyl. Audi A4-4 Cyl. Turbo Acura MDX-V6 Subaru Legacy-6 Cyl. Toyota Sienna-V6 Ford Escape-4 Cyl. Lexus IS-V6 BMW 328i RWD Toyota RAV4-4 Cyl. Toyota Highlander-V6 Honda Fit-4 Cyl. Toyota Camry-4 Cyl. Honda Element-4 Cyl. Suzuki SX4-4 Cyl. Toyota 4Runner-V6 Subaru Forester-4 Cyl. Honda Civic-4 Cyl. Toyota Tundra Double Cab-V8 Toyota FJ Cruiser-V6 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab-V6 Honda CR-V-4 Cyl. Mazda Mazda3-4 Cyl. Toyota Tundra CrewMax-V8 Ford Mustang-V8 Toyota Tacoma-4 Cyl. Subaru Impreza-4 Cyl. Kia Rondo-V6 Honda S2000-4 Cyl. Volvo S60-5 Cyl. Kia Spectra-4 Cyl. Kia Rondo-4 Cyl. Mercedes-Benz CLK Class Pontiac Vibe-L4 Toyota Camry Solara-4 Cyl. Mercedes-Benz E Class Honda Accord-4 Cyl. Hybrid 75.2
75.4
75.6
76.5
77.0
77.4
77.4
78.7
78.8
79.2
79.2
79.3
79.6
79.9
80.2
80.3
81.6
81.8
82.3
82.4
83.5
83.6
84.1
85.4
85.8
85.9
89.8
90.1
92.4
92.7
93.0
93.6
94.5
97.3
99.9
101.8
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
Should You Buy Used Or New?
29
Table 3: Comparison of 2007 Recommended Used Vehicle
NADA Retail Values (continued)
As % of Original M.S.R.P.
Toyota FJ Cruiser-V6
Mazda Mazda3-4 Cyl.
Toyota Tacoma-4 Cyl.
Ford Mustang-V8
102.9
104.1
108.9
109.3
As % of 2010 M.S.R.P.†
Lexus GS-V6 Nissan 350Z-V6 Infiniti G35 Sedan-V6 Toyota Tacoma-V6 n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
From Consumer Reports list of “Reliable used vehicles,” April 2010. † Same or comparable new model;
n.a. indicates no comparable model available.
30
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Table 4: Comparison of 2008 Recommended Used Vehicle
NADA Retail Values
As % of Original M.S.R.P.
Lincoln Town Car-V8
Kia Optima-V6
Hyundai Sonata-V6
Chevrolet Malibu Classic-V6 4 Cyl.
Kia Rondo-V6
Volvo S60-5 Cyl.
Hyundai Azera-V6
Lexus SC-V8
Kia Optima-4 Cyl.
Acura RL-V6
Hyundai Sonata-4 Cyl.
Honda S2000-4 Cyl.
Toyota Tundra-V6
Buick Lacrosse-V6
Volvo V70-6 Cyl.
Mercury Mariner-4 Cyl. Hybrid
Kia Rondo-4 Cyl.
Toyota Avalon-V6
Infiniti M35-V6
Nissan Maxima-V6
Lincoln MKZ-V6
Lexus IS-V8
Infiniti FX35-V6/V8
Mazda Mazda6-4 Cyl.
Toyota Camry-V6
Ford Fusion-4 Cyl.
Kia Spectra-4 Cyl.
Mercury Milan-4 Cyl.
Acura TSX-4 Cyl.
Ford Focus-4 Cyl.
Honda Civic-4 Cyl. Hybrid
Kia Sportage-V6
Pontiac Vibe-L4
Chevrolet Malibu-V6
Porsche Cayman-6 Cyl.
Chevrolet Malibu-4 Cyl.
Hyundai Tucson-V6
Toyota Tundra-V8
Toyota Tundra Double Cab-V6
Ford Mustang-V6
Lexus RX350-V6
Subaru Tribeca-6 Cyl.
Toyota Prius-4 Cyl.
Suzuki SX4-4 Cyl.
Toyota Landcruiser-V8
Mercedes-Benz E Class
56.5
64.9
65.7
66.3
67.0
69.4
69.6
69.7
72.1
72.7
73.4
73.7
73.8
74.0
74.2
74.3
74.9
75.2
75.6
76.5
77.4
77.7
78.2
79.0
79.4
80.0
80.0
80.2
80.5
81.3
81.3
81.4
81.6
81.7
81.7
82.3
82.3
82.3
82.9
83.2
83.9
84.7
84.8
84.9
85.4
85.5
As % of 2010 M.S.R.P.†
Lincoln Town Car-V8 Hyundai Sonata-V6 Kia Optima-V6 Buick Lacrosse-V6 Kia Optima-4 Cyl. Acura TSX-4 Cyl. Lexus SC-V8 Hyundai Azera-V6 Chevrolet Malibu-V6 Lincoln MKZ-V6 Mercury Milan-4 Cyl. Mercury Mariner-4 Cyl. Hybrid Hyundai Sonata-4 Cyl. Infiniti FX35-V6/V8 Toyota Tundra-V6 Nissan Maxima-V6 Ford Focus-4 Cyl. Infiniti M35-V6 Acura RL-V6 Volvo V70-6 Cyl. Ford Fusion-4 Cyl. Ford Mustang-V6 Volkswagen Rabbit-5 Cyl. Toyota Avalon-V6 Chevrolet Malibu-4 Cyl. Lexus IS-V8 Honda Civic-4 Cyl. Hybrid Mazda Mazda6-4 Cyl. Dodge Caliber-4 Cyl. Kia Sportage-V6 Ford Escape-V6 Hybrid Toyota Prius-4 Cyl. Subaru Tribeca-6 Cyl. Toyota Tundra-V8 Porsche Cayman-6 Cyl. Toyota Tundra Double Cab-V6 Honda Accord-4 Cyl. Hyundai Santa Fe-V6 Mazda MX-5 Miata-4 Cyl. Toyota Landcruiser-V8 Lexus ES-V6 Acura TL-V6 Hyundai Tucson-4 Cyl. Toyota Highlander Hybrid Toyota Corolla-4 Cyl. Honda Accord-V6 51.5
57.3
57.4
63.7
65.5
66.4
66.7
67.1
67.1
68.0
68.7
68.8
68.9
69.2
70.2
70.2
70.2
71.1
71.4
71.8
72.2
72.4
72.4
72.9
72.9
74.4
77.2
77.4
77.4
77.7
77.9
77.9
78.2
78.2
78.6
79.4
79.8
80.6
81.5
81.8
82.3
82.3
82.5
82.6
82.8
82.9
Should You Buy Used Or New?
31
Table 4: Comparison of 2008 Recommended Used Vehicle
NADA Retail Values (continued)
As % of Original M.S.R.P.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Honda Accord-V6
Acura TL-V6
Nissan Altima-V6
Lexus ES-V6
Acura RDX-4 Cyl. Turbo
Infiniti G35-V6
Lexus GS-V6
Nissan 350Z-V6
Toyota Corolla-4 Cyl.
Toyota Camry-4 Cyl. Hybrid
BMW 328i RWD
Infiniti G37-V6
Subaru Forester-4 Cyl.
Honda Ridgeline-V6
Volkswagen Rabbit-5 Cyl.
Mazda MX-5 Miata-4 Cyl.
Hyundai Tucson-4 Cyl.
Toyota Sienna-V6
Toyota Camry Solara-V6
Hyundai Elantra-4 Cyl.
Toyota RAV4-4 Cyl.
Toyota Matrix-4 Cyl.
Ford Escape-V6 Hybrid
Kia Sportage-4 Cyl.
Scion xD-4 Cyl.
Dodge Caliber-4 Cyl.
Honda Accord-4 Cyl.
Acura MDX-V6
Scion tC-4 Cyl.
Toyota Camry-4 Cyl.
Nissan Altima-4 Cyl.
Mitsubishi Outlander-V6
Scion xB-4 Cyl.
Lexus IS-V6
Honda Pilot-V6
Audi A4-4 Cyl. Turbo
Toyota 4Runner-V6
Lexus LS-V8
Honda Fit-4 Cyl.
Nissan Rogue-4 Cyl.
Hyundai Santa Fe-V6
Porsche 911-6 Cyl.
Toyota Tundra Double Cab-V8
Toyota Highlander-V6
Toyota Tundra CrewMax-V8
85.5
85.5
85.7
85.8
85.8
86.0
86.3
88.8
88.8
88.8
89.2
89.2
89.2
90.0
90.1
90.4
90.9
91.0
91.3
91.7
92.2
92.3
92.7
92.7
93.2
93.3
93.4
93.4
93.6
94.4
95.1
95.1
95.5
95.6
96.4
96.5
96.9
97.1
97.9
98.4
98.5
99.8
101.2
101.6
101.9
103.5
As % of 2010 M.S.R.P.†
Lexus RX350-V6 83.4
Nissan Altima-V6 84.2
Scion tC-4 Cyl. 84.4
Kia Sportage-4 Cyl. 85.5
Toyota Camry-4 Cyl. Hybrid 85.9
Toyota Matrix-4 Cyl. 86.1
Honda Pilot-V6 86.1
Nissan Altima-4 Cyl. 87.1
Acura RDX-4 Cyl. Turbo 87.8
Hyundai Elantra-4 Cyl. 88.1
Honda Ridgeline-V6 88.7
Audi A4-4 Cyl. Turbo 89.1
Acura MDX-V6 89.1
Toyota RAV4-4 Cyl. 89.9
Toyota Sienna-V6 90.6
Toyota Camry-4 Cyl. 91.0
Scion xD-4 Cyl. 91.1
Suzuki SX4-4 Cyl. 91.2
Lexus IS-V6 91.4
Toyota Yaris-4 Cyl. 91.4
Mitsubishi Outlander-V6 91.6
Infiniti G37-V6 91.9
Honda Fit-4 Cyl. 92.1
Lexus LS-V8 92.1
Nissan Rogue-4 Cyl. 92.7
Toyota 4Runner-V6 93.2
Toyota Tundra Double Cab-V8 94.0
Subaru Forester-4 Cyl. 94.0
BMW 328i RWD 95.0
Porsche 911-6 Cyl. 95.6
Scion xB-4 Cyl. 96.0
Toyota Camry-V6 96.8
Toyota Sequoia-V8 97.1
Honda Civic-4 Cyl. 98.3
Toyota Tacoma-V6 98.5
Toyota Tundra CrewMax-V8 99.6
Toyota Highlander-V6 100.2
Toyota Tacoma Double Cab-V6 101.8
Toyota FJ Cruiser-V6 102.0
Honda CR-V-4 Cyl. 102.5
Ford Mustang-V8 104.5
Mazda Mazda3-4 Cyl. 105.4
Subaru Impreza-4 Cyl. 112.7
Chevrolet Malibu Classic-V6 4 Cyl. n.a
Kia Rondo-V6 n.a
Volvo S60-5 Cyl. n.a
32
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Table 4: Comparison of 2008 Recommended Used Vehicle
NADA Retail Values
As % of Original M.S.R.P.
Toyota Yaris-4 Cyl.
Honda Civic-4 Cyl.
Toyota Tacoma-V6
Toyota Tacoma Double Cab-V6
Honda CR-V-4 Cyl.
Toyota FJ Cruiser-V6
Toyota Sequoia-V8
Ford Mustang-V8
Subaru Impreza-4 Cyl.
Mazda Mazda3-4 Cyl.
104.4
105.5
106.7
106.9
108.0
109.4
110.9
114.8
116.1
116.4
As % of 2010 M.S.R.P.†
Honda S2000-4 Cyl. Kia Rondo-4 Cyl. Kia Spectra-4 Cyl. Pontiac Vibe-L4 Hyundai Tucson-V6 Mercedes-Benz E Class Infiniti G35-V6 Lexus GS-V6 Nissan 350Z-V6 Toyota Camry Solara-V6 n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
From Consumer Reports list of “Reliable used vehicles,” April 2010. † Same or comparable new model;
n.a. indicates no comparable model available.
Should You Buy Used Or New?
33
Table 5: Comparison of 2009 Recommended Used Vehicle
NADA Retail Values
As % of Original M.S.R.P.
Infiniti M35-V6
Saturn Aura-4 Cyl.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Nissan 350Z-V6
Mercury Mariner-4 Cyl. Hybrid
Mazda Mazda6-V6
Lexus IS-V8
Infiniti FX35-V6/V8
Ford Taurus-V6
Honda S2000-4 Cyl.
Toyota Camry-V6
Mercury Sable-V6
Acura RL-V6
Lincoln MKZ-V6
Kia Sportage-V6
Subaru Tribeca-6 Cyl.
Infiniti G37-V6
Mercury Milan-4 Cyl.
Hyundai Sonata-4 Cyl.
Nissan Altima-V6
Toyota Prius-4 Cyl.
Ford Fusion-4 Cyl.
Ford Escape-V6 Hybrid
Toyota Avalon-V6
Ford Focus-4 Cyl.
Lexus ES-V6
Honda Accord-V6
Ford Mustang-V6
Lexus RX350-V6
Hyundai Tucson-V6
Acura RDX-4 Cyl. Turbo
Honda Civic-4 Cyl. Hybrid
Toyota Landcruiser-V8
Mazda Mazda6-4 Cyl.
Acura TSX-4 Cyl.
Acura TL-V6
Volkswagen Rabbit-5 Cyl.
Nissan Altima-4 Cyl.
Scion tC-4 Cyl.
Lexus GS-V6
Toyota Camry-4 Cyl. Hybrid
Mazda MX-5 Miata-4 Cyl.
Toyota Corolla-4 Cyl.
Hyundai Azera-V6
Lexus LS-V8
Acura MDX-V6
75.6
77.8
79.3
82.6
83.8
85.6
85.7
86.0
86.3
86.7
86.7
87.5
87.7
87.8
88.4
89.4
89.8
89.9
90.4
90.8
91.4
91.7
91.9
92.1
93.1
93.2
94.1
94.2
94.3
95.0
95.0
95.1
95.3
96.2
97.1
97.1
97.6
97.8
98.0
98.4
98.4
98.4
98.5
99.2
99.4
99.6
As % of 2010 M.S.R.P.†
Infiniti M35-V6 Mazda Mazda6-V6 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Volkswagen Rabbit-5 Cyl. Lincoln MKZ-V6 Mercury Milan-4 Cyl. Infiniti FX35-V6/V8 Acura TSX-4 Cyl. Subaru Tribeca-6 Cyl. Ford Taurus-V6 Mercury Mariner-4 Cyl. Hybrid Lexus IS-V8 Scion xB-4 Cyl. Ford Mustang-V6 Toyota Camry-V6 Ford Fusion-4 Cyl. Ford Focus-4 Cyl. Acura RL-V6 Ford Escape-V6 Hybrid Kia Sportage-V6 Hyundai Sonata-4 Cyl. Honda Accord-4 Cyl. Toyota Prius-4 Cyl. Infiniti G37-V6 Lexus ES-V6 Toyota Avalon-V6 Mazda Mazda6-4 Cyl. Honda Accord-V6 Mazda MX-5 Miata-4 Cyl. Nissan Altima-V6 Toyota Landcruiser-V8 Honda Civic-4 Cyl. Hybrid Hyundai Santa Fe-V6 Lexus RX350-V6 Toyota Camry-4 Cyl. Hybrid Nissan Maxima-V6 Hyundai Azera-V6 Kia Sportage-4 Cyl. Acura MDX-V6 Ford Edge-V6 Acura TL-V6 Lexus LS-V8 Ford F150 Pickup-V8 Scion tC-4 Cyl. Nissan Altima-4 Cyl. Hyundai Tucson-4 Cyl. 75.6
77.6
78.8
80.2
81.7
81.8
82.1
82.2
82.6
82.7
82.8
83.0
83.5
84.0
84.0
84.4
85.7
86.2
87.2
87.2
87.6
88.1
88.2
89.8
90.9
91.8
92.0
92.9
93.2
93.2
93.6
94.1
94.5
94.5
95.4
95.7
95.7
95.8
96.2
96.3
96.7
96.8
97.1
97.5
97.8
98.1
34
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Table 5: Comparison of 2009 Recommended Used Vehicle
NADA Retail Values (continued)
As % of Original M.S.R.P.
Nissan Maxima-V6
Kia Sportage-4 Cyl.
Honda Accord-4 Cyl.
Ford Edge-V6
Honda Ridgeline-V6
Toyota 4Runner-V6
Scion xD-4 Cyl.
Hyundai Tucson-4 Cyl.
Toyota Camry-4 Cyl.
Scion xB-4 Cyl.
Mercedes-Benz E Class
Toyota Matrix-4 Cyl.
Ford F150 Pickup-V8
Pontiac Vibe-L4
Lexus IS-V6
Toyota Sienna-V6
Porche 911-6 Cyl.
Hyundai Elantra-4 Cyl.
Mitsubishi Outlander-4 Cyl.
Honda Fit-4 Cyl.
Toyota Yaris-4 Cyl.
Honda Element-4 Cyl.
Toyota Tacoma-V6
Toyota Tacoma Double Cab-V6
Subaru Legacy-4 Cyl.
Toyota Highlander-V6
Honda Odyssey-V6
Hyundai Santa Fe-V6
Honda CR-V-4 Cyl.
Jeep Patriot-4 Cyl.
Honda Pilot-V6
Honda Civic-4 Cyl.
Subaru Forester-4 Cyl.
Subaru Impreza-4 Cyl.
Mazda Mazda3-4 Cyl.
100.2
100.4
101.2
101.2
101.7
102.8
102.8
103.1
103.5
103.8
103.9
104.0
104.1
104.5
105.6
105.6
106.0
106.5
106.8
108.4
108.6
109.3
109.4
110.5
110.8
113.1
113.1
113.2
113.4
114.0
116.2
117.7
119.5
123.1
125.4
As % of 2010 M.S.R.P.†
Acura RDX-4 Cyl. Turbo Toyota Camry-4 Cyl. Honda Ridgeline-V6 Toyota Matrix-4 Cyl. Toyota 4Runner-V6 Scion xD-4 Cyl. Lexus IS-V6 Toyota Yaris-4 Cyl. Porche 911-6 Cyl. Honda Pilot-V6 Mitsubishi Outlander-4 Cyl. Toyota Sienna-V6 Honda Fit-4 Cyl. Hyundai Elantra-4 Cyl. Honda Element-4 Cyl. Toyota Tacoma-V6 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab-V6 Honda CR-V-4 Cyl. Honda Odyssey-V6 Toyota Highlander-V6 Honda Civic-4 Cyl. Subaru Legacy-4 Cyl. Subaru Forester-4 Cyl. Mazda Mazda3-4 Cyl. Subaru Impreza-4 Cyl. Jeep Patriot-4 Cyl. Saturn Aura-4 Cyl. Nissan 350Z-V6 Honda S2000-4 Cyl. Mercury Sable-V6 Hyundai Tucson-V6 Lexus GS-V6 Toyota Corolla-4 Cyl. Mercedes-Benz E Class Pontiac Vibe-L4 98.4
99.9
100.1
100.9
100.9
101.1
102.3
102.7
103.0
103.8
104.4
105.6
105.8
106.3
107.4
108.5
109.7
109.8
110.8
112.5
112.5
115.2
117.7
118.5
123.1
124.5
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
From Consumer Reports list of “Reliable used vehicles,” April 2010. † Same or comparable new model;
n.a. indicates no comparable model available.
5
Should You Buy
Or Lease?
Should You Buy Or Lease?
Many salespeople, whether they are trying to sell or lease a car, rely on the
amount of the monthly payment as a means of persuading consumers that
they can afford a vehicle. However, monthly payment amounts and actual
ownership costs are not the same.
What is affordable ought to be determined with reference to an individual’s and family’s overall financial plan. Car costs ought to be considered
from the perspective of both short-term and long-term outlays. That’s far
different from a quick calculation in the showroom about the level of a
monthly payment and a salesperson’s tactic of coming up with a nice-sounding figure.
The concept of leasing your vehicle is fairly simple, although the contract
for leasing is typically complex. A lease is equivalent to borrowing money
to purchase a car, with a guarantee to sell it back at the end of a term. The
first step in setting up a lease agreement is to estimate how much the car
will be worth on the day the lease expires. The lease company then uses this
estimated residual value (also called the estimated resale value) to set up a
schedule of monthly payments so that you are essentially paying for only the
portion of the car’s worth that you use—that is, the car’s expected depreciation during your lease of it—plus a fee.
In most cases, you will be responsible for all maintenance on the vehicle,
including the maintenance required to maintain warranty coverage.
Over the past 15 years, leasing has grown in popularity. But its popularity
depends on the attractiveness of the lease deals. In recent years, the residual
value of a leased car has not been as high as carmakers anticipated because
of a glut of used cars. To make up for these lower-than-expected values, carmakers have raised the monthly payments and up-front fees on new leases.
35
36
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Basics of a Lease
There are two types of leases: closed-end and open-end. A closed-end lease
is most common for automobiles. It allows you to return the vehicle at the
end of the lease period. You are not responsible for the value of the car at
the end of the lease. But the monthly payments are usually higher than with
an open-end lease because the company uses a lower estimate of residual
value to minimize their potential losses. In this type of lease, the leasing
company is taking the risk that the residual value is equal to its estimates
at the time of the lease. But you are usually responsible for certain other
end-of-lease charges, such as excess mileage, wear and tear, and the cost of
prepping the vehicle for resale.
The Pros and Cons of Leasing
Pros
• Lower monthly payments than if you buy a car on credit
• Drive a better car than you can afford to buy
• Drive a newer car every two to four years
• Less cash required to be paid up front, so you can spend on other items
or invest the money
• No hassle of selling a used car. Simply turn in the car when
the lease expires
• Lower taxes — you only pay taxes on the portion of the
vehicle’s worth that you use
Cons
• You don’t own the car, so if the car has a particularly high resale value
once the lease term expires, the dealer benefits from it
• If you drive long distances, you will incur additional fees for mileage
above a yearly limit, which ranges from 10,000 to
15,000 miles per year
• There are penalties for early termination of the contract
• The cost of insurance is higher, since most leasing companies require
greater insurance coverage
• You cannot claim a tax deduction if you finance the lease
with a home-equity loan
Should You Buy Or Lease?
37
With an open-end lease, you may have lower monthly payments, but you
take on the risk that the car may not be worth the amount specified in the
lease contract. In such cases, you are responsible for paying the difference
if the actual resale value is less than the estimated value. Conversely, your
lease agreement may provide for a refund if the actual value is greater than
the estimate.
You should always shop around before settling on a lease. Negotiate all
lease terms—including the price of
the vehicle, residual value, insurThe Federal Reserve offers a free
ance requirements, and mileage
brochure, Keys to Vehicle Leasing.
allowance. Ask questions, nail down
Go to www.federalreserve.gov/
details, read the fine print, and—
pubs/leasing/. The Federal Trade
most importantly—get all terms in
Link Commission also publishes a
writing. (As the saying goes: “A verhelpful brochure, Understanding
bal contract isn’t worth the paper it’s
Vehicle Financing. See www.ftc.
written on.”) Before signing a lease,
gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/
make sure that you fully understand
autos/aut04.shtm.
the document.
The Federal Reserve Regulation M, which covers the consumer-leasing
provisions of the Truth in Lending Act, and some state laws may provide
you with additional consumer rights not covered in your lease agreement.
For information on these laws, contact your state’s consumer-protection
agency or attorney general’s office.
@
Comparing Financing Methods
Assuming you can afford it, should you pay cash, take out a loan, or lease?
Answering that question is not simple. Not only do you have to consider the
total cash leaving your pockets, you also have to factor in the time value of
money. For those new to this concept: A dollar today is worth more than a
dollar in the future, because that dollar can earn interest if invested.
Suppose you were to buy a car worth $25,000. Let’s assume that if you
take a loan to finance the purchase, the down payment will be 20 percent of
the total price ($5,000), and the interest rate will be 7 percent. A common
practice for buyers is to finance an auto purchase through a home equity
loan (since this allows for tax deductions). The loan would be subject to a
combined federal and state effective income-tax rate of 25 percent.
38
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
For the lease, we’ll assume that the car’s dollar value depreciates 70 percent over four years (meaning that it will be worth only $7,500). We’ll also
assume that the lessee is required to post a refundable security deposit equal
to one monthly payment (which is common in lease agreements).
The table below illustrates the various methods of payment for this scenario. Line 3 represents your total out-of-pocket outlays. Line 6 represents
the amount that you will receive at the end of the four years, assuming you
can sell the car at its resale value of $7,500 (in the case of the lease, you only
get your security deposit back).
If we ignore the time value of money, the simple net cost of the car is the
difference between total outlays and total receipts, as given in Line 7. The
amounts shown suggest that leasing is the most costly method of payment.
The disadvantage of leasing becomes less clear, however, when we acknowledge the time value of money. Lines 8 and 9 show the discounted net cost of
each of the three methods of payment. These calculations take into account
the idea that future outlays are less burdensome than current outlays, and
future receipts are less valuable than current receipts. As the expected interest rate on savings accounts or similar investments rises, future outlays and
receipts are worth less, while up-front costs weigh more heavily.
Comparing Payment Methods
   Outlays
1. Initial payment/security deposit
2. Monthly payment* × 48 months
Cash
$25,000
         0
Loan
$  5,000
22,992
Lease
$   419
20,112
3. Total outlays (line 1 + line 2)
$25,000
$27,992
$20,531
   Receipts
4. Resale value/security deposit
5. Tax deductions
$7,500
       0
$7,500
   747
$   419
       0
6. Total receipts (line 4 + line 5)
$7,500
$8,247
$   419
$17,500
18,353
19,725
$19,745
19,249
18,325
$20,112
18,948
16,953
   Net Cost
7. Simple (line 3 – line 6)
8. Discounted at 3 percent
9. Discounted at 9 percent
* Monthly payments are based on a four-year lease or repayment schedule. Payments are $479 for
a loan and $419 for a lease.
Should You Buy Or Lease?
In our illustration, when the discount rate is 3 percent, leasing becomes
a better option than purchasing on credit. When the discount rate rises as
high as 9 percent, leasing becomes the most attractive option.
It is critical to factor the time value of money into a comparison of payment methods. Looking at the simple net costs becomes more and more
misleading as interest rates rise. Depending on the interest-rate differential
between a savings account and a loan account, in some circumstances buying a car on credit actually may be the least costly purchasing method, even
if you have the savings to pay cash for it.
If your interest-rate return on a long-term investment is higher than the
interest that you would have to pay on money borrowed to purchase the car
(say, if the dealer offers a below-market loan rate as a sales incentive), you
are better off borrowing the money and allowing your invested money to
accumulate interest at the higher rate.
Before making the decision to lease, you should make your own comparison of the costs and benefits of various payment methods. You can obtain
information on monthly payments, the security deposit, the down payment,
and the expected resale value of the car from your bank and your car dealer.
As with buying a car, you should comparison shop to find the best lease.
Construct a table similar to our example using as a discount rate an estimate
of how much you can earn on your savings account, money market account,
or other reasonably safe and liquid investments. In most cases, you will be
better off purchasing the car with cash.
An Explanation of Leasing Terms
Segregated disclosures and nonsegregated disclosures. A lessor must
provide certain information if the lease is for $25,000 or less. Segregated
disclosures appear on a form. Nonsegregated disclosures will not necessarily
appear on a form or in one place on the lease. They provide information on
early termination, purchase options, maintenance responsibilities, warranties, late and default charges, insurance, and security interest. To avoid later
disputes, be sure you understand the standards for wear and use.
Monthly payment. The monthly payment is the sum of the monthly
depreciation fee, the monthly rent charge or lease fee, and sales tax.
Capitalized cost. This is the price of the car. You add optional service
contracts, insurance, and any other fees to get the gross capitalized cost.
39
40
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Insist that the lessor itemize the gross capitalized cost. From the gross capitalized cost, deduct your down payment, trade-in allowance, and rebates to
get the net capitalized cost. The more you can lower net capitalized cost of
the car, the lower your monthly payments will be. When negotiating a lease,
you have the option of paying an up-front capitalized-cost reduction. This is
similar to a down payment on a car.
Depreciation fee. This fee covers the difference between the net capitalized cost and the value of the car at the end of lease. To find the monthly
depreciation fee, simply divide the amount of depreciation by the lease
term.
Lease fee and money factor. The lease fee is for financing the car while
you drive it. It is arrived at by using the following formula: (net capitalized
cost plus residual value) multiplied by the money factor. The money factor
determines how much you’ll pay in finance charges over the life of the lease.
There is a simple rule to figure out an approximate interest rate so that you
can compare car loans: Multiply the money factor by 2,400. The lower the
money factor, the lower your monthly payment.
Monthly sales tax. The monthly sales tax is usually computed by adding
the monthly depreciation and lease fees, then multiplying by your state’s tax
rate.
6
Protecting Your
Investment
Protecting Your Investment
Insurance is a legal necessity. The laws of your state require that you have
insurance coverage. Adequate insurance is also vital to your financial security, which is why it is a major cost of owning and operating a car. Over time,
you can expect to pay more on insurance than on maintenance or taxes.
All insurance contracts are essentially wagers. The insurance company
bets that the premiums—monthly payments from customers—will cover all
payouts. The policyholders bet through their premiums that they might at
some time suffer an accident, theft, property damage, or injury so expensive
that it would break them financially if they did not purchase sufficient coverage. Of course, buying insurance is not gambling. The idea isn’t to win a
jackpot in exchange for a costly and, perhaps, painful or fatal accident. The
insurance company bases its coverage on statistics and analyses that estimate
the probability and likely costs of insurable events such as accidents. The
consumer determines the categories and levels of insurance that give the
maximum protection at an affordable
price.
The National Insurance ConCar insurance is a form of casumer Helpline, (800) 942-4242
sualty insurance. It covers health
or (800) 331-9146, is a toll-free
and property, including liabilities
consumer information telephone
arising from claims and judgments.
Link service. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners The average insured driver in the
provides a link to state insurance U.S. spent $795 on car insurance in
2007, the latest year for which data
department websites at www.
has been published by the National
naic.org/state_web_map.htm.
Association of Insurance Commissioners. This average is affected by a number of factors, including the underlying rate structure, the amount and type of coverage, the deductibles,
the types of vehicles insured, the distribution of driver characteristics, and
state regulations.
@
41
42
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Average Expenditure for Auto Insurance, 2006
Nationwide average expenditure
$817
Average premium for full coverage
(liability, comprehensive, and collision)
Liability coverage
Collision coverage
Comprehensive coverage
$937
$489
$308
$140
National average outlays for privately owned passenger vehicles in 2006.
Source: Insurance Information Institute.
In 2007, those who purchased full coverage (a combination of liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance) paid $912, on average, in
premiums.
An Insurance Primer
Most states license and regulate insurance companies within their borders,
require insurers to maintain sufficient reserves to pay claims, and require
periodic reports on the companies’ internal affairs. State regulation generally ensures that valid claims eventually are paid.
Insurance is sold by agents or brokers. Agents act for a specific company
(usually a large company that can afford in-house salespeople). Brokers,
sometimes referred to as independent agents, do not work for any one company. Brokers can shop around for policies that fit their clients’ needs. Many
states require insurance companies, agents, and brokers to be licensed.
It’s a good idea to get quotes from several agents or brokers. The process
of comparison is fairly simple when shopping on the Internet. All major
insurance companies maintain websites that allow you to obtain customized
quotes online once you fill out the required information.
In general, the major, well-established insurance companies are competitive in their rates for basic coverage of any type. Some companies advertise
that they can offer great discounts. Be careful when considering buying
their policies. Check that the coverage they offer, and the level of deductibles (amounts you must pay out of pocket), are worth the lower premiums.
Many companies include coverage for collision and comprehensive (protection against fire, theft, foul weather, and vandalism). When comparing
Protecting Your Investment
policies, make sure you are clear on what the policies include.
You’ll need to buy at least the minimum levels and types of coverage
mandated by your state. California, for example, requires a bodily injury
liability minimum of $15,000 per injured person, up to $30,000 per accident;
and a property damage liability minimum of $5,000. This basic coverage is
referred to as 15/30/5 coverage.
The price of a premium varies with a number of factors: location, the
vehicle model, the age, sex, and qualification of the operator, the driver’s
record of violations and of accident claims submitted to the insurer, and the
primary use of the vehicle.
Some companies offer discounts and credits that, although not huge,
still are helpful. Discounts are given for having all of an owner’s vehicles
insured with the same company, and credits are given to drivers who have
completed certified safe-driving courses. Discounts may also be available for
vehicles with certain safety or anti-theft devices and for students with good
grades.
Insurance salespeople often peddle add-on features, such as roadside
assistance or reimbursement for renting a car while your damaged vehicle
is being repaired. A salesperson may try to sell you additional coverage for
medical expenses. You should consider whether such coverage overlaps
with coverage on your other insurance policies (such as health insurance).
For example, if you already have an automobile club membership that covers towing, you don’t need to buy roadside assistance from your insurer.
Once you agree to purchase a policy, you pay the premium to the insurance company, and it sends you a written copy of the policy. Go over this
policy thoroughly. The policy should clearly describe what is covered, under
what circumstances it is covered, what you need to do to keep the policy in
force, what the insurer needs to do if it wishes to cancel or change all or part
of the policy, and what you need to do to file a claim.
All too often, people are surprised to discover that a particular situation
is not covered—either because there was no protection against it originally
or because the coverage was voided because of a particular reason.
Most policies that require a company to indemnify and defend the insured person in a lawsuit also require that they be notified promptly of any
incident that may result in a claim—usually within 30 days. If you fail to do
so, the insurance company may legally deny your claim. You should always
call your agent about an incident as soon as possible and follow the call
43
44
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
with a letter—ideally sent by certified or registered mail. After that, keep
a record of all related phone calls and correspondence with the insurer and
any other involved parties.
If you are involved in an incident in which there is no apparent injury,
alert your agent by phone and mail anyway. Even seemingly minor fenderbenders and similar mishaps can lead to future claims, and this will give
your agent the opportunity to get a release from the possibly injured person.
It will also preserve your insurer’s obligation to indemnify and defend you
if, after the specified time period (such as 30 days) has elapsed, the other
party decides he or she was injured after all.
Whenever the insurance company must legally defend an action in its
role of indemnifying and defending you, it will send its own legal representative. You should not relax because an attorney hired by the insurer
is there, supposedly representing you as well as the company. Usually, the
insurer is primarily interested in settling the suit in the quickest and cheapest way possible.
As the insured party, you should be interested in those things, too, but
look out for your own interests. How will the settlement or legal decision
affect your reputation, your finances, and your credit rating? How will it
affect your ability to get affordable insurance after the case is settled? Will
settling the case require that you admit to negligence or guilt? If the insurance company’s stake is for only a small part of the total settlement, how
much will you have to pay out of your own pocket?
It might be worth having your own legal representative at any settlement
negotiations. You have the obligation to help the insurer defend you (and
itself). But if you think the insurance company’s interests and your own
do not overlap sufficiently, your best recourse will be to engage your own
counsel.
Minimum Is Not Adequate
You’ll want insurance to compensate you in the event of major damage to
your vehicle or major injury to you or a dependent. Beyond the personal
toll, an accident can lead to a court judgment holding you responsible for
damages. In that case, you may face huge financial liabilities. Protect yourself with coverage above and beyond the minimum required by law.
Buy uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. An accident with an
Protecting Your Investment
uninsured driver means that only your own insurance stands between you
and the full brunt of all bills. Uninsured motorist coverage pays if you are
injured by a hit-and-run driver or a driver who does not have auto insurance. Underinsured coverage protects you from drivers whose insurance
may not be sufficient to cover your claim.
Increase liability levels. Financial awards to severely injured victims
easily can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. It is advisable to carry
at least 100/300 bodily injury coverage ($100,000 per injured person and
$300,000 per accident). People with substantial wealth or earning potential
should carry more. Increasing the coverage to 100/300 might only double
the premium (typically about $100 to $250 a year) from what you pay for a
statutory minimum of 15/30.
Consider an umbrella policy. Umbrella policies supplement the liability
coverage provided by a policyholder’s existing auto and home insurance.
Since most of the risk is assumed under the primary auto and homeowner’s
policies, a $1 million umbrella policy generally costs less than $300 per year.
However, some companies will sell you an umbrella policy only if you purchase your primary homeowner’s and auto insurance from them.
Consider property damage coverage. This protects you if you are found
liable for the property of others. The usual minimum coverage is $10,000,
for which the annual cost might be roughly $100. Many individuals might
do well to increase this coverage to $100,000. As with bodily injury coverage, the premiums do not increase proportionately.
Buy collision insurance. A lender typically will require you to carry collision insurance up to the amount of the outstanding balance of the car loan.
If you own your car outright, but cannot readily afford to replace it and its
use is essential, you probably should still carry collision coverage. When
your car is damaged, the insurance company will reimburse you based on
how much repairs will cost. If the costs are higher than the value of the car,
the company will not pay for repairs. It will consider the car “totaled,” and
pay you its market value. If a car is very old or in very poor condition, relatively minor damages can quickly total it. At or near that point, you should
drop collision coverage. Coverage for damage incurred during a collision is
costly. One way to reduce the cost is to increase the amount of the deductible so that only a very severe accident will result in a claim.
Consider a comprehensive policy. Comprehensive policies primarily
protect against loss from fire and theft, but also cover loss due to practically
45
46
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
any other hazard except collision. The additional cost over the premium for
plain fire and theft coverage is nominal.
Consider medical payments coverage. This pays for medical costs for
you or others injured in an accident while driving or riding in your vehicle,
or for you or family members if you are struck by a vehicle while walking
or riding in another vehicle. Such coverage may duplicate coverage that
you already have through other health insurance or disability insurance, so
check first.
Consider personal injury coverage. This reimburses you for lost wages
if you are injured, and for the wages of people who are hired to assist you
during recovery. Many states require you to buy a minimum amount of this
coverage. Raising those limits depends on the coverage already provided by
your health and disability policies.
No-Fault, Rentals, and Renewals
Some states now have no-fault car insurance statutes. There are substantial
differences in these laws. The common feature is that a victim of an accident who suffers bodily injury must recover financial loss from his or her
own insurance company rather than from another party. No-fault statutes
in some states also apply to property damage losses. The no-fault feature applies to losses of specified amounts. Recovery above these amounts must be
made under the usual provisions of insurance and law.
Car rental businesses offer insurance on their vehicles and are legally
required to offer it to you. Check with your insurance agent to find out
whether insurance from the rental business duplicates coverage you already
have.
Whether you will be driving underinsured or uninsured if you fail to
sign up for the rental agency’s insurance will depend generally on how
the type and purpose of the rented vehicle differs from what your own
insurance covers. It is more likely that your existing policies will cover
you if you rent an automobile than if you rent, say, a U-Haul truck. If you
contemplate renting a vehicle, it is advisable to have a copy of your policy
and proof of insurance with you—especially if you are outside your home
state. Carry your insurance agent’s telephone number with you when
you travel, and call ahead to find out what coverage you’ll need to rent a
vehicle.
Protecting Your Investment
47
If you renew a policy, review it thoroughly, just as you did with your
original policy. The same is true if you receive written notification of changes from the insurer. By knowing what is in your policy, you are less likely to
be surprised by not having coverage you expected to have when you need it.
Safety Recalls
If you are going to invest money in buying a car, you don’t want to end up
with a lemon. Fortunately, good information is available for free that can
help you avoid cars with problems.
One good source is the databases maintained by the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration. The
NHTSA website is highly recomYou can access the National Highmended for anyone thinking of buying
way Traffic Safety Administraa used car. Even if you are buying a
tion at www.nhtsa.gov. You can
new car, reading about the history of
get information on safety recalls
Link and report safety problems with
older models provide insights into
which models are most likely to be
vehicles by calling NHTSA’s tolltrouble-free.
free hotline, (888) 327-4236.
The “recalls” search engine, for
example, lets you access the NHTSA Recall Campaigns database by year,
make, or model. Subaru, for example, has recalled more than 73,000 Outbacks and Legacies from the 2010 model year for electrical problems. Lexus
recently recalled more than 130,000 cars because of a faulty valve spring that
could cause the engine to stop suddenly. Recall information is also available
for equipment, child-safety seats, and tires. Each report includes a summary
of the problem, its safety implications, and a course of action.
In the “complaints” section, you can look up a vehicle and read complaints submitted by customers, dealers, and mechanics. A word of caution:
These complaints are not subject to any verification, and it is not clear how
representative they are of the typical car owner’s experience. Nonetheless,
they can be quite eye-opening and even alarming.
The site also offers information about technical service bulletins. These
are published by manufacturers to help automotive technicians fix problems
that are difficult to diagnose. In general, the more problems a vehicle has,
the more TSBs it has. A recent review of the NHTSA database revealed,
for example, that, as of July 2010, the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe, a Consumer
@
48
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Reports “used car to avoid,” had a total of 176 TSBs. In contrast, the 2007
Toyota FJ Cruiser, a Consumer Reports “reliable used car,” had only four.
Lemon Laws
All states have enacted lemon laws designed to protect consumers in the
event that a car is seriously defective and the dealer is unable, or unwilling,
to correct the problem. In general, to qualify as a lemon, a car must have a
major problem that the manufacturer (not the dealer) has failed to repair
after four attempts, or the car must have been garaged for repairs for 30
cumulative days during the manufacturer’s or dealer’s warranty period.
If a car qualifies as a lemon, the buyer is entitled to a refund of the
purchase price, as well as reimbursement for other costs, such as taxes and
registration.
State consumer protection offices,
Lemon laws also cover
which can be found through individual used cars that were sold with a
state websites, can provide informawritten warranty—either the
tion about the specific warranty rights remainder of a manufacturer’s
Link that car buyers have in each state. The
warranty or a separate extended
Better Business Bureau provides conwarranty or service contract sold
sumer protection information online
by the dealer.
at www.lemonlaw.bbb.org. Many of
Most states have laws prothe state statutes have provisions that
require complainants to enter an arbi- hibiting deceptive acts in selling
tration procedure before they resort to used cars. Some states require
dealerships to automatically
legal remedies.
disclose certain facts, such as
whether a vehicle was a rental car, a demonstrator, or was salvaged.
If you think you have a lemon, the most important evidence will be
documentation that you informed the dealer of the problem, that the dealer
acknowledged it (by writing it on a repair order), and failed to fix it. Keep
all repair records.
Always test drive a car before you accept it. If you notice any defects, do
not take delivery. Require that the dealer repair the problems before the
final sale.
Once you hand over the full price, the dealer’s incentive to make the
repair is greatly reduced. And you may have to resort to the procedures
prescribed by state laws for lemons.
@
7
2010 Rankings
2010
Rankings
Some car models retain greater value for longer. Knowing which cars are
better long-term investments can be useful when choosing a car to buy.
Driving Bargains rank models according to the ratio of average resale
prices to manufacturer’s suggested retail prices. The rankings cover five
model years to help you distinguish between models that are likely to retain
proportionally greater value and models that are more apt to depreciate
rapidly.
Using the Tables
The percentages and rankings in the tables are derived from the 2010
edition of the National Automobile Dealers Association’s NADA Official
Used Car Guide. The resale values used are an average calculated from the
10 geographic regions defined by NADA. In each section, three values are
given for each vehicle:
Original M.S.R.P. is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, also
known as the sticker price. Unless otherwise indicated, it is based on the
bottom-of-the-line of each model. It assumes no optional equipment was
included.
Retail value as a percent of M.S.R.P. is the ratio of the average retail
value as of 2010 to the original M.S.R.P. of the vehicle. A high percentage
indicates the vehicle has retained relatively more of its value over the years.
The M.S.R.P. component of this ratio is based on the lowest-price version
of each model. However, the NADA retail value component reflects sales
of vehicles that may or may not have optional equipment. Typically, the
numbers do not include the resale value of expensive options, such as power
sunroofs, leather seats, aluminum/alloy wheels, or premium audio systems.
(The NADA guide values these items separately.) The numbers do include
the resale value of less expensive optional equipment. According to NADA,
49
50
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
most optional equipment has little or no value on older vehicles, especially if
the options cost relatively little to begin with or are likely to wear with age.
Retail value minus trade-in is the difference between the current NADA
retail value and the NADA trade-in value.
If you are a seller, this number gives you a rough estimate of the difference
between what you could expect to get from a private sale, and what a dealer
might offer to pay you for it in trade-in. The higher the amount, the more
you stand to gain by selling your car privately or by bargaining with a dealer.
If you are a buyer, the number represents the difference between the
retail price a dealer is likely to ask for a used car, and the wholesale or
trade-in price he might have paid. The higher the amount, the more room
you have to bargain the price down. This amount also suggests how much
bargaining leeway you would have with a private seller.
Which Models Are Listed
There are hundreds of car and truck models on the road. A particular
vehicle may have been manufactured in a half-dozen different versions. A
2006 Chrysler Sebring, for example, was available as a four-door sedan in
Touring, Limited and TSi versions, and as a two-door convertible in GTC,
Touring and Limited versions.
To keep our lists manageable, we include only base models—with some
important exceptions. We include non-base models if their retail price as
a percent of the M.S.R.P. is significantly different from the comparable
percentage for the base model. Such differences indicate that a vehicle has
depreciated at a significantly different rate than the base model.
For 2007, 2008, and 2009, we include a non-base model if the ratio of
its retail value to its M.S.R.P. differs from the ratio for the base model by
7 percentage points or more. For 2005 and 2006, the difference has to be 6
percentage points or more. The thresholds are smaller for older vehicles
because differences in depreciation rates tend to shrink over time.
Using these criteria, we include two models of the Honda Accord in our
list of 2005 cars: the four-cylinder model, and the V6. The resale value of
the V6 is significantly lower as a percentage of its M.S.R.P., at 56 percent,
than the resale value of 74 percent for the four-cylinder model. On the other
hand, our 2005 list only includes the base model of the Mitsubishi Galant, the four-cylinder sedan, because the relative resale prices of the other
2010 Rankings
models were sufficiently close to the base model that they did not merit a
separate listing.
Models are most likely to have a significantly different retail value as a
percent of M.S.R.P., compared with the base model, if they have fancier
trim, more powerful engines, convertible tops, or four-wheel drive. Sometimes these extra features enhance the resale value, but sometimes they
reduce it. It depends on the model.
Our tables include every model that Consumer Reports has identified as
either a “reliable used car” or a “used car to avoid.” In most cases, the editors of Consumer Reports do not make distinctions between base models
and other models, but sometimes they do. The 2009 Hyundai Sonata 4-cylinder, for example, is tagged by them as a “reliable used car,” but the 2009
Hyundai Sonata V6 is not.
What the Rankings Indicate
The resale values in our rankings reflect the collective judgments of buyers
and sellers. Since these judgments are informed by the experiences of many
previous owners and operators, they provide a strong indication of how a
given make and model has withstood the test of consumer use.
In some cases, market determinations for a particular model coincide
with judgments based on road tests and reliability ratings of one or two test
cars made by independent consumer services such as Consumer Reports or
Edmunds. In other cases, they differ—sometimes considerably. Vehicles
with good track records—measured by performance, reliability, and driving
characteristics—often maintain a good resale value, but there are still many
such cars that seem to depreciate significantly. In the absence of more reliable data, it is impossible to determine how resale values will change over
time, but the rankings in the following pages provide at least some indication of expected performance from similar models now on the market.
Do Older Models Sell For More?
Some older models appear to be selling above their original sticker prices
because the M.S.R.P. usually is not the actual retail sale price of a new car.
For some models, the original M.S.R.P. may understate the actual price
that car buyers originally paid. There are two reasons for this.
51
52
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
First, the M.S.R.P. reported by the NADA guide excludes the cost of
major options. But many car buyers do purchase these options.
Second, some models may sell for more than their M.S.R.P. because of
strong demand. When the popular PT Cruiser was introduced a few years
ago, some dealers were able to charge $2,000 or more above the sticker
price. The Toyota Prius also fetched premiums during the days of monthslong waiting lists.
The rankings shown in the table probably exaggerate the retained dollar
value of such models. These cars probably sold for more than their indicated M.S.R.P. when they were new, and their current resale value almost
certainly is less than 100 percent of what they originally sold for.
Conversely, the rankings probably exaggerate the loss of dollar value of
cars that originally sold for less than the M.S.R.P. The M.S.R.P. incorporates
a profit margin for the dealer. It is negotiable, and car buyers often pay less
than the M.S.R.P. for all but the most popular models.
In recent years, some models have sold for less than the M.S.R.P. for another reason—car manufacturers, especially Detroit’s Big Three, have been
offering rebates as high as $5,000 to new car buyers. The actual sales price
for these vehicles may have been substantially less than the M.S.R.P. used to
Choosing A Model
Different models of roughly similar price and size may have substantially different resale values. When buying a car, if you have a choice between models
of similar size and style, and one has retained substantially greater dollar
value than the other, common sense says that the model with the historically
higher resale value will offer better long-run value.
Some cars that are highly rated in terms of driving characteristics, safety
testing, and expected frequency of repair retain less dollar value than other
cars judged similarly roadworthy and reliable. The models recommended by
Consumer Reports after hands-on testing have retained less resale value than
other recommended models—and even rank lower than many models that
Consumer Reports did not recommend. When buying a car, if there is a choice
to be made between two otherwise similar “recommended” cars, it would
make sense to pick the one with a record of higher retained dollar value, unless, of course, you are looking for a value-buy.
2010 Rankings
calculate our ratios. In other words, they have not lost as much value as the
tables suggest.
The net effect of these price distortions on our ratios and rankings is
impossible to estimate. However, they seem unlikely to change broad patterns. Models that have consistently achieved high resale rankings over the
previous five model years would have a greater prospect of retaining more
of their dollar value than those models that consistently have ranked below
the average.
There is no guarantee that you will end up with a car that is in every way
satisfactory to you—no matter what procedures you follow. Occasionally,
even the most promising vehicle turns out to be a lemon. In the absence of
some crystal ball for predicting the future, taking into account both roadtest results and actual resale performance would seem to be the most practical, intelligent way of judging the probable good buys in the automobile
market.
53
54
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Ranking of 2005 Used Cars
April 2010 NADA Value as a Percentage of Original
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
    Model
Mitsubishi Lancer-4 Cyl.
Mini Cooper-4 Cyl.
Honda Civic-4 Cyl.*
Honda Accord-4 Cyl.*
Mazda Mazda3-4 Cyl.*
Toyota Matrix-4 Cyl.*
Toyota Echo-4 Cyl.*
Toyota Corolla-4 Cyl.*
Saturn Ion-4 Cyl.
Scion xA-4 Cyl.
Scion xB-4 Cyl.*
Subaru Impreza-4 Cyl.*
Subaru Baja-4 Cyl.*
Toyota Celica-4 Cyl.*
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen New Beetle-4 Cyl.+
Nissan Sentra-4 Cyl.
Subaru Legacy-4 Cyl.*
Volkswagen Jetta-4 Cyl. TDI*
Mercedes-Benz C Class*
BMW 3 Series
Volkswagen Jetta-4 Cyl.
Scion tC-4 Cyl.*
Porche 997 911-6 Cyl.
Chevrolet Corvette-V8
Nissan 350Z-V6*
Toyota Camry-4 Cyl.*
Ford Mustang-V6*
Acura RSX-4 Cyl.*
Subaru Forester-4 Cyl.*
Honda Insight-3 Cyl.
Chrysler PT Cruiser-4 Cyl.+
Toyota Prius-4 Cyl.*
Toyota Avalon-V6*
Chevrolet Aveo-L4+
Chevrolet Cobalt-L4+
Volkswagen GTI Golf
Nissan Altima-4 Cyl.*
Pontiac Vibe-L4*
Toyota Camry Solara-4 Cyl.*
Volkswagen Jetta-5 Cyl.
Mazda MX-5 Miata-4 Cyl.*
Chrysler 300-V6+
Acura TSX-4 Cyl.*
Porche Boxster-6 Cyl.+
Original
M.S.R.P.
$13,999
16,449
13,160
16,195
13,680
14,760
10,355
13,680
11,430
12,480
13,680
17,995
22,095
17,670
15,830
16,570
12,500
20,995
20,740
25,850
29,300
21,385
15,950
69,300
43,445
26,500
18,045
18,560
20,175
21,195
19,330
13,405
20,875
26,350
9,455
13,625
19,510
17,250
16,915
19,220
17,900
22,098
22,970
26,990
43,800
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
95
$2,523
86
2,647
74
2,353
74
2,686
73
2,374
73
2,429
73
2,155
71
2,352
69
2,209
69
2,268
69
2,328
69
2,533
67
2,880
67
2,681
67
2,417
67
2,618
67
2,231
66
2,820
65
3,750
65
3,558
65
3,685
65
2,825
64
2,400
64
6,605
64
4,143
64
3,232
64
2,653
64
2,675
63
2,748
63
2,778
61
2,505
61
2,344
60
2,570
60
3,164
60
1,930
60
2,244
60
2,501
59
2,549
59
2,523
59
2,634
59
2,568
58
2,756
58
2,994
58
2,926
58
4,023
2010 Rankings
55
Ranking of 2005 Used Cars
(continued)
Rank
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
    Model
Volvo S40-5 Cyl.
Ford Focus-4 Cyl.*
Mercedes-Benz SLK Class
Audi A4-4 Cyl. Turbo+
Honda Civic Hybrid-I4*
Honda Accord-V6*
Toyota MR2 Spyder-4 Cyl.
Volvo V70-5 Cyl.
Suzuki Aerio-4 Cyl.
Hyundai Accent-4 Cyl.
Infiniti G35-V6*
Dodge Neon-4 Cyl.
Nissan Maxima-V6
Lexus IS-I6*
Volvo V50-5 Cyl.
Acura TL-V6*
Hyundai Elantra-4 Cyl.
Volkswagen Passat-4 Cyl.+
Subaru Legacy-6 Cyl.
Dodge Magnum-V6+
Volvo S60-5 Cyl.+
BMW Z4 Series*
Kia Spectra-4 Cyl
Lexus ES-V6*
Mazda Mazda6-4 Cyl.*
Ford Thunderbird-V8
Chrysler 300-V8
BMW 5 Series
Kia Rio-4 Cyl.
Audi A4-V6
Mazda RX-8-Rotary+
Honda S2000-4 Cyl.*
Audi TT-180 HP-4 Cyl.
Mercedes-Benz CLK Class
Suzuki Forenza-4 Cyl.
Mitsubishi Eclipse-4 Cyl.
Lexus LS-V8*
Mercedes-Benz E Class*
Mercury Grand Marquis-V8*
Ford Five Hundred-V6
Suzuki Reno-4 Cyl.
Volvo XC70-5 Cyl.
Saab 9-3-4 Cyl.
Buick Lacrosse-V6
Audi S4-V8
Original
M.S.R.P.
$23,260
13,005
45,500
25,800
19,650
23,800
25,145
28,760
13,449
9,999
30,450
13,615
27,100
29,435
25,660
32,900
13,299
22,070
30,995
21,870
27,235
34,300
12,620
31,975
18,995
37,460
32,370
41,300
9,740
35,400
25,375
32,950
33,500
45,250
13,449
19,449
55,675
48,500
24,370
22,145
13,449
34,810
26,850
22,835
46,100
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
58
$2,992
57
2,144
57
4,043
57
3,076
56
3,250
56
2,786
56
2,835
55
3,158
55
2,131
55
1,895
54
3,199
54
2,160
54
3,085
54
3,498
54
3,027
54
3,274
54
2,109
54
2,859
53
2,971
53
2,858
53
3,072
53
3,664
53
2,062
53
3,228
53
2,530
53
3,753
52
3,340
52
3,833
52
1,828
50
3,278
50
2,944
50
3,200
50
3,565
50
3,881
49
2,043
49
2,480
49
5,725
48
4,268
48
2,866
48
2,580
48
2,026
48
3,213
48
2,948
48
2,602
48
3,483
56
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Ranking of 2005 Used Cars
(continued)
Rank
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
    Model
Honda Accord-V6 Hybrid*
Lexus GS*
Hyundai Tiburon-4 Cyl.
Audi A6-V6+
Cadillac CTS-V6
BMW 6 Series
Pontiac GTO-V8
Pontiac G6-V6+
Mitsubishi Galant-4 Cyl.
Pontiac Gran Prix-V6
Chrysler Crossfire-V6*
Chevrolet Monte Carlo-V6+
BMW 7 Series
Audi 2005.5 S4-V8
Lexus SC-V8*
Mercury Montego-V6
Chevrolet Impala-V6+
Saab 9-2X-4 Cyl.*
Jaguar X-Type-V6
Mercedes-Benz SL Class+
Volkswagen Passat-V6
Hyundai Sonata-4 Cyl.*
Volvo S80-5 Cyl./I6*
Acura RL-V6*
Ford Crown Victoria-V8*
Chevrolet Malibu-4 Cyl.
Pontiac Sunfire-L4
Mercury Sable-V6*
Chevrolet Cavalier-L4
Kia Optima-4 Cyl.
Pontiac Bonneville-V6
Ford Taurus-V6*
Audi A8-V8+
Cadillac STS-V6
Volkswagen Phaeton
Saab 9-5-4 Cyl.+
Jaguar XJ8-V8
Mercedes-Benz S Class
Buick LeSabre Custom-V6*
Saturn L Series-V6
Chrysler Sebring-4 Cyl.+
Dodge Stratus-4 Cyl.+
Jaguar S-Type-V6/V8+
Hyundai XG350-V6
Kia Amanti-V6
Original
M.S.R.P.
$29,990
38,875
15,999
40,250
30,000
69,900
32,295
20,675
18,699
22,800
29,045
22,050
69,900
45,850
63,175
24,345
22,120
22,990
30,330
89,900
29,790
15,999
35,900
48,165
24,085
18,995
15,015
20,855
14,325
15,900
27,650
20,485
66,590
40,300
66,950
32,550
60,830
75,300
26,425
21,370
19,350
19,145
44,230
24,399
24,995
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
48
$3,800
47
3,663
47
2,155
47
3,713
47
3,360
47
6,063
47
3,118
47
2,494
47
2,402
46
2,566
45
3,070
45
2,508
45
5,963
44
3,407
44
5,785
44
2,589
44
2,667
44
2,529
43
3,082
43
6,327
42
2,929
42
2,055
42
3,430
42
3,760
41
2,695
41
2,313
41
1,995
41
2,383
40
1,940
40
2,018
40
2,783
39
2,332
39
5,645
39
3,488
38
4,040
38
3,197
37
5,382
37
5,774
37
2,683
37
2,318
37
2,220
37
2,213
36
3,507
36
2,410
36
2,430
2010 Rankings
57
Ranking of 2005 Used Cars
(continued)
Rank
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
    Model
Cadillac XLR-V8
Jaguar XK8-V8
Buick Park Avenue-V6
Chevrolet Classic-L4
Pontiac Grand Am Se-4 Cyl.+
Lincoln Town Car-V8*
Suzuki Verona-I6
Infiniti Q45-V8
Buick Century Custom-V6*
Mercedes-Benz CL Class
Lincoln LS-V6+
Cadillac Deville-V8
*  Consumer Reports “Reliable used cars.”
Original
M.S.R.P.
$75,835
69,830
35,555
19,505
19,870
41,675
17,449
55,900
22,870
93,900
32,330
45,600
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
36
$5,728
35
5,536
35
3,223
35
2,190
35
2,195
35
3,379
34
1,965
34
3,708
33
2,273
32
5,908
30
2,930
30
3,318
†  Consumer Reports “Used cars to avoid.”
58
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Ranking of 2006 Used Cars
April 2010 NADA Value as a Percentage of Original
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
    Model
Mitsubishi Lancer-4 Cyl.
Mini Cooper-4 Cyl.
Honda Civic-4 Cyl.*
Subaru Impreza-4 Cyl.*
Mazda Mazda3-4 Cyl.*
Toyota Matrix-4 Cyl.*
Scion xB-4 Cyl.*
Lexus IS-V6*
BMW 3 Series
Chevrolet Corvette-V8
Toyota Corolla-4 Cyl.*
Saturn Ion-4 Cyl.+
Subaru Baja-4 Cyl.*
Volkswagen New Beetle-4 Cyl.+
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Rabbit-5 Cyl.*
Honda Accord-4 Cyl.*
Audi A4-4 Cyl. Turbo
Scion xA-4 Cyl.*
Nissan Sentra-4 Cyl.
Subaru Legacy-4 Cyl.
Subaru Forester-4 Cyl.*
Porsche 911-6 Cyl.*
Acura RSX-4 Cyl.*
Mazda MX-5 Miata-4 Cyl.
Scion tC-4 Cyl.*
Mercedes-Benz C Class*
Honda Insight-3 Cyl.
Chevrolet Aveo-L4+
Volkswagen Jetta-5 Cyl.
Audi A3-4 Cyl. Turbo+
Chevrolet Cobalt-L4+
Toyota Camry-4 Cyl.*
Dodge Charger-V6+
Nissan 350Z-V6*
Ford Mustang-V6*
Nissan Altima-4 Cyl.*
Pontiac Vibe-L4*
Pontiac Solstice-4 Cyl.+
Honda Civic-4 Cyl. Hybrid*
BMW Z4 Series*
Volvo S40-5 Cyl.
Toyota Avalon-V6
Toyota Prius-4 Cyl.*
Chrysler PT Cruiser-4 Cyl.+
Original
M.S.R.P.
$14,599
16,950
14,360
18,295
13,710
15,110
13,880
29,990
30,300
43,800
14,005
11,925
22,495
17,180
16,030
14,990
18,225
27,640
12,730
13,100
21,695
21,795
71,300
20,325
20,435
16,200
29,200
19,330
9,455
17,900
24,740
13,900
18,445
18,939
27,450
19,115
17,650
16,430
19,420
21,850
35,600
23,755
26,625
21,725
14,210
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
95
$2,565
93
2,732
86
2,537
84
2,700
83
2,481
80
2,531
80
2,453
79
3,935
78
3,941
78
4,358
78
2,440
77
2,343
77
3,016
77
2,781
76
2,532
76
2,481
76
2,816
76
3,429
75
2,343
74
2,348
74
2,936
73
2,941
73
6,862
73
2,875
73
2,875
72
2,495
71
3,793
71
2,628
70
2,048
69
2,723
69
3,242
69
2,360
69
2,744
69
2,973
69
3,331
68
2,765
68
2,691
68
2,628
68
2,774
68
3,575
67
3,958
67
3,167
67
3,274
66
2,675
66
2,462
2010 Rankings
59
Ranking of 2006 Used Cars
(continued)
Rank
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
    Model
Mazda Mazda5-4 Cyl.*
Toyota Camry Solara-4 Cyl.*
Ford Focus-4 Cyl.*
Chrysler 300-V6+
Volkswagen Golf
Acura TSX-4 Cyl.*
Porsche Boxster-6 Cyl.*
Audi A4-V6
Volvo C70-5 Cyl.
Subaru Legacy-6 Cyl.*
Mercedes-Benz SLK Class
Chevrolet HHR-4 Cyl.+
Ford Fusion-4 Cyl.*
Honda Accord-V6*
Audi A3-V6+
Volvo V50-5 Cyl.
Audi S4-V8
Volvo V70-5 Cyl.
Mercury Milan-4 Cyl.*
Nissan Maxima-V6
Audi A6-V6
Infiniti G35 Sedan-V6*
Pontiac G6-V6+
Infiniti M35-V6*
Acura TL-V6*
Kia Rio-4 Cyl.
Mazda Mazda6-4 Cyl.*
BMW 5 Series
Mitsubishi Eclipse-4 Cyl.
Volkswagen Passat-4 Cyl.+
Lexus GS300-V6*
Lexus ES-V6*
Mercedes-Benz CLS Class
Volvo S60-5 Cyl.*
Hyundai Elantra-4 Cyl.
Porsche Cayman-6 Cyl.*
Hyundai Accent-4 Cyl.
BMW 6 Series
Suzuki Aerio-4 Cyl.
Mercedes-Benz CLK Class+
Dodge Magnum-V6+
Chrysler 300-V8
Hyundai Tiburon-4 Cyl.
Kia Spectra-4 Cyl.
Mercedes-Benz E Class*
Original
M.S.R.P.
$17,435
19,380
13,450
23,525
20,340
27,890
45,000
33,940
38,710
28,995
42,900
15,425
17,145
25,100
33,980
26,205
46,400
29,445
18,345
27,750
40,820
31,050
20,030
40,100
33,325
10,570
19,110
41,800
19,399
22,950
42,900
32,300
64,900
30,270
13,675
58,900
12,455
71,800
13,999
45,750
22,320
33,425
16,095
12,895
50,050
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
65
$2,644
65
2,736
65
2,265
65
3,118
64
2,598
64
3,050
64
4,176
64
3,472
64
4,000
64
3,070
64
4,100
63
2,508
63
2,596
63
2,930
63
3,450
63
3,197
63
3,753
62
3,296
62
2,638
62
3,236
62
4,009
61
3,344
61
2,699
61
3,978
61
3,400
60
2,011
60
2,651
60
4,005
60
2,670
59
3,011
59
4,028
59
3,350
59
6,323
59
3,272
58
2,198
58
4,373
58
2,120
58
6,462
58
2,206
57
4,059
57
2,951
57
3,469
56
2,300
56
2,114
56
4,482
60
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Ranking of 2006 Used Cars
(continued)
Rank
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
    Model
Buick Lacrosse-V6
Saab 9-2X-4 Cyl.
Honda S2000-4 Cyl.*
Mazda RX-8-Rotary
Lincoln Zephyr-V6*
Chevrolet Impala-V6+
Buick Lucerne-V6
Audi TT-180 HP-4 Cyl.
Saab 9-3-4-Cyl.+
Pontiac GTO-V8+
Ford Five Hundred-V6
Infiniti M45-V8
Pontiac G6-4 Cyl.
Volvo XC70-5 Cyl.*
Chevrolet Malibu-4 Cyl.+
BMW 7 Series
Cadillac CTS-V6+
Hyundai Sonata-4 Cyl.
Lexus LS-V8*
Honda Accord-V6 Hybrid*
Mitsubishi Galant-4 Cyl.
Mercury Montego-V6
Hyundai Azera-V6*
Suzuki Reno-4 Cyl.
Mercedes-Benz S Class+
Mercury Grand Marquis-V8*
BMW 5 Series M5
Pontiac Grand Prix-V6
Jaguar X-Type-V6
Audi A6-V8
Audi A8-V8+
Chevrolet Monte Carlo-V6+
Suzuki Forenza-4 Cyl.
Lexus SC-V8*
Cadillac DTS-V8+
Mercedes-Benz SL Class
Cadillac STS-V6
Kia Optima-4 Cyl.
Acura RL-V6*
Cadillac XLR-V8
Volkswagen Phaeton
Volvo S80-5 Cyl.
Jaguar XJ8-V8
Ford Crown Victoria-V8*
Chrysler Crossfire-V6
Original
M.S.R.P.
$22,935
22,990
34,050
26,435
28,995
21,330
26,265
33,990
25,900
32,295
22,230
46,950
17,365
35,700
17,365
70,500
30,515
17,895
56,525
30,990
19,399
24,430
24,335
13,199
64,900
24,780
81,200
22,435
32,330
53,770
68,130
21,330
13,699
65,355
41,195
92,900
41,020
16,195
48,565
76,480
66,700
37,585
61,830
24,510
29,145
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
56
$2,747
56
2,750
56
3,335
55
3,084
55
3,510
55
2,864
55
3,070
55
3,685
55
3,053
54
3,268
54
2,696
54
4,025
54
2,475
54
3,358
54
2,465
54
6,308
54
3,545
54
2,343
54
5,928
53
3,975
52
2,538
52
2,748
52
2,738
52
2,077
52
6,092
52
2,947
51
6,495
51
2,653
51
3,384
51
4,125
51
6,154
51
2,594
51
2,086
50
6,073
50
3,785
49
6,618
48
3,750
48
2,168
48
3,921
47
6,210
47
4,263
46
3,606
46
5,799
46
2,823
45
2,981
2010 Rankings
61
Ranking of 2006 Used Cars
(continued)
Rank
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
    Model
Saab 9-5-4 Cyl.
Jaguar S-Type-V6/V8
Jaguar XK8-V8
Audi A8-W12+
Lincoln Town Car-V8
Suzuki Verona-I6
Ford Taurus-V6*
Infiniti Q45-V8
Mercedes-Benz CL Class
Kia Amanti-V6
Lincoln LS-V8
Chrysler Sebring-4 Cyl.+
Dodge Stratus-4 Cyl.
*  Consumer Reports “Reliable used cars.”
Original
M.S.R.P.
$33,975
45,330
69,830
118,190
42,055
18,299
20,830
58,100
95,500
27,795
39,285
19,705
20,465
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
45
$3,465
45
3,780
44
5,955
43
6,850
42
3,615
42
2,168
41
2,395
41
3,955
40
6,344
40
2,620
40
3,485
39
2,298
38
2,320
†  Consumer Reports “Used cars to avoid.”
62
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Ranking of 2007 Used Cars
April 2010 NADA Value as a Percentage of Original
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
    Model
Ford Mustang-V8*
Mazda Mazda3-4 Cyl.*
Mini Cooper-4 Cyl.
Honda Civic-4 Cyl.*
Subaru Impreza-4 Cyl.*
Toyota Yaris-4 Cyl.*
Honda Fit-4 Cyl.*
Toyota Camry-4 Cyl.*
Audi A4-4 Cyl. Turbo*
Subaru Legacy-4 Cyl.
Nissan Altima-4 Cyl.*
Saturn Ion-4 Cyl.
Nissan Versa-4 Cyl.
Lexus IS-V6*
Chevrolet Corvette-V8
Volkswagen New Beetle-5 Cyl.+
BMW 3 Series
Scion tC-4 Cyl.*
Volkswagen Rabbit-5 Cyl.*
Porsche 911-6 Cyl.*
Nissan Sentra-4 Cyl.
Volkswagen Jetta-5 Cyl.
Toyota Matrix-4 Cyl.*
Toyota Corolla-4 Cyl.*
Chevrolet Aveo-L4
Subaru Forester-4 Cyl.*
Audi A3-4 Cyl. Turbo
Mazda MX-5 Miata-4 Cyl.*
Honda Accord-4 Cyl.*
Hyundai Accent-4 Cyl.*
Dodge Caliber-4 Cyl.
Chevrolet Cobalt-L4
Hyundai Elantra-4 Cyl.
Toyota Camry-4 Cyl. Hybrid*
Pontiac Solstice-4 Cyl.+
Mazda Mazda5-4 Cyl.
Volkswagen Eos-4 Cyl. Turbo+
Infiniti G35 Sedan-V6*
Volkswagen GTI-4 Cyl.+
Nissan Altima-V6*
Nissan 350Z-V6*
BMW 328i RWD*
Suzuki SX4-4 Cyl.*
Mercedes-Benz C Class
Volkswagen Passat-4 Cyl. Turbo+
Original
M.S.R.P.
$25,275
13,795
18,050
14,180
17,995
10,950
13,850
18,270
28,240
20,495
17,950
12,005
12,450
30,255
44,170
17,180
32,400
15,000
14,990
72,400
14,750
16,490
15,260
14,205
9,430
21,195
25,340
20,435
18,625
10,415
13,425
12,975
13,395
25,900
20,395
17,635
27,990
31,450
22,100
24,000
27,900
35,300
14,999
29,650
22,960
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
109
$3,382
104
2,661
101
2,841
101
2,654
99
2,812
93
2,382
90
2,550
89
2,954
88
3,599
87
3,034
87
2,922
87
2,438
87
2,433
87
4,067
86
4,478
86
2,871
86
4,121
86
2,575
86
2,578
85
7,148
85
2,551
85
2,825
84
2,578
83
2,508
83
2,179
82
3,016
82
3,422
82
2,982
82
2,896
82
2,250
82
2,602
82
2,437
79
2,422
78
4,225
78
2,941
78
2,810
78
3,476
78
3,582
77
2,799
77
3,065
77
3,456
77
5,875
76
2,881
76
3,889
76
3,251
2010 Rankings
63
Ranking of 2007 Used Cars
(continued)
Rank
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
    Model
Ford Focus-4 Cyl.*
BMW Z4 Series+
Lexus LS-V8*
Saturn Sky-4 Cyl.
Volkswagen Jetta-4 Cyl.
Lexus ES-V6*
Lexus GS-V6*
Ford Mustang-V6*
Porsche Boxster-6 Cyl.
Audi A4-V6
Honda Accord-V6*
Honda Accord-4 Cyl. Hybrid*
Volvo S40-5 Cyl.
Audi A3-V6
Toyota Prius-4 Cyl.*
Acura TL-V6*
Chrysler PT Cruiser-4 Cyl.+
Volvo V70-5 Cyl.*
Toyota Avalon-V6
Mercedes-Benz SLK Class
Acura TSX-4 Cyl.*
Mazda Mazda6-4 Cyl.*
Nissan Maxima-V6*
Ford Fusion-4 Cyl.*
Nissan Altima-4 Cyl. Hybrid*
Kia Rio-4 Cyl.
Mercedes-Benz E Class*
Audi S4-V8
Mercedes-Benz CL Class
Toyota Camry Solara-4 Cyl.*
Porsche Cayman-6 Cyl.*
Pontiac Vibe-L4*
Pontiac G5-4 Cyl.
Audi A6-V6
Mercedes-Benz CLK Class*
Chevrolet HHR-4 Cyl.+
Mercury Milan-4 Cyl.*
Volvo C70-5 Cyl. Turbo
Mercedes-Benz CLS Class
Chrysler 300-V6+
Dodge Charger-V6
Mitsubishi Eclipse-4 Cyl.*
Volvo V50-5 Cyl.
Lincoln MKZ-V6*
Hyundai Tiburon-4 Cyl.
Original
M.S.R.P.
$13,425
36,400
61,000
23,115
21,990
33,170
44,150
19,250
45,600
35,540
23,350
22,600
24,240
33,980
22,175
33,625
14,560
30,045
26,875
43,350
28,090
18,930
28,050
17,245
24,400
10,770
50,550
47,500
99,900
19,930
49,400
16,560
14,380
41,950
46,200
15,800
18,695
39,090
66,900
23,880
20,900
19,699
26,690
29,175
16,595
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
76
$2,383
75
4,111
75
6,654
75
3,023
75
2,968
75
3,600
75
4,325
75
2,844
74
4,351
74
3,652
74
3,005
74
3,700
74
3,278
73
3,600
73
2,763
73
3,593
73
2,578
73
3,468
73
3,359
72
4,270
72
3,150
72
2,803
72
3,400
72
2,723
72
4,050
72
2,169
72
4,666
72
3,899
72
7,413
72
2,844
71
4,400
71
2,675
71
2,393
71
4,209
71
4,295
70
2,622
70
2,775
70
4,125
70
6,670
70
3,207
70
3,078
69
2,805
69
3,308
69
3,764
68
2,468
64
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Ranking of 2007 Used Cars
(continued)
Rank
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
    Model
BMW 5 Series
Infiniti M35-V6*
Mitsubishi Lancer-4 Cyl.
Saturn Aura-V6+
Kia Spectra-4 Cyl.*
BMW 6 Series
Cadillac CTS-V6+
Buick Lucerne-V6
Volkswagen Eos-V6+
Audi A4 RS4-V8
Subaru Legacy-6 Cyl.*
Mercedes-Benz S Class
Lexus GS-V8
Saab 9-3-4 Cyl.
Mazda Mazdaspeed6-4 Cyl.
Audi A8-V8
Buick Lacrosse-V6*
Volvo S60-5 Cyl.*
Hyundai Sonata-4 Cyl.*
Chevrolet Impala-V6+
Ford Five Hundred-V6
Volvo XC70-5 Cyl.
Chrysler Sebring-4 Cyl.+
Mazda RX-8-Rotary
Chevrolet Malibu-4 Cyl.
Volvo S80-6 Cyl.
Chrysler 300-V8+
Honda S2000-4 Cyl.*
Dodge Magnum-V6
Infiniti M45-V8
BMW 7 Series
Mercury Montego-V6
Suzuki Aerio-4 Cyl.
Pontiac G6-4 Cyl.+
Mercedes-Benz SL Class
Jaguar XK8-V8
Kia Optima-4 Cyl.*
Pontiac Grand Prix-V6
Acura RL-V6*
Lexus SC-V8*
Cadillac DTS-V8
Jaguar X-Type-V6
Audi A6-V8
Suzuki Forenza-4 Cyl.
Cadillac STS-V6+
Original
M.S.R.P.
$43,500
41,450
14,599
19,945
12,895
73,900
29,250
25,440
36,850
66,000
30,295
85,400
52,375
26,170
27,995
68,900
22,160
30,885
17,195
20,760
22,695
36,420
18,320
26,435
16,845
38,705
34,385
34,250
22,945
49,100
75,000
23,495
14,299
16,845
94,800
74,835
16,355
21,560
45,780
65,455
41,370
34,330
55,300
13,999
41,845
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
68
$4,201
68
4,149
67
2,358
67
2,785
67
2,259
67
6,769
67
3,733
67
3,231
66
3,588
66
4,625
66
3,143
66
6,992
65
4,375
65
3,230
65
3,051
65
6,618
65
2,850
65
3,389
65
2,458
65
2,994
63
2,849
63
3,525
63
2,658
63
3,208
63
2,583
63
3,974
62
3,588
62
3,460
62
3,063
62
4,248
62
6,659
62
2,856
61
2,271
61
2,563
61
7,040
61
6,637
61
2,365
60
2,756
60
4,114
60
6,363
60
3,996
59
3,600
59
4,325
59
2,230
59
3,984
2010 Rankings
65
Ranking of 2007 Used Cars
(continued)
Rank
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
    Model
Hyundai Azera-V6*
BMW 5 Series M5
Suzuki Reno-4 Cyl.
Jaguar XJ8-V8
Chevrolet Impala-V8+
Cadillac XLR-V8
Chevrolet Monte Carlo-V6
Mitsubishi Galant-4 Cyl.
Cadillac CTS-V8
Audi A8-W12+
Jaguar S-Type-V6/V8
Saab 9-5-4 Cyl.
Kia Amanti-V6
Mercury Grand Marquis-V8
Ford Crown Victoria-V8
Chrysler Crossfire-V6
Lincoln Town Car-V8*
Ford Taurus-V6*
*  Consumer Reports “Reliable used cars.”
Original
M.S.R.P.
$24,235
82,500
13,499
63,585
27,780
77,655
20,760
19,899
50,770
119,350
48,335
34,370
25,495
24,780
24,510
29,635
42,055
21,060
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
59
$2,837
58
6,730
58
2,181
57
6,232
57
3,163
56
6,555
56
2,661
56
2,620
55
4,133
55
7,255
55
4,067
54
3,684
54
2,823
53
2,971
53
2,953
52
3,136
49
3,797
47
2,523
†  Consumer Reports “Used cars to avoid.”
66
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Ranking of 2008 Used Cars
April 2010 NADA Value as a Percentage of Original
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
    Model
Mitsubishi Lancer-4 Cyl.
Mazda Mazda3-4 Cyl.*
Subaru Impreza-4 Cyl.*
Ford Mustang-V8*
Mini Cooper-4 Cyl.
Smart ForTwo-3 Cyl.+
Mercedes-Benz C Class
BMW 3 Series
Honda Civic-4 Cyl.*
Toyota Yaris-4 Cyl.*
BMW 1 Series
Audi A5-V6
Porsche 911-6 Cyl.*
Subaru Legacy-4 Cyl.+
Honda Fit-4 Cyl.*
Lexus LS-V8*
Volkswagen New Beetle-5 Cyl.+
Nissan Versa-4 Cyl.+
Audi A4-4 Cyl. Turbo*
Lexus IS-V6*
Dodge Challenger-V8
Scion xB-4 Cyl.*
Nissan Altima-4 Cyl.*
Toyota Camry-4 Cyl.*
Audi S5-V8
Volkswagen Jetta-5 Cyl.
Scion tC-4 Cyl.*
Volvo C30-5 Cyl. Turbo
Hyundai Accent-4 Cyl.
Honda Accord-4 Cyl.*
Dodge Caliber-4 Cyl.*
Scion xD-4 Cyl.*
Toyota Matrix-4 Cyl.*
Hyundai Elantra-4 Cyl.*
Chevrolet Corvette-V8
Toyota Camry Solara-V6*
Audi A3-4 Cyl. Turbo
Cadillac CTS-V6+
Chevrolet Aveo-L4+
Mazda MX-5 Miata-4 Cyl.*
Mercedes-Benz S Class
Volkswagen Rabbit-5 Cyl.*
Subaru Forester-4 Cyl.*
Infiniti G37-V6*
BMW 328i RWD*
Original
M.S.R.P.
$13,990
13,895
16,995
25,840
18,050
11,590
31,200
32,400
14,810
11,300
28,600
39,900
73,500
20,495
13,950
61,500
17,365
12,550
28,900
30,455
37,320
15,650
18,230
18,570
50,500
16,990
15,300
22,700
10,775
20,360
14,000
14,550
15,510
13,525
45,170
22,260
25,930
32,245
9,995
20,585
86,700
15,490
21,195
34,250
35,300
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
137
$2,827
116
2,754
116
2,896
115
3,453
112
2,918
111
2,579
109
4,347
108
4,363
105
2,720
104
2,506
104
4,213
104
4,076
101
7,461
99
3,138
98
2,633
98
7,101
98
2,991
97
2,538
97
3,713
96
4,198
96
3,950
96
2,700
95
3,009
95
3,025
95
4,225
95
2,951
94
2,675
94
3,186
93
2,378
93
3,086
93
2,759
93
2,625
93
2,675
92
2,551
92
4,568
92
3,151
91
3,558
91
4,202
91
2,299
91
3,073
91
7,564
90
2,650
90
3,092
89
3,800
89
6,125
2010 Rankings
67
Ranking of 2008 Used Cars
(continued)
Rank
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
    Model
Toyota Camry-4 Cyl. Hybrid*
Toyota Corolla-4 Cyl.*
Nissan Sentra-4 Cyl.
Nissan 350Z-V6*
Lexus GS-V6*
Porsche Boxster-6 Cyl.+
Chevrolet Cobalt-L4
Volkswagen Jetta-4 Cyl.
Mercedes-Benz CLK Class
BMW Z4 Series
Infiniti G35-V6*
Lexus ES-V6*
Mercedes-Benz CLS Class
Nissan Altima-V6*
Kia Rio-4 Cyl.
Acura TL-V6*
Honda Accord-V6*
Mercedes-Benz E Class*
Audi TT-4 Cyl.+
Mercedes-Benz SLK Class
Suzuki SX4-4 Cyl.*
Toyota Prius-4 Cyl.*
Mazda Mazda5-4 Cyl.
Volkswagen Eos-4 Cyl. Turbo+
Audi A6-V6
Volvo S40-5 Cyl.
Pontiac Solstice-4 Cyl.+
Ford Mustang-V6*
Volkswagen Passat-4 Cyl. Turbo+
Audi A4-V6
BMW 5 Series
Saturn Astra-4 Cyl.
Chevrolet Malibu-4 Cyl.*
Audi S4-V8
Volkswagen GTI-4 Cyl.
Porsche Cayman-6 Cyl.*
Chevrolet Malibu-V6*
Pontiac Vibe-L4*
Chrysler PT Cruiser-4 Cyl.
Honda Civic-4 Cyl. Hybrid*
Ford Focus-4 Cyl.*
Dodge Charger-V6+
Acura TSX-4 Cyl.*
Saturn Sky-4 Cyl.
Audi A3-V6
Original
M.S.R.P.
$25,200
14,405
15,750
27,980
44,150
45,800
13,675
20,875
46,200
36,400
31,600
33,720
67,600
24,080
10,890
33,725
25,960
50,900
34,800
43,800
14,339
20,950
17,995
28,915
42,950
24,365
21,675
19,250
23,915
36,300
44,300
15,375
19,345
48,610
22,730
49,400
20,685
16,760
15,015
22,600
14,075
21,675
28,190
24,975
34,915
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
89
$4,350
89
2,577
89
2,641
89
3,598
89
4,517
88
4,550
87
2,538
87
3,050
87
4,526
87
4,277
86
3,691
86
3,750
86
7,040
86
3,160
86
2,314
86
3,743
86
3,221
86
4,881
85
4,209
85
4,453
85
2,958
85
2,825
85
2,900
84
3,583
84
4,426
84
3,408
84
3,051
83
2,940
83
3,379
83
3,783
82
4,437
82
2,565
82
2,936
82
4,048
82
2,863
82
4,550
82
2,990
82
2,810
81
2,703
81
3,800
81
2,476
81
3,257
81
3,233
81
3,136
80
3,725
68
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Ranking of 2008 Used Cars
(continued)
Rank
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
    Model
Infiniti M45-V8
Audi A8-V8
Mercury Milan-4 Cyl.*
Kia Spectra-4 Cyl.*
Ford Fusion-4 Cyl.*
Chevrolet HHR-4 Cyl.
Mercedes-Benz SL Class
Volvo V50-5 Cyl.
Toyota Camry-V6*
Audi RS4-V8
Pontiac G5-4 Cyl.
Mazda Mazda6-4 Cyl.*
Lexus GS-V8
Hyundai Tiburon-4 Cyl.
Volvo C70-5 Cyl. Turbo
BMW 6 Series
Pontiac G8-V6
Lexus IS-V8*
Volkswagen R32-V6
Lincoln MKZ-V6*
Jaguar XJ8-V8
Audi A6 S6-V10
Pontiac G8-V8
Ford Taurus-V6
Nissan Maxima-V6*
Mercury Sable-V6
Pontiac G6-V6+
Chrysler 300-V6
Infiniti M35-V6*
Mitsubishi Eclipse-4 Cyl.
Toyota Avalon-V6*
Volvo XC70-6 Cyl.
BMW 7 Series
Mazda RX-8-Rotary
Volvo V70-6 Cyl.*
Buick Lacrosse-V6*
Saturn Aura-4 Cyl.
Honda S2000-4 Cyl.*
Hyundai Sonata-4 Cyl.*
Volkswagen Eos-V6+
Subaru Legacy-6 Cyl.+
Volvo S80-6 Cyl.
Jaguar XK8-V8
Acura RL-V6*
Audi A6-V8
Original
M.S.R.P.
$49,350
70,690
18,725
12,895
17,770
16,175
95,300
26,815
23,640
66,910
14,905
18,990
52,620
16,875
39,240
75,600
26,910
56,000
32,990
30,175
63,835
72,350
29,310
23,245
28,130
23,540
20,735
24,595
43,050
19,999
27,075
36,775
75,800
26,435
32,465
23,310
19,745
34,300
17,545
37,990
31,295
38,705
74,835
46,280
56,300
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
80
$4,526
80
7,018
80
2,886
80
2,394
80
2,841
80
2,754
80
7,507
79
3,456
79
3,084
79
4,850
79
2,508
79
2,888
79
4,575
79
2,603
78
4,250
78
7,079
78
3,425
78
4,625
77
3,100
77
3,935
77
6,772
77
7,000
77
3,505
77
3,036
77
3,463
76
3,048
76
2,927
76
3,324
76
4,314
75
2,890
75
3,406
75
3,700
74
6,991
74
3,370
74
3,575
74
3,008
74
2,861
74
3,618
73
2,582
73
3,710
73
3,258
73
4,150
73
6,943
73
4,354
72
4,563
2010 Rankings
69
Ranking of 2008 Used Cars
(continued)
Rank
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
    Model
Kia Optima-4 Cyl.*
Chevrolet Impala-V6
Saab 9-3-4 Cyl.
Chrysler Sebring-4 Cyl.+
Cadillac DTS-V8
Lexus SC-V8*
BMW 5 Series M5
Hyundai Azera-V6*
Volvo S60-5 Cyl.*
Jaguar S-Type-V6/V8
Audi A8-W12+
Dodge Avenger-4 Cyl.+
Volkswagen Passat-V6
Cadillac STS-V6+
Pontiac Grand Prix-V6
Dodge Magnum-V6
Suzuki Forenza-4 Cyl.
Pontiac G6-4 Cyl.+
Chevrolet Malibu Classic-4 Cyl.*
Jaguar X-Type-V6
Kia Amanti-V6
Hyundai Sonata-V6*
Cadillac XLR-V8
Kia Optima-V6*
Chevrolet Impala-V8
Suzuki Reno-4 Cyl.
Saab 9-5-4 Cyl.
Mitsubishi Galant-4 Cyl.
Mercury Grand Marquis-V8
Ford Crown Victoria-V8
Lincoln Town Car-V8*
Chrysler Crossfire-V6
*  Consumer Reports “Reliable used cars.”
Original
M.S.R.P.
$16,355
21,255
27,640
18,690
41,770
65,455
82,900
24,600
30,885
48,335
120,100
18,220
35,990
42,390
21,815
23,420
14,249
17,845
17,845
35,060
25,495
20,995
78,760
19,445
28,235
13,599
36,460
19,999
25,005
25,325
42,730
34,685
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
72
$2,513
72
3,126
71
3,374
70
2,771
70
4,195
70
6,640
70
7,050
70
3,005
69
3,458
69
4,325
69
7,660
69
2,733
69
3,592
68
4,184
68
2,863
68
3,162
67
2,334
66
2,675
66
2,675
66
3,726
66
2,975
66
2,632
66
6,850
65
2,565
65
3,303
65
2,278
62
3,904
62
2,716
57
3,064
57
3,066
57
3,965
56
3,354
†  Consumer Reports “Used cars to avoid.”
70
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Ranking of 2009 Used Cars
April 2010 NADA Value as a Percentage of Original
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
    Model
Nissan Versa-4 Cyl.
BMW 3 Series
Mazda Mazda3-4 Cyl.*
Ford Mustang-V8+
Subaru Impreza-4 Cyl.*
Mitsubishi Lancer-4 Cyl.
Subaru Forester-4 Cyl.*
Dodge Challenger-V8
Smart ForTwo-3 Cyl.
Honda Civic-4 Cyl.*
Mini Cooper-4 Cyl.
BMW 1 Series
Mercedes-Benz C Class+
Subaru Legacy-4 Cyl.*
Hyundai Accent-4 Cyl.
Audi A5-V6
Toyota Yaris-4 Cyl.*
Honda Fit-4 Cyl.*
Chevrolet Corvette-V8+
Volkswagen Jetta-5 Cyl.
Suzuki SX4-4 Cyl.
Audi A4-4 Cyl. Turbo
Audi A3-4 Cyl. Turbo
Hyundai Elantra-4 Cyl.*
Porsche 911-6 Cyl.*
Lexus IS-V6*
Nissan 370Z-V6
Pontiac Vibe-L4*
Toyota Matrix-4 Cyl.*
Mercedes-Benz E Class*
Scion xB-4 Cyl.*
Toyota Camry-4 Cyl.*
Scion XD-4 Cyl.*
Audi S5-V8
Volkswagen New Beetle-5 Cyl.
Mercedes-Benz CLS Class
Honda Accord-4 Cyl.*
BMW 7 Series
Nissan GT-R-V6
Toyota Venza-4 Cyl.
Nissan Maxima-V6*
Volkswagen Passat CC-4 Cyl.
BMW Z4 Series
Lexus LS-V8*
Chevrolet Aveo-L4
Original
M.S.R.P.
$9,990
33,400
14,490
26,425
17,495
13,990
19,995
29,320
11,990
15,205
18,550
29,200
32,100
20,795
11,070
40,300
12,205
14,550
47,045
17,340
13,299
31,000
26,920
14,120
75,600
31,155
29,930
15,310
16,190
51,900
15,750
18,720
14,650
50,900
17,990
68,950
20,755
80,300
69,850
25,975
29,290
26,790
45,750
63,675
11,460
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
130
$2,585
126
4,584
125
2,840
123
3,536
123
2,963
122
2,776
119
3,289
119
3,913
119
2,662
118
2,829
117
2,991
117
4,364
114
4,423
111
3,245
110
2,533
109
4,150
109
2,603
108
2,738
108
4,793
108
3,076
108
3,131
107
3,875
107
3,745
106
2,706
106
7,601
106
4,325
105
3,828
105
2,942
104
2,788
104
5,162
104
2,775
104
3,099
103
2,700
102
4,300
102
3,050
101
7,371
101
3,181
101
7,625
101
5,161
101
3,374
100
3,763
100
3,666
99
4,681
99
7,201
99
2,477
2010 Rankings
71
Ranking of 2009 Used Cars
(continued)
Rank
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
    Model
Hyundai Azera-V6*
Volkswagen Jetta-4 Cyl.
Cadillac CTS-V6+
BMW 5 Series
Toyota Corolla-4 Cyl.*
Mazda MX-5 Miata-4 Cyl.*
Toyota Camry-4 Cyl. Hybrid*
Lexus GS-V6*
Scion tC-4 Cyl.*
Nissan Altima-4 Cyl.*
Volkswagen Rabbit-5 Cyl.*
Acura TL-V6*
Acura TSX-4 Cyl.*
Mazda Mazda5-4 Cyl.
Kia Rio-4 Cyl.
Pontiac G8-V8+
Volvo C30-5 Cyl. Turbo
Audi TT-4 Cyl.
Mazda Mazda6-4 Cyl.*
Audi A4-V6
Honda Civic-4 Cyl. Hybrid*
Pontiac Solstice-4 Cyl.
Hyundai Genesis-V6
Subaru Legacy-6 Cyl.
Kia Spectra-4 Cyl
Ford Mustang-V6*
Honda Accord-V6*
Audi A6-V6
Lexus ES-V6*
Ford Focus-4 Cyl.*
Dodge Caliber-4 Cyl.
BMW 6 Series
Toyota Avalon-V6*
Nissan Sentra-4 Cyl.
Ford Fusion-4 Cyl.*
Toyota Prius-4 Cyl.*
Dodge Charger-V8
Mercedes-Benz SLK Class
Cadillac CTS-V8
Nissan Altima-V6*
Volkswagen GTI-4 Cyl.
Hyundai Sonata-4 Cyl.*
Jaguar XF-V8+
Audi A8-V8
Lincoln MKS-V6+
Original
M.S.R.P.
$24,600
21,345
34,780
45,500
15,250
21,750
25,350
44,850
17,000
19,900
15,890
34,955
28,960
17,995
11,495
30,675
23,800
35,200
18,550
40,000
23,550
23,250
32,250
26,595
13,200
19,735
26,455
45,100
34,320
14,995
15,710
77,700
27,845
16,730
18,135
22,000
31,860
44,950
57,920
25,180
22,990
18,120
49,200
74,050
37,665
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
99
$3,301
99
3,183
99
4,375
99
4,662
98
2,695
98
3,188
98
4,450
98
4,650
98
2,775
98
3,116
98
2,726
97
3,894
97
3,425
97
3,025
97
2,464
97
3,763
97
3,250
97
4,363
96
3,025
95
4,000
95
4,000
95
3,216
95
3,800
95
3,325
95
2,554
94
3,075
94
3,326
93
4,588
93
3,850
93
2,643
93
2,851
92
7,415
92
3,619
92
2,712
92
2,968
91
2,925
91
3,862
91
4,563
91
4,850
91
3,248
90
2,951
90
2,765
90
4,650
90
7,300
90
4,363
72
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Ranking of 2009 Used Cars
(continued)
Rank
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
    Model
Mercury Milan-4 Cyl.*
Infiniti G37 Sedan-V6*
Pontiac G6-V6
Mercedes-Benz S Class
Chevrolet HHR-4 Cyl.+
Porsche Boxster-6 Cyl.
Volkswagen Eos-4 Cyl. Turbo
Saturn Sky-4 Cyl.
Audi TT-V6
Audi A3-V6
Volvo V70-6 Cyl.
Chevrolet Cobalt-L4+
Chevrolet Malibu-4 Cyl.
Chrysler 300-V6
Lexus GS-V8
Lincoln MKZ-V6*
Acura RL-V6*
Mercury Sable-V6*
Cadillac DTS-V8+
Volvo C70-5 Cyl. Turbo
Toyota Camry-V6*
Honda S2000-4 Cyl.*
Ford Taurus-V6*
Mercedes-Benz SL Class
Pontiac G3-4 Cyl.
Mazda RX-8-Rotary
Pontiac G8-V6
Mercedes-Benz CLK Class
Lexus IS-V8*
Kia Optima-4 Cyl.
Mazda Mazda6-V6*
Volvo XC70-6 Cyl.
Volkswagen Passat-4 Cyl. Turbo
Buick Lucerne-V6
Mitsubishi Eclipse-4 Cyl.
BMW 5 Series M5
Audi S4-V8
Buick Lacrosse-V6+
Volvo S80-6 Cyl.
Mercedes-Benz CL Class
Nissan 350Z-V6*
Volkswagen Passat CC-V6
Hyundai Sonata-V6
Pontiac G5-4 Cyl.
Dodge Charger-V6
Original
M.S.R.P.
$19,885
33,250
21,140
86,950
17,930
46,600
30,790
26,165
42,070
36,975
37,250
14,990
20,745
25,665
53,320
31,975
46,280
24,425
43,980
39,800
23,790
34,795
24,125
95,900
14,335
26,435
27,310
46,450
56,610
17,495
24,130
32,900
28,300
28,415
20,099
85,100
57,125
24,840
39,600
105,100
36,870
38,300
21,570
16,275
23,895
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
90
$3,038
90
3,776
89
3,081
89
7,550
89
2,935
89
4,575
89
3,694
89
3,261
89
4,464
89
3,868
88
3,873
88
2,632
88
3,053
88
3,505
88
4,710
88
4,148
88
4,563
88
3,188
87
4,488
87
4,385
87
3,158
87
3,785
86
3,167
86
7,653
86
2,550
86
3,516
86
3,550
86
4,539
86
4,750
86
2,702
86
3,175
85
3,725
85
3,570
85
3,563
85
3,000
84
7,418
84
4,225
84
3,166
83
4,325
83
7,748
83
3,795
83
3,830
82
2,823
81
2,600
81
3,354
2010 Rankings
73
Ranking of 2009 Used Cars
(continued)
Rank
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
    Model
Audi A8-W12+
Volvo S40-5 Cyl.
Volvo S60-5 Cyl.
Chrysler Sebring-4 Cyl.
Porsche Cayman-6 Cyl.
Saab 9-3-4 Cyl.
Dodge Avenger-4 Cyl.
Saturn Aura-4 Cyl.*
Volvo V50-5 Cyl.
Cadillac STS-V6
Chevrolet Impala-V6
Kia Amanti-V6
Chrysler PT Cruiser-4 Cyl.
Jaguar XJ8-V8
Cadillac XLR-V8
Pontiac G6-4 Cyl.
Infiniti M35-V6*
Kia Optima-V6
Mitsubishi Galant-4 Cyl.
Jaguar XK8-V8
Chevrolet Impala-V8
Saturn Aura-V6
Lincoln Town Car-V8
Saab 9-5-4 Cyl.
Mercury Grand Marquis-V8
*  Consumer Reports “Reliable used cars.”
Original
M.S.R.P.
$120,100
28,550
32,800
20,015
50,300
28,835
19,815
21,345
29,800
44,515
23,045
26,045
17,250
69,200
82,690
19,645
45,800
21,695
21,099
83,000
30,390
25,945
43,220
38,380
28,710
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
81
$7,925
80
3,525
80
3,660
79
2,931
79
4,550
79
3,525
78
2,909
78
2,976
78
3,525
78
4,388
78
3,278
77
3,125
77
2,767
76
6,900
76
7,188
76
2,879
76
4,378
74
2,750
73
2,915
73
7,125
70
3,440
69
3,048
65
4,145
64
3,998
64
3,308
†  Consumer Reports “Used cars to avoid.”
74
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Ranking of 2005 Used Sport Utility Vehicles and Small Vans
April 2010 NADA Value as a Percentage of Original
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
    Model
Jeep Wrangler+
Toyota RAV4-4 Cyl.*
Honda Element-4 Cyl.*
Porche Cayenne+
Toyota 4Runner-V6*
Honda CR-V-4 Cyl.*
Nissan Pathfinder-V6+
Nissan Xterra-V6+
Honda Odyssey-V6
Toyota Sequoia-V8
Jeep Liberty
Toyota Sienna-V6*
Saturn Vue
Ford Explorer Sport Trac-V6
BMW X3-I6
Toyota Highlander-4 Cyl.*
Mitsubishi Outlander-I4*
Honda Pilot-V6*
BMW X5-I6/V8+
Lexus RX330-V6*
Kia Sportage-4 Cyl.*
Infiniti FX35-V6/V8*
Ford Escape
Lexus GX470-V8*
Kia Sorento-V6+
Ford Explorer Sport Trac-4WD+
Acura MDX-V6*
Ford Excursion-V10+
Hyundai Tucson-4 Cyl.*
Nissan Quest-V6+
GMC Yukon-V8+
Chevrolet Tahoe-V8+
Chevrolet Equinox-V6+
Volvo XC90+
Toyota Landcruiser-V8*
Infiniti QX56-V8
Hyundai Santa Fe-V6*
Dodge Durango-V8
Mercury Mariner-V6*
Mazda Tribute-4 Cyl.
Suzuki XL-7 Hard Top-V6
Chevrolet Suburban 1500-V8
Ford Expedition-V8
Lexus LX470-V8
Mercedes-Benz M Class
Original
M.S.R.P.
$17,900
18,550
17,450
41,100
27,495
19,995
24,650
20,800
24,995
32,470
19,190
23,225
17,055
23,710
30,300
24,080
17,799
27,350
41,700
35,775
15,900
34,750
19,405
45,775
18,995
26,480
36,700
37,015
17,499
23,350
35,460
35,000
20,995
34,840
55,025
47,750
21,649
26,735
22905
19,320
20,399
37,850
32,570
64,775
37,950
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
86
$2,900
77
2,845
74
2,757
74
4,823
71
3,484
71
2,841
71
3,352
71
2,869
69
3,001
66
3,580
63
2,958
63
2,856
63
2,802
62
3,171
62
3,680
61
2,871
61
2,603
61
2,976
61
4,021
60
3,581
60
2,486
60
3,548
60
2,894
59
3,820
58
2,848
58
4,300
57
3,546
56
3,527
56
2,705
55
3,021
55
3,471
54
3,449
54
2,883
54
3,447
54
3,925
53
3,744
52
2,867
52
3,106
52
2932
52
3,650
51
2,569
51
3,473
51
3,301
51
4,338
51
3,729
2010 Rankings
75
Ranking of 2005 Used Sport Utility Vehicles and Small Vans
(continued)
Rank
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
    Model
Land Rover LR3-V6+
Ford Escape-V6 Hybrid*
Mercury Mariner-4 Cyl.
Infiniti FX45-V6/V8
Jeep Grand Cherokee-V6+
Ford Escape-V6 FWD*
Chrysler Town & Country-V6+
Chevrolet Suburban 2500-V8+
Hummer H2-V8
Volkswagen Touareg-V6
Chrysler Pacifica-V6
Mitsubishi Montero-V6
Mazda Tribute-V6 FWD*
Mitsubishi Endeavor-V6*
Chevrolet Uplander-V6+
GMC Envoy-I6+
Ford Explorer-V6
Ford Freestyle-V6
Chevrolet G2500 Van-V8
GMC G2500 Van-V8
Chevrolet G3500 Van-V8
GMC 3500 Van-V8
Chevrolet Trailblazer-I6+
Mazda MPV-V6*
Mercury Mountaineer-V6
Cadillac SRX-V6/V8+
Chevrolet G1500 Van-V8
GMC G1500 Van-V8
GMC Denali-V8
Dodge Grand Caravan-V6+
Ford Econoline E250 Van-V8+
Buick Rendezvous-V6
Buick Terraza-V6+
Cadillac Escalade-V8+
Dodge Caravan-V6+
Saturn Relay-V6+
Ford Freestar
Lincoln Navigator-V8
Pontiac Aztek-V6
Isuzu Ascender 5 Passenger-I6
Ford Econoline E150 Van-V8+
Pontiac Montana SV6-V6+
Chevrolet Astro-V6+
GMC Safari-V6+
Ford Econoline E350 Van-V8+
Original
M.S.R.P.
$41,285
28,005
21,405
45,250
26,130
19,405
20,330
39,450
50,950
37,140
24,315
35,799
22,550
25,399
20,700
29,550
26,770
24,945
23,500
23,500
25,905
25,905
27,520
22,105
29,525
38,340
22,800
22,800
49,860
20,015
23,640
26,455
28,110
52,635
18,330
23,770
21,610
49,640
21,275
25,959
22,595
24,520
22,695
22,695
26,425
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
51
$3,820
51
4,175
51
2,826
51
3,645
50
3,046
50
3,625
50
2,742
50
3,491
50
3,759
50
3,418
50
2,688
48
3,328
48
3,750
48
2,949
47
2,695
47
3,109
47
2,982
47
2,662
46
2,812
46
2,812
46
2,927
46
2,927
45
2,991
45
2,733
45
3,062
45
3,582
44
2,741
44
2,741
44
3,600
44
2,583
44
2,763
43
2,879
43
2,943
43
3,619
42
2,468
42
2,723
42
2,611
42
3,539
41
2,596
41
2,810
41
2,655
41
2,743
41
2,643
41
2,643
40
2,803
76
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Ranking of 2005 Used Sport Utility Vehicles and Small Vans
(continued)
Rank
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
    Model
Kia Sedona-V6+
Buick Rainier-I6
Land Rover Freelander-V6
Lincoln Aviator-V8+
Saab 9-7X-I6
Land Rover Ranger Rover-V8
Pontiac Montana-V6+
Mercury Monterey-V6
Chevrolet Venture-V6
*  Consumer Reports “Reliable used cars.”
Original
M.S.R.P.
$20,200
34,940
26,830
40,460
38,270
73,085
26,040
29,310
23,165
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
39
2,321
39
3,085
38
2,723
38
3,206
37
3,125
36
4,058
35
2,634
35
2,761
34
2,473
†  Consumer Reports “Used cars to avoid.”
2010 Rankings
77
Ranking of 2006 Used Sport Utility Vehicles and Small Vans
April 2010 NADA Value as a Percentage of Original
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
    Model
Porsche Cayenne
Jeep Wrangler+
Honda Element-4 Cyl.
Toyota 4Runner-V6*
Toyota RAV4-4 Cyl.*
Nissan Xterra-V6
Honda CR-V-4 Cyl.*
Toyota Highlander-V6
Nissan Pathfinder-V6
Toyota Sequoia-V8*
Honda Odyssey-V6*
Saturn Vue+
Kia Sportage-4 Cyl.*
Toyota Sienna-V6*
Honda Pilot-V6*
Ford Escape*
BMW X5-I6/V8
Toyota Highlander-4 Cyl.*
Hummer H3-5 Cyl.+
Mercedes-Benz M Class
Mercury Mariner-4 Cyl.*
Jeep Liberty+
Toyota Highlander Hybrid*
Hyundai Tucson-4 Cyl.*
Lexus RX330-V6*
Mitsubishi Outlander-I4*
Acura MDX-V6*
Lexus GX470-V8*
Infiniti FX35-V6/V8*
Kia Sorento-V6
Land Rover Ranger Rover-V8
Ford Expedition-V8
Chevrolet TrailBlazer-V8+
Nissan Quest-V6+
Subaru B9 Tribeca-6 Cyl.*
Ford Explorer-V6
Pontiac Torrent-V6+
Mazda Tribute-4 Cyl.*
Chevrolet Equinox-V6+
GMC Yukon-V8
BMW X3-I6
Lexus RX400h-V6
Hyundai Santa Fe-V6*
Toyota Landcruiser-V8*
Chevrolet Tahoe-V8
Original
M.S.R.P.
$42,200
18,070
17,750
27,635
20,300
19,950
20,395
25,590
25,250
32,820
25,345
17,390
15,900
23,625
26,995
19,380
42,500
24,530
28,935
39,750
21,380
20,970
34,430
17,495
36,370
18,499
37,125
46,535
37,800
18,995
56,085
32,660
27,850
24,000
30,695
26,530
22,400
20,115
21,755
34,805
36,800
44,660
21,695
55,815
35,915
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
95
$5,517
95
2,996
88
2,918
83
3,648
82
2,978
82
2,963
81
2,971
79
3,139
79
3,500
79
3,775
79
3,126
76
3,055
74
2,676
73
2,996
73
3,123
72
3,111
71
4,231
71
3,011
71
3,403
71
4,150
68
3,158
68
3,141
68
4,400
68
2,935
67
3,711
67
2,710
65
3,708
65
3,945
65
3,723
65
2,974
64
4,423
64
3,542
64
3,364
64
3,204
63
3,469
63
3,300
63
3,128
63
3,005
63
3,088
62
3,588
62
3,900
62
3,841
62
3,065
61
4,073
61
3,601
78
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Ranking of 2006 Used Sport Utility Vehicles and Small Vans
(continued)
Rank
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
    Model
Chrysler Town & Country-V6+
Ford Escape Hybrid-FWD*
Land Rover LR3-V6+
Chrysler Pacifica-V6
Jeep Grand Cherokee-V6+
Chevrolet Suburban 1500-V8
Lexus LX470-V8
Ford Freestyle-V6
Dodge Durango-V8
Volkswagen Touareg-V6+
GMC Envoy-I6+
Hummer H2-V8
Mercedes-Benz R Class+
Chevrolet Suburban 1500-V8
Ford Freestar-V6
Mercury Mountaineer-V6+
Chevrolet Trailblazer-I6+
Suzuki XL-7 Hard Top-V6
Volvo XC90+
Dodge Grand Caravan-V6+
Lincoln Navigator-V8+
Infiniti QX56-V8
Cadillac SRX-V6/V8+
Mitsubishi Montero-V6
Mazda MPV-V6*
Buick Rendezvous-V6+
Chevrolet G3500 Van-V8
GMC 3500 Van-V8
GMC G2500 Van-V8
Chevrolet G2500 Van-V8
Infiniti FX45-V6/V8
Volkswagen Touareg-V10+
Mitsubishi Endeavor-V6
Ford Econoline E250 Van-V8
GMC Denali-V8
Chevrolet Uplander-V6+
Buick Terraza-V6
Chevrolet G1500 Van-V8
GMC G1500 Van-V8
Dodge Caravan-V6+
Kia Sedona-V6+
Saturn Relay-V6+
Buick Rainier-I6+
Cadillac Escalade-V8
Mercury Monterey-V6
Original
M.S.R.P.
$21,020
28,525
38,285
25,165
27,165
38,765
66,995
25,105
28,200
37,320
28,590
52,980
48,000
39,940
19,650
29,150
26,700
21,999
34,840
20,615
50,500
47,750
39,275
36,159
22,115
26,595
26,635
26,635
23,955
23,995
45,250
67,750
26,599
23,665
50,285
20,900
27,790
23,180
23,180
18,380
22,995
23,970
33,075
53,850
28,595
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
61
$2,988
60
4,450
59
3,899
59
2,865
59
3,261
58
3,625
58
4,513
58
2,858
58
3,276
58
3,578
58
3,294
57
3,933
57
4,106
56
3,624
56
2,823
56
3,272
55
3,159
54
2,686
54
3,447
54
2,837
53
3,805
53
3,744
52
3,784
52
3,445
52
2,883
51
3,090
51
3,090
51
3,090
51
2,970
51
2,970
51
3,645
50
4,073
50
3,065
50
2,939
50
3,750
50
2,783
50
3,109
50
2,903
50
2,903
49
2,624
49
2,638
49
2,915
48
3,251
48
3,775
47
3,085
2010 Rankings
79
Ranking of 2006 Used Sport Utility Vehicles and Small Vans
(continued)
Rank
91
92
93
94
95
    Model
Ford Econoline E350 Van-V8
Ford Econoline E150 Van-V8
Pontiac Montana SV6-V6+
Isuzu Ascender 5 Passenger-I6
Saab 9-7X-I6
*  Consumer Reports “Reliable used cars.”
Original
M.S.R.P.
$26,455
23,050
24,840
25,959
38,520
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
47
$2,993
47
2,830
46
2,900
41
2,810
41
3,235
†  Consumer Reports “Used cars to avoid.”
80
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Ranking of 2007 Used Sport Utility Vehicles and Small Vans
April 2010 NADA Value as a Percentage of Original
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
    Model
Jeep Wrangler-V6+
Jeep Patriot-4 Cyl.
Toyota FJ Cruiser-V6*
Honda CR-V-4 Cyl.*
Jeep Compass-4 Cyl.+
BMW X5-I6/V8+
Nissan Xterra-V6
Ford Expedition-V8
Honda Element-4 Cyl.*
Toyota 4Runner-V6*
Ford Explorer Sport Trac-V6
GMC Acadia-V6+
Mercedes-Benz M Class
Honda Odyssey-V6
Toyota Sequoia-V8
Toyota Highlander-V6*
Ford Escape-4 Cyl.*
Dodge Nitro-V6+
Hyundai Veracruz-V6+
Hyundai Santa Fe-V6*
Mercedes-Benz R Class+
Saturn Outlook-V6+
GMC Yukon-V8+
Nissan Pathfinder-V6
Audi Q7-V6+
Toyota RAV4-4 Cyl.*
Chevrolet Tahoe-V8+
Saturn Vue
Acura MDX-V6*
Ford Expeditioon EL-V8
Jeep Grand Cherokee-V6+
Kia Sportage-4 Cyl.*
Honda Pilot-V6*
Mazda CX-9-V6
Ford Explorer-V6
Toyota Sienna-V6*
Mercury Mariner-4 Cyl.*
Chevrolet Suburban 1500-V8
GMC Yukon XL 1500-V8+
Jeep Commander-V8+
Ford Edge-V6
GMC Yukon XL 2500-V8+
Hyundai Tucson-4 Cyl.*
Chevrolet TrailBlazer-V8+
Volvo XC90+
Original
M.S.R.P.
$18,105
14,425
21,710
20,600
15,425
45,900
20,050
29,175
18,900
27,635
24,245
29,255
42,680
25,645
33,160
25,940
19,165
19,225
26,305
20,945
43,000
27,255
33,815
25,600
39,900
20,850
33,115
17,370
39,995
33,625
27,665
15,900
27,095
29,035
25,325
24,155
21,140
36,115
36,915
28,635
25,320
38,090
16,895
25,730
36,135
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
121
$3,209
104
3,189
103
3,225
98
3,142
96
2,874
95
4,625
92
3,064
91
3,802
91
3,011
91
3,741
90
3,599
90
3,796
90
4,475
90
3,250
89
3,909
88
3,244
88
3,312
88
2,992
88
3,656
88
3,408
86
4,439
86
3,673
86
3,901
86
3,604
86
4,063
86
3,039
85
3,868
84
3,163
84
4,050
83
3,853
83
3,639
83
2,775
82
3,230
82
3,685
82
3,531
82
3,102
81
3,333
80
3,891
80
3,911
80
3,636
79
3,134
79
3,929
78
3,060
78
3,503
78
3,866
2010 Rankings
81
Ranking of 2007 Used Sport Utility Vehicles and Small Vans
(continued)
Rank
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
    Model
Hummer H3-5 Cyl.
Mercedes-Benz GL Class
Toyota Highlander-4 Cyl.*
Mazda Cx-7-4 Cyl. Turbo+
Toyota Highlander Hybrid*
Land Rover Ranger Rover-V8
Nissan Quest-V6+
Chevrolet Suburban 2500-V8+
Acura RDX-4 Cyl. Turbo*
Ford Escape Hybrid-FWD*
Audi Q7-V8+
Lexus GX470-V8*
Mercury Mariner-V6
Lincoln Navigator-V8
Lexus RX350-V6*
Lincoln Navigator L-V8
Mitsubishi Outlander-V6*
Kia Sorento-V6+
Mercury Mountaineer-V6
Subaru B9 Tribeca-6 Cyl.*
GMC Denali-V8
Kia Sportage-V6*
Infiniti FX35-V6/V8*
Chevrolet Equinox-V6+
Jeep Liberty-V6+
Toyota Landcruiser-V8*
BMW X3-I6+
GMC Envoy-I6
Chevrolet TrailBlazer-I6
Chrysler Town & Country-V6+
Chrysler Aspen-V8
Dodge Durango-V8
Suzuki XL-7 Hard Top-V6+
Pontiac Torrent-V6+
Chrysler Pacifica-V6+
Infiniti QX56-V8
Cadillac Escalade-V8+
Ford Freestyle-V6
Kia Rondo-4 Cyl.*
Cadillac SRX-V6/V8+
Volkswagen Touareg-V6
Ford Freestar-V6
Lexus LX470-V8
Jeep Commander-V6+
Buick Rendezvous-V6
Original
M.S.R.P.
$29,355
52,400
24,880
23,750
33,980
57,235
24,350
37,290
32,380
25,600
49,900
46,635
23,025
45,755
37,400
48,755
21,370
19,995
27,325
29,995
47,115
19,895
37,800
21,850
21,365
56,215
38,000
26,180
24,480
21,345
30,745
26,280
22,899
22,065
24,160
49,950
53,850
25,545
16,395
36,745
37,990
19,650
67,395
27,915
24,780
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
78
$3,519
77
4,559
77
3,100
76
3,392
76
4,500
76
4,628
76
3,409
76
3,870
76
3,715
76
4,625
75
4,163
75
4,093
75
3,338
75
4,064
74
3,854
74
4,123
74
2,929
74
3,169
74
3,506
73
3,603
73
4,075
73
2,858
72
3,834
72
3,240
72
3,217
72
4,250
72
4,120
72
3,436
71
3,352
71
3,171
71
3,588
70
3,411
70
2,942
70
3,215
70
2,978
69
4,076
69
4,150
67
2,999
67
2,613
67
3,984
66
3,748
66
3,010
66
4,650
65
3,404
65
3,263
82
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Ranking of 2007 Used Sport Utility Vehicles and Small Vans
(continued)
Rank
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
    Model
GMC Envoy-V8+
Land Rover LR3-V6
Hummer H2-V8
Kia Sedona-V6+
Hyundai Entourage-V6+
Buick Terraza-V6
Dodge Grand Caravan-V6+
Infiniti FX45-V6/V8
Chevrolet G2500 Van-V8
GMC G2500 Van-V8
Chevrolet G3500 Van-V8
GMC 3500 Van-V8
Chevrolet G1500 Van-V8
GMC G1500 Van-V8
Chevrolet Uplander-V6+
Saturn Relay-V6+
Mitsubishi Endeavor-V6
Buick Rainier-I6
Kia Rondo-V6*
Ford Econoline E250 Van-V8
Dodge Caravan-V6+
Ford Econoline E150 Van-V8
Ford Econoline E350 Van-V8
Isuzu Ascender 5 Passenger-I6
Mercury Monterey-V6
Saab 9-7X-I6
*  Consumer Reports “Reliable used cars.”
Original
M.S.R.P.
$34,400
41,435
53,175
20,495
23,795
26,250
20,905
49,850
22,595
22,595
25,214
25,214
21,835
21,835
19,750
21,225
26,999
31,180
18,895
23,895
18,705
23,280
26,685
25,959
28,595
38,990
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
65
$3,614
65
4,088
64
4,066
64
2,768
64
2,903
64
3,306
64
3,048
63
3,975
63
3,129
63
3,129
62
3,241
62
3,241
61
3,063
61
3,063
61
2,936
61
3,020
60
3,275
60
3,440
60
2,638
60
3,141
58
2,828
56
3,050
56
3,179
54
3,117
53
3,200
50
3,478
†  Consumer Reports “Used cars to avoid.”
2010 Rankings
83
Ranking of 2008 Used Sport Utility Vehicles and Small Vans
April 2010 NADA Value as a Percentage of Original
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
    Model
Jeep Wrangler-V6+
Jeep Patriot-4 Cyl.
Toyota FJ Cruiser-V6*
Honda CR-V-4 Cyl.*
Jeep Compass-4 Cyl.+
BMW X5-I6/V8+
Nissan Xterra-V6
Ford Expedition-V8
Honda Element-4 Cyl.*
Toyota 4Runner-V6*
Ford Explorer Sport Trac-V6
GMC Acadia-V6+
Mercedes-Benz M Class
Honda Odyssey-V6
Toyota Sequoia-V8
Toyota Highlander-V6*
Ford Escape-4 Cyl.*
Dodge Nitro-V6+
Hyundai Veracruz-V6+
Hyundai Santa Fe-V6*
Mercedes-Benz R Class+
Saturn Outlook-V6+
GMC Yukon-V8+
Nissan Pathfinder-V6
Audi Q7-V6+
Toyota RAV4-4 Cyl.*
Chevrolet Tahoe-V8+
Saturn Vue
Acura MDX-V6*
Ford Expeditioon EL-V8
Jeep Grand Cherokee-V6+
Kia Sportage-4 Cyl.*
Honda Pilot-V6*
Mazda CX-9-V6
Ford Explorer-V6
Toyota Sienna-V6*
Mercury Mariner-4 Cyl.*
Chevrolet Suburban 1500-V8
GMC Yukon XL 1500-V8+
Jeep Commander-V8+
Ford Edge-V6
GMC Yukon XL 2500-V8+
Hyundai Tucson-4 Cyl.*
Chevrolet TrailBlazer-V8+
Volvo XC90+
Original
M.S.R.P.
$18,105
14,425
21,710
20,600
15,425
45,900
20,050
29,175
18,900
27,635
24,245
29,255
42,680
25,645
33,160
25,940
19,165
19,225
26,305
20,945
43,000
27,255
33,815
25,600
39,900
20,850
33,115
17,370
39,995
33,625
27,665
15,900
27,095
29,035
25,325
24,155
21,140
36,115
36,915
28,635
25,320
38,090
16,895
25,730
36,135
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
121
$3,209
104
3,189
103
3,225
98
3,142
96
2,874
95
4,625
92
3,064
91
3,802
91
3,011
91
3,741
90
3,599
90
3,796
90
4,475
90
3,250
89
3,909
88
3,244
88
3,312
88
2,992
88
3,656
88
3,408
86
4,439
86
3,673
86
3,901
86
3,604
86
4,063
86
3,039
85
3,868
84
3,163
84
4,050
83
3,853
83
3,639
83
2,775
82
3,230
82
3,685
82
3,531
82
3,102
81
3,333
80
3,891
80
3,911
80
3,636
79
3,134
79
3,929
78
3,060
78
3,503
78
3,866
84
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Ranking of 2008 Used Sport Utility Vehicles and Small Vans
(continued)
Rank
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
    Model
Hummer H3-5 Cyl.
Mercedes-Benz GL Class
Toyota Highlander-4 Cyl.*
Mazda Cx-7-4 Cyl. Turbo+
Toyota Highlander Hybrid*
Land Rover Ranger Rover-V8
Nissan Quest-V6+
Chevrolet Suburban 2500-V8+
Acura RDX-4 Cyl. Turbo*
Ford Escape Hybrid-FWD*
Audi Q7-V8+
Lexus GX470-V8*
Mercury Mariner-V6
Lincoln Navigator-V8
Lexus RX350-V6*
Lincoln Navigator L-V8
Mitsubishi Outlander-V6*
Kia Sorento-V6+
Mercury Mountaineer-V6
Subaru B9 Tribeca-6 Cyl.*
GMC Denali-V8
Kia Sportage-V6*
Infiniti FX35-V6/V8*
Chevrolet Equinox-V6+
Jeep Liberty-V6+
Toyota Landcruiser-V8*
BMW X3-I6+
GMC Envoy-I6
Chevrolet TrailBlazer-I6
Chrysler Town & Country-V6+
Chrysler Aspen-V8
Dodge Durango-V8
Suzuki XL-7 Hard Top-V6+
Pontiac Torrent-V6+
Chrysler Pacifica-V6+
Infiniti QX56-V8
Cadillac Escalade-V8+
Ford Freestyle-V6
Kia Rondo-4 Cyl.*
Cadillac SRX-V6/V8+
Volkswagen Touareg-V6
Ford Freestar-V6
Lexus LX470-V8
Jeep Commander-V6+
Buick Rendezvous-V6
Original
M.S.R.P.
$29,355
52,400
24,880
23,750
33,980
57,235
24,350
37,290
32,380
25,600
49,900
46,635
23,025
45,755
37,400
48,755
21,370
19,995
27,325
29,995
47,115
19,895
37,800
21,850
21,365
56,215
38,000
26,180
24,480
21,345
30,745
26,280
22,899
22,065
24,160
49,950
53,850
25,545
16,395
36,745
37,990
19,650
67,395
27,915
24,780
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
78
$3,519
77
4,559
77
3,100
76
3,392
76
4,500
76
4,628
76
3,409
76
3,870
76
3,715
76
4,625
75
4,163
75
4,093
75
3,338
75
4,064
74
3,854
74
4,123
74
2,929
74
3,169
74
3,506
73
3,603
73
4,075
73
2,858
72
3,834
72
3,240
72
3,217
72
4,250
72
4,120
72
3,436
71
3,352
71
3,171
71
3,588
70
3,411
70
2,942
70
3,215
70
2,978
69
4,076
69
4,150
67
2,999
67
2,613
67
3,984
66
3,748
66
3,010
66
4,650
65
3,404
65
3,263
2010 Rankings
85
Ranking of 2008 Used Sport Utility Vehicles and Small Vans
(continued)
Rank
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
    Model
GMC Envoy-V8+
Land Rover LR3-V6
Hummer H2-V8
Kia Sedona-V6+
Hyundai Entourage-V6+
Buick Terraza-V6
Dodge Grand Caravan-V6+
Infiniti FX45-V6/V8
Chevrolet G2500 Van-V8
GMC G2500 Van-V8
Chevrolet G3500 Van-V8
GMC 3500 Van-V8
Chevrolet G1500 Van-V8
GMC G1500 Van-V8
Chevrolet Uplander-V6+
Saturn Relay-V6+
Mitsubishi Endeavor-V6
Buick Rainier-I6
Kia Rondo-V6*
Ford Econoline E250 Van-V8
Dodge Caravan-V6+
Ford Econoline E150 Van-V8
Ford Econoline E350 Van-V8
Isuzu Ascender 5 Passenger-I6
Mercury Monterey-V6
Saab 9-7X-I6
*  Consumer Reports “Reliable used cars.”
Original
M.S.R.P.
$34,400
41,435
53,175
20,495
23,795
26,250
20,905
49,850
22,595
22,595
25,214
25,214
21,835
21,835
19,750
21,225
26,999
31,180
18,895
23,895
18,705
23,280
26,685
25,959
28,595
38,990
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
65
$3,614
65
4,088
64
4,066
64
2,768
64
2,903
64
3,306
64
3,048
63
3,975
63
3,129
63
3,129
62
3,241
62
3,241
61
3,063
61
3,063
61
2,936
61
3,020
60
3,275
60
3,440
60
2,638
60
3,141
58
2,828
56
3,050
56
3,179
54
3,117
53
3,200
50
3,478
†  Consumer Reports “Used cars to avoid.”
86
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Ranking of 2009 Used Sport Utility Vehicles and Small Vans
April 2010 NADA Value as a Percentage of Original
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
    Model
Porsche Cayenne
Jeep Wrangler-V6+
Toyota Sequoia-V8*
Toyota FJ Cruiser-V6*
Jeep Patriot-4 Cyl.
Honda CR-V-4 Cyl.*
Hyundai Veracruz-V6
Mercedes-Benz M Class
Ford Escape
Mazda Tribute-4 Cyl.
Honda Element-4 Cyl.
BMW X5-I6/V8+
Toyota Highlander-V6*
Honda Odyssey-V6
Ford Expedition-V8
Mercedes-Benz GL Class
GMC Acadia-V6+
Hyundai Santa Fe-V6*
Mercury Mariner-V6
Ford Explorer Sport Trac-V6
BMW X6 Series X6-I6
Nissan Rogue-4 Cyl.*
Jeep Compass-4 Cyl.
GMC Yukon-V8
Chevrolet Tahoe-V8
Toyota 4Runner-V6*
Honda Pilot-V6*
Nissan Xterra-V6
Mitsubishi Outlander-V6*
Buick Enclave-V6+
Chrysler Town & Country-V6+
Nissan Pathfinder-V6+
Dodge Nitro-V6+
Acura MDX-V6*
Kia Sportage-4 Cyl.*
Infiniti EX35-V6
Saturn Outlook-V6+
Ford Escape-V6 Hybrid*
Lexus LX570-V8
Toyota RAV4-4 Cyl.*
Jeep Liberty-V6+
Toyota Sienna-V6*
Mazda CX-9-V6
Hyundai Tucson-4 Cyl.*
Jeep Grand Cherokee-V6
Original
M.S.R.P.
$43,400
18,660
34,150
22,545
15,475
20,700
26,900
43,650
18,580
18,850
18,980
45,900
27,300
25,860
30,620
53,000
29,110
20,995
20,730
24,715
52,500
19,250
16,475
34,790
34,095
28,015
27,595
21,130
19,990
32,055
22,460
25,700
19,565
40,195
16,050
31,300
27,605
25,075
73,800
21,100
20,330
24,340
29,035
17,235
28,520
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
131
$5,463
127
3,282
111
4,168
109
3,315
109
3,318
108
3,229
106
3,875
105
4,676
104
3,460
104
3,114
103
3,113
102
4,710
102
3,404
102
3,366
102
3,961
101
4,856
100
3,898
100
3,544
100
3,534
100
3,722
99
4,825
99
3,087
98
2,951
98
4,057
97
4,034
97
3,823
96
3,378
96
3,145
96
3,088
95
3,950
95
3,548
94
3,709
94
3,059
94
4,165
93
2,888
93
3,754
93
3,770
93
4,850
93
5,125
92
3,113
92
3,424
91
3,206
91
3,799
91
3,239
91
3,762
2010 Rankings
87
Ranking of 2009 Used Sport Utility Vehicles and Small Vans
(continued)
Rank
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
    Model
Lexus GX470-V8+
Land Rover Ranger Rover-V8
Volvo XC90
Cadillac Escalade-V8
Chevrolet Suburban 1500-V8
Jeep Commander-V8+
Ford Explorer-V6
Chevrolet Equinox-V6
Mercedes-Benz R Class+
Saturn Vue+
Nissan Quest-V6+
Hummer H3-5 Cyl.+
Audi Q7-V6
Hyundai Entourage-V6+
Ford Edge-V6
Acura RDX-4 Cyl. Turbo*
HMC Yukon XL 1500-V8
Suzuki XL-7 Hard Top-V6
Mazda Tribute-V6
Toyota Highlander Hybrid*
GMC Denali-V8
Chevrolet TrailBlazer-V8+
Toyota Landcruiser-V8*
GMC Yukon XL 2500-V8+
Subaru Tribeca-6 Cyl.*
Mercury Mountaineer-V6
Lexus RX350-V6*
Chevrolet Suburban 2500-V8+
Mazda CX-7-4 Cyl. Turbo
Pontiac Torrent-V6+
Hyundai Tucson-V6*
BMW X3-I6+
Lincoln Navigator-V8
Kia Sportage-V6*
Dodge Grand Caravan-V6+
Cadillac SRX-V6/V8+
GMC Envoy-I6
Land Rover LR2-I6+
Volkswagen Touareg-V6+
Infiniti FX35-V6/V8*
Chevrolet TrailBlazer-I6
Kia Sorento-V6
Infiniti QX56-V8
Dodge Durango-V8
Ford Taurus X-V6
Original
M.S.R.P.
$46,815
57,725
36,210
54,740
37,285
28,345
25,755
22,380
41,900
20,770
24,630
30,080
42,500
23,895
25,330
33,195
38,090
21,349
21,505
33,700
46,070
26,730
63,200
39,490
29,995
26,050
37,400
38,670
23,750
22,855
21,035
38,000
47,755
20,045
21,740
36,950
27,015
33,985
39,320
37,950
25,480
20,995
52,150
26,455
26,615
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
91
$4,300
89
4,803
88
3,997
88
4,413
88
4,018
88
3,728
88
3,624
88
3,472
87
4,446
87
3,392
87
3,573
87
3,647
87
4,150
86
3,163
86
3,206
86
3,888
86
4,025
86
3,060
86
3,063
86
4,625
86
4,213
85
3,637
85
4,525
85
4,052
85
3,763
84
3,601
84
3,980
83
4,004
83
3,484
82
3,436
82
3,345
82
4,268
82
4,201
81
2,964
80
3,329
79
4,192
79
3,569
79
3,675
79
3,963
78
3,921
78
3,494
78
3,282
78
4,250
78
3,528
77
3,149
88
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Ranking of 2009 Used Sport Utility Vehicles and Small Vans
(continued)
Rank
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
    Model
Audi Q7-V8
Kia Sedona-V6+
Kia Rondo-4 Cyl.*
Mercury Mariner-4 Cyl. Hybrid*
Chrysler Aspen-V8
Land Rover LR3-V8
Hummer H2-V8
Chevrolet G2500 Van-V8
GMC G2500 Van-V8
Chrysler Pacifica-V6
Chevrolet G3500 Van-V8
GMC 3500 Van-V8
Infiniti FX45-V6/V8
Chevrolet G1500 Van-V8
GMC G1500 Van-V8
Chevrolet Uplander-V6+
Jeep Commander-V6+
Ford Econoline E250 Van-V8
Ford Econoline E150 Van-V8
Volkswagen Touareg-V10+
Mitsubishi Endeavor-V6
Kia Rondo-V6*
Ford Econoline E350 Van-V8
Isuzu Ascender 5 Passenger-I6
Saab 9-7X-I6
*  Consumer Reports “Reliable used cars.”
Original
M.S.R.P.
$58,600
20,695
16,395
27,895
32,005
48,525
55,510
23,330
23,330
24,635
25,934
25,934
50,000
22,255
22,255
21,105
27,415
25,055
23,725
68,320
27,599
18,895
27,845
27,149
39,190
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
76
$4,338
76
2,927
75
2,713
74
4,725
74
3,679
74
4,419
74
4,258
73
3,324
73
3,324
73
3,033
72
3,433
72
3,433
72
4,125
71
3,255
71
3,255
71
3,179
70
3,468
69
3,344
69
3,289
68
4,380
68
3,429
67
2,739
66
3,418
59
3,265
56
3,600
†  Consumer Reports “Used cars to avoid.”
2010 Rankings
89
Ranking of 2005 Used Light Pickups
April 2010 NADA Value as a Percentage of Original
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
    Model
Toyota Tacoma-4 Cyl.*
Toyota Tacoma Double Cab-V6*
Toyota Tacoma-V6*
Toyota Tundra-V8*
Chevrolet Silverado 1500-V8+
Ford F250 Super Duty-V8+
Ford F350 Super Duty-V8
GMC Sierra 1500 Pickup-V8+
Nissan Frontier King Cab-V6
Nissan Frontier Crew Cab-V6
Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup-V8
Toyota Tundra-V6*
Chevrolet Colorado
Nissan Frontier-4WD+
Nissan Frontier King Cab-4 Cyl.
GMC Canyon-5 Cyl.
Ford Ranger-V6*
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD-V8
Ford F150 Pickup-V8
Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup-V8+
GMC Sierra 2500 HD Pickup-V8
Nissan Titan King Cab-V8
Chevrolet Silverado 3500-V8
Dodge Ram 3500 Pickup-V8
Mazda B4000 Pickup-V6+
Dodge Dakota Pickup-V6
GMC Sierra 3500 Pickup-V8
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD-V8+
GMC Sierra 1500 HD Pickup-V8+
Chevrolet SSR-V8
Chevrolet Avalanche 1500-V8+
Chevrolet Avalanche 2500-V8
Mazda B3000 Pickup-V6
Mazda B2300 Pickup-4 Cyl.
Cadillac Escalade-V8+
*  Consumer Reports “Reliable used cars.”
Original
M.S.R.P.
$13,415
21,675
19,070
18,430
20,610
22,390
23,135
21,270
18,400
20,550
20,180
15,955
15,695
21,100
15,500
16,025
14,635
25,620
19,610
24,565
26,170
22,650
29,160
26,450
21,600
18,565
30,165
31,495
31,995
42,430
33,320
38,155
18,860
15,315
53,045
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
95
$2,730
85
3,073
83
2,940
83
3,197
81
3,288
80
3,362
79
3,392
78
3,278
77
2,840
77
2,930
76
3,191
74
2,920
73
2,882
71
3,775
70
2,600
70
2,852
67
2,709
66
3,301
66
3,007
65
3,249
64
3,301
64
3,148
63
3,406
62
3,291
62
3,075
62
2,885
61
3,406
60
3,443
59
3,443
58
3,725
56
3,434
53
3,515
52
2,715
49
2,450
43
3,650
†  Consumer Reports “Used cars to avoid.”
90
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Ranking of 2006 Used Light Pickups
April 2010 NADA Value as a Percentage of Original
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
    Model
Toyota Tacoma-4 Cyl.*
Ford F250 Super Duty-V8+
Ford F350 Super Duty-V8
Toyota Tundra-V8*
Toyota Tacoma Double Cab-V6*
Toyota Tacoma-V6*
Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup-V8+
GMC Sierra 1500 Pickup-V8+
Toyota Tundra-V6*
Chevrolet Colorado+
Ford Ranger-V6
GMC Canyon
Chevrolet Silverado 1500-V8+
Ford F150 Pickup-V8
Nissan Frontier King Cab- 4 Cyl.
Dodge Ram 3500 Pickup-V8
GMC Sierra 3500 Pickup-V8
Toyota Tundra Double Cab-V8*
Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup-V8+
GMC Sierra 2500 HD Pickup-V8+
Chevrolet Silverado 3500-V8
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD-V8+
Chevrolet SSR-V8
Honda Ridgeline-V6*
Mazda B4000 Pickup-V6
Nissan Titan King Cab-V8+
GMC Sierra 1500 HD Pickup-V8
Dodge Dakota Pickup-V6+
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD-V8
Chevrolet Avalanche 1500-V8+
Lincoln Mark LT-V8
Chevrolet Avalanche 2500-V8
Mazda B3000 Pickup-V6
Mitsubishi Raider Extended Cab-V6
Isuzu i-280 Pickup-4 Cyl.
Mazda B2300 Pickup-4 Cyl.
Isuzu i-350 Pickup-5 Cyl.
Cadillac Escalade-V8
*  Consumer Reports “Reliable used cars.”
Original
M.S.R.P.
$13,780
22,445
23,175
18,630
22,040
19,435
20,800
21,610
16,155
15,330
14,450
15,660
21,375
18,790
15,800
27,070
26,120
26,620
25,185
25,625
25,815
25,325
39,340
27,700
21,895
23,250
32,480
20,010
31,980
34,010
38,680
38,420
18,890
19,180
16,989
15,340
27,358
53,335
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
101
$2,812
96
3,558
95
3,582
93
3,328
91
3,130
89
3,008
88
3,386
86
3,406
84
3,059
83
3,004
83
2,935
83
3,016
82
3,353
80
3,179
79
2,733
79
3,553
77
3,498
77
3,523
76
3,455
75
3,442
74
3,452
72
3,391
71
3,868
70
3,461
68
3,179
68
3,240
65
3,568
65
3,025
64
3,518
62
3,563
61
3,686
60
3,650
59
2,858
58
2,843
57
2,692
55
2,550
54
3,188
50
3,800
†  Consumer Reports “Used cars to avoid.”
2010 Rankings
91
Ranking of 2007 Used Light Pickups
April 2010 NADA Value as a Percentage of Original
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
    Model
Toyota Tacoma-4 Cyl.*
Ford F250 Super Duty-V8
Ford F350 Super Duty-V8
GMC Sierra Classic 1500-V8
Toyota Tacoma Double Cab-V6*
Chevrolet Silverado Classic 1500-V8
Toyota Tacoma-V6*
Chevrolet Colorado+
Chevrolet Silverado 1500-V8
Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup-V8+
GMC Canyon
Ford F150 Pickup-V8
Ford Ranger-V6
Toyota Tundra CrewMax-V8*
Chevrolet Silverado 3500-V8
Toyota Tundra Double Cab-V8*
GMC Sierra Classic 3500-V8
Chevrolet Avalanche 1500-V8+
Nissan Frontier King Cab- 4 Cyl.
Dodge Ram 3500 Pickup-V8
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD-V8+
Ford F150 SuperCrew-V8
Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup-V8+
Chevrolet Silverado Classic 3500-V8
GMC Sierra Classic 2500 HD-V8+
Chevrolet Silverado Classic 2500 HD
Honda Ridgeline-V6*
Lincoln Mark LT-V8
GMC Sierra Classic 1500 HD-V8
Toyota Tundra-V8*
Mazda B4000 Pickup-V6
Dodge Dakota Pickup-V6+
Nissan Titan King Cab-V8
Chevrolet Silverado Classic 1500 HD
Cadillac Escalade-V8
Toyota Tundra-V6*
Mazda B3000 Pickup-V6
Isuzu i-370 Pickup-5 Cyl.
Mazda B2300 Pickup-4 Cyl.
Mitsubishi Raider Extended Cab-V6
Isuzu i-290 Pickup-4 Cyl.
*  Consumer Reports “Reliable used cars.”
Original
M.S.R.P.
$14,080
22,470
23,260
20,310
22,340
20,075
19,735
15,275
23,510
21,270
15,675
18,130
13,860
29,675
27,160
26,850
24,775
31,615
16,050
28,125
27,218
29,475
25,655
24,510
24,280
24,015
27,800
38,095
30,145
23,430
22,045
19,135
23,700
29,645
53,335
22,290
19,040
21,078
15,535
19,890
16,989
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
109
$2,900
107
3,676
105
3,696
101
3,515
98
3,213
97
3,463
97
3,106
97
3,163
96
3,623
95
3,508
95
3,175
95
3,332
94
3,035
92
3,824
91
3,722
90
3,700
90
3,605
89
3,865
89
2,843
87
3,701
87
3,673
87
3,761
87
3,607
87
3,557
87
3,541
83
3,489
79
3,604
79
3,925
78
3,676
78
3,400
77
3,313
77
3,164
76
3,386
76
3,628
70
4,150
69
3,225
69
3,041
65
3,078
64
2,724
64
3,005
61
2,778
†  Consumer Reports “Used cars to avoid.”
92
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Ranking of 2008 Used Light Pickups
April 2010 NADA Value as a Percentage of Original
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
    Model
Ford F250 Super Duty-V8+
Ford F350 Super Duty-V8
Toyota Tacoma-4 Cyl.
GMC Canyon
Ford Ranger-V6+
Ford F150 Pickup-V8
GMC Sierra 1500 Pickup-V8
Toyota Tacoma Double Cab-V6*
Toyota Tacoma-V6*
Chevrolet Colorado+
Chevrolet Silverado 3500-V8
Chevrolet Silverado 1500-V8+
Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup-V8+
GMC Sierra 3500 Pickup-V8
Toyota Tundra CrewMax-V8*
Toyota Tundra Double Cab-V8*
Nissan Frontier King Cab- 4 Cyl.
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD-V8+
Chevrolet Avalanche 2500-V8
Ford F150 Supercab-V8
GMC Sierra 2500 HD Pickup-V8+
Dodge Ram 3500 Pickup-V8
Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup-V8+
Honda Ridgeline-V6*
Lincoln Mark LT-V8
Dodge Dakota Pickup-V6
Nissan Titan King Cab-V8+
Mazda B4000 Pickup-V6+
Toyota Tundra Double Cab-V6*
Toyota Tundra-V8*
Cadillac Escalade-V8
Toyota Tundra-V6*
Mazda B2300 Pickup-4 Cyl.
Isuzu i-370 Pickup-5 Cyl.
Mitsubishi Raider Extended Cab-V6
Isuzu i-290 Pickup- 4 Cyl.
*  Consumer Reports “Reliable used cars.”
Original
M.S.R.P.
$22,380
23,100
14,280
15,025
13,995
17,345
24,570
22,540
19,935
14,785
27,415
24,030
21,155
27,955
27,685
24,860
16,150
27,475
32,710
23,440
28,015
27,615
25,680
28,000
38,340
19,435
23,700
22,045
24,715
23,430
54,215
22,290
15,535
22,399
19,990
17,399
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
122
$3,821
120
3,839
120
2,996
111
3,296
109
3,205
109
3,433
108
3,787
107
3,296
107
3,190
106
3,232
105
3,877
105
3,735
104
3,595
103
3,886
103
3,878
102
3,743
101
2,953
100
3,832
100
4,020
99
3,659
99
3,839
95
3,774
94
3,699
90
3,749
89
4,061
87
3,323
86
3,522
86
3,440
83
3,531
82
3,461
80
4,315
74
3,295
71
2,850
71
3,237
70
3,125
68
2,930
†  Consumer Reports “Used cars to avoid.”
2010 Rankings
93
Ranking of 2009 Used Light Pickups
April 2010 NADA Value as a Percentage of Original
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
    Model
Toyota Tacoma-4 Cyl.+
Ford F250 Super Duty-V8
Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup-V8
Ford F350 Super Duty-V8
GMC Sierra 1500 Pickup-V8
GMC Canyon
Chevrolet Silverado 1500-V8
Chevrolet Silverado 3500-V8
Ford F150 SuperCrew-V8
GMC Sierra 3500 Pickup-V8
Toyota Tacoma Double Cab-V6*
Toyota Tacoma-V6*
Toyota Tundra CrewMax-V8
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD-V8
Toyota Tundra Double Cab-V8
Chevrolet Colorada
Ford Ranger-V6
GMC Sierra 2500 HD Pickup-V8+
Chevrolet Avalanche 2500-V8
Ford F150 Pickup-V8*
Nissan Frontier King Cab- 4 Cyl.
Honda Ridgeline-V6*
Dodge Dakota Pickup-V6
Dodge Ram 3500 Pickup-I6
Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup-V8
Suzuki Equator-4 Cyl.
Cadillac Escalade-V8
Toyota Tundra-V8+
Nissan Titan King Cab-V8
Cadillac STS-V8+
Mazda B4000 Pickup-V6
Toyota Tundra-V6
Mitsubishi Raider Extended Cab-V6
Mazda B2300 Pickup-4 Cyl.
Original
M.S.R.P.
$15,170
24,595
21,270
25,315
25,575
17,375
25,160
28,320
28,105
28,735
23,500
21,420
29,875
28,380
27,050
17,305
15,835
28,795
34,255
20,345
17,460
28,000
20,575
36,480
28,935
17,220
58,740
23,630
26,150
43,980
22,150
22,490
21,135
16,060
Retail Value Retail Value
as Percent
minus
of M.S.R.P.
Trade-In
125
$3,083
124
3,935
123
3,776
122
3,950
115
3,894
113
3,480
113
3,865
112
3,982
112
3,974
111
3,982
111
3,363
109
3,275
109
4,016
108
3,939
107
3,891
107
3,417
107
3,317
106
3,939
106
4,124
104
3,557
103
3,050
102
3,877
97
3,496
94
4,068
94
3,818
94
2,950
90
4,525
90
3,565
88
3,644
87
4,488
86
3,450
82
3,413
79
3,300
76
2,963
Index
95
Index
A
D
Acura, 19
Alternative energy, 8
AutoCheck, 21
Defects, 21, 48
Department of Transportation, 7
Depreciation, 2, 4, 20, 22, 35, 50
Fee, 39, 40
Diesel, 9
Diminishing credit system (hybrids), 8
Disclosures, 39
Non-segregated, 39
Segregated, 39
Down payment, 14, 37, 39–40
B
Bargains, 5–6, 50
Big Three, 7, 52
Buying, 7–8, 13–16, 20–22, 37–39, 52
C
Carbon footprint, 7
Carfax, 21
Chevrolet
Malibu, 13
Tahoe, 47
Volt, 9
Chrysler, 7
Sebring, 50
Conservation credit, 8
Consumer complaints, 21
Consumer services, 20–21, 51
Consumer Reports, 14, 19–21, 51, 52
Reliable used car, 48, 51
Used car to avoid, 48, 51
Cost
Capitalized, 39–40
Dealer cost, 20
Net, 15, 38–40
Cost-effectiveness, 5
Crash-test ratings, 20, 21
Front- and side-impact crash test
results, 21
E
Economic Stimulus Bill, 9
Edmunds, 11, 20, 21, 51
Electric vehicles, 7, 9, 10
Emerging technologies, 9
Energy Policy Act of 2005, 8
Environmental Protection Agency,
7, 10
Estimated residual value (see Resale
value - Estimated)
F
Factory invoice, 20
Federal Reserve Regulation M, 37
Financing, 11, 14–15, 37–39
Ford, 9
Fuel , 7, 10
Alternative, 9–10
Cost, 11
Economy, 8
Efficiency, 7, 10
Standards, 7
96
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
G
Gas-electric hybrids (see Hybrids)
Gasoline prices, 10, 14
General Motors (GM), 7
Chevrolet (see Chevrolet)
Green vehicles, 10
Gross capitalized cost (see Costcapitalized)
H
Home equity loan, 36, 37
Honda, 7, 9
Accord, 14, 22, 50
Civic, 10
Hybrids, 7, 8–11,
Plug-in, 7, 9
Hyundai
Sonata, 13, 22, 51
I–J
Incentives, 7–10, 14–16
Insurance, 2, 36, 41–46
Agents, 42
Bodily injury coverage, 45
Brokers, 42
Collision, 42, 45
Comprehensive, 42, 45–46
Deductibles, 41, 45
Discounts, 42, 43
Health, 43, 46
Liability, 42–43, 45
Medical payments coverage, 46
Minimum, 43, 44–45
No-fault statutes, 46
Personal injury coverage, 46
Premiums, 41–42, 45
Property damage, 41, 43, 45, 46
Rate structure, 41
Rental, 46
State regulations, 42
Umbrella policy, 45
Uninsured and underinsured
motorist coverage, 45
Insurance Institute for Highway
Safety, 21
Interest, 4
Rates, 14–16, 37–39
Internal Revenue Service (IRS), 9
K
Kelley Blue Book, 21
L
Late-model cars, 20
Leasing, 35–40
Closed-end, 36
Fee, 35, 36, 39, 40
Money factor, 40
Open-end, 36–37
Lemon laws, 48
Loan, 13–16, 37, 38
M
Maintenance, 2, 3, 13, 35, 39
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail
Price (M.S.R.P.), 13, 19, 49–53
Mileage, 11, 36
Mitsubishi
Galant, 51
Monthly payments, 35–37, 39, 40
N
National Automobile Dealers Association, 21, 49
Index
NADA Official Used Car Guide,
21, 49
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA), 21, 47
Recall campaigns database, 47
Negotiating, 20, 21, 40
O
Outlays, 35, 38
Ownership costs, 35
P
97
S
Safety, 3, 8, 21, 43, 47–48, 52
Sales tax, 11, 39
Monthly, 40
Security deposit, 38, 39
Sedan, 4, 50–51
Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), 4, 10
Sticker price (see Manufacturer’s
Suggested Retail Price)
T
Quality adjusted price indexes, 4
Tax credits (Federal), 7, 8–9, 10
Technical Service Bulletins, 47
Time value of money, 37–39
Toyota, 7, 8, 9
Camry, 11
Certified used cars, 19
FJ Cruiser, 48
Prius, 9, 14, 52
Trade in, 5, 19, 40, 50
Transportation Department (See
Department of Transportation)
Truth in Lending Act, 37
R
U
Rebates, 14–16, 40, 53
Recalls, 7, 21, 47–48
Re-financing (see Financing)
Repairs, 13, 45, 48
Resale value, 4, 14, 20, 21, 37–39,
49–52
Estimated, 35, 37
Retail value, 22
As a percent of M.S.R.P., 49, 51
Minus trade-in, 50
Used cars and trucks, 3, 8, 19–22, 48
Certified, 19
Perks, 8–9
Popularity premiums, 14
Price, 3, 8, 10–11, 13–14, 19–21, 39,
41, 49–52
Resale, 20, 22, 49, 51
Sticker (see Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price)
PT Cruiser, 52
Q
V
Volkswagen
Jetta, 13
W
Warranty, 19, 35, 48
Bumper-to-bumper, 19
Limited factory, 19
Power-train, 19
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Personal Finance
Driving Bargains: Best Used Vehicle Values
Coin Buyer’s Guide
College Destinations: A Student’s Guide to Great Cities and Towns
Homeowner or Tenant? How to Make a Wise Choice
How to Avoid Financial Fraud
How to Avoid Financial Tangles
How to Give Wisely
How to Invest Wisely
How to Make Tax-Saving Gifts
How to Read a Financial Statement
How to Use Credit Wisely
If Something Should Happen: How to Organize Your Financial and Legal Affairs
Life Insurance: From the Buyer’s Point of View
Sensible Budgeting with the Rubber Budget Account Book
Start Here: Getting Your Financial Life on Track
What You Need to Know About Mutual Funds
Retirement And Estate Planning
The Estate Plan Book—with 2001 Supplement
How to Build Wealth with Tax-Sheltered Investments
How to Choose Retirement Housing
How to Cover the Gaps in Medicare
How to Plan for Your Retirement Years
How to Produce Savings in the Administration of an Estate
What You Need to Know about Social Security
Money And Banking
The Collapse of Deposit Insurance
Gold and Liberty
Money: Its Origins, Development, Debasement, and Prospects
The Pocket Money Book: A Monetary Chronology of the United States
Prospects for a Resumption of the Gold Standard
General Economics
The AIER Chart Book
The Constitutional Protection of Property Rights
Forecasting Business Trends
The Future of the Dollar
The Global Warming Debate: Science, Economics, and Policy
On the Gap between the Rich and the Poor
Progress and Property Rights: Greeks to Magna Carta to the Constitution
Property Rights: The Essential Ingredient for Liberty and Progress
Prospects for Reforming the IMF and the World Bank
Reconstruction of Economics
The United States Constitution: From Limited Government to Leviathan
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“This column highly recommends that you get a copy and study it, especially
if you are a working stiff and first-time buyer of a new car or truck.”
Warren Brown
Automotive columnist, The Washington Post
“Buying a car is our second biggest purchase—next to our house. We need
all the help we can get. This book will give you that help.”
Jerry Flint
Automotive columnist, Forbes
The estimated average cost of owning an automobile over your expected lifetime
is $320,000.
Driving Bargains gives you useful tips on how to save money on this top expense. Its
easy-to-read tables rank vehicles according to the ratio of average resale prices to
manufacturers suggested retail prices. Buyers of new models can use the ranking to
determine which cars are the best investments. Buyers of used cars can find the best values.
Beyond these features, Driving Bargains looks at trends in the market and provides a
simple guide to understanding the cost of borrowing. It addresses questions every
auto buyer needs to ask: Should you buy new or used? Is leasing a good option? What
about rebates and incentives? How does your vehicle rank? This accessible, no-nonsense
book has the answers.
Comparison of 2005 Recommended Used Vehicle
(Based on NADA Retail Values)
As % of Original M.S.R.P.
As % of 2010 M.S.R.P.
Ranks used autos
from 2005-2010
Buick Century Custom
34.6
Lincoln Town Car
Lincoln
Car
ForTown
Example:
BuickBuick
LaSabre
Custom
Century
Custom
Best value in category
Ford Taurus
39.3
Ford Taurus
30.8
32.0
41.8
Hyundai Sonata
35.7
41.7
Volvo S80
38.2
Mercury Sable
48.3
Mercury Grand Marquis
Ford Crown Victoria
47.7
Mazda Tribute
39.4
Features more than
39.6
300 models
Driving Bargains is based on an earlier AIER book, What Your Car Really Costs. It has gone through many
editions and has benefited from the contributions of a number of AIER’s independent, unbiased
researchers. This year’s edition was prepared by Research Associates Shafayat Chowdhury and Kenneth
D’Amica and Research Intern Nina Nguyen.
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