Owning a car can be a pain in the wallet. To prove it, AAA has conducted a study that reveals just how much the average American pays for the privilege of having a car (or truck, or SUV, or minivan) in her driveway. There's good news and bad news to be found in the study. Let's get the bad out of...Read More»
If you're in the market for a used car -- whether you need to replace your current ride or want to give a recent grad a set of wheels for college -- you know that demand for many models is high. Understanding which are the most popular could help you haggle and boost (or diminish) the resale value...Read More»
Affluent status-seekers pay quite the premium to get into exclusive luxury cars—like the $119,975 Jaguar XJL Supersport or $216,205 Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG. You'd think that the image and prestige of such models would be sought-after on the used-car market, too. But the moment these models...Read More»
If you're looking to buy or sell a used car, take note: the National Automobile Dealers Association says that used car values are about to peak. If they're right, now could be the perfect time to unload your current ride, but you may want to wait a couple of months before investing in another used...Read More»
Hyundai has in just a few years built itself into one of the strongest brands in the market. But to some shoppers who've been buying Toyotas or Hondas for a generation—and counted on their excellent resale value—choosing a Hyundai, even if they like it more, could still feel like a leap...Read More»
If you're thinking of getting a new Subaru, here's one more pro to put on the list: some of the strongest resale values in the business. ALG, a respected authority for residual values and depreciation data, and the leader for establishing the residuals that are used to determine new-car leasing...Read More»
Toyota has faced a lot of blemishes to its reputation over the past year, but it's rebounding. Surprisingly well. So found ALG, in its Fall 2010 Perceived Quality Study (PQS) just released. Toyota, which had previously been first place in the study, dropped 20 percent from Fall 2009 to Spring 2010...Read More»
In days of old, research-minded car buyers would toddle into showrooms armed with brochures and Blue Books and printouts of web pages. But for today's savvy shopper, it's all about the smartphone. There are lots mobile apps to help buyers determine the value of trade-ins and purchase models --...Read More»
After a year on the market, Ford notes that its redesigned 2010 Ford Taurus is getting far more money at auction—a full 39 percent more—compared to the 2009 model of the same age. According to Ford, the 2009 Ford Taurus was selling at a discount compared to the 2009 Toyota Avalon, but now...Read More»
We've all been there at one time or another: wanting a new car but needing to get rid of the old one first. Sure, we could motor down to the dealership and trade it in, but more often than not, we'll get more cash for our clunker by selling it in advance. So, where to begin? Once upon a time, we'd...Read More»
Kia is clearly moving on up. With the introduction of the Forte sedan, Forte Koup, and Soul last year, along with the new 2010 Kia Sorento, the brand has a unified new design direction, vastly improved performance and refinement, and an upscale feel throughout its lineup. It’s clear the...Read More»
It's still a little too early to assess the aftermath of Toyota's monumental recalls, but there are mounting indications that the brand's long-term reputation has been tarnished a bit. Over the past couple of months, Toyota has gotten its sales back on track—and then some—with the help of the...Read More»
Toyota (NYSE: TM) rolled out an all-new incentive program aimed at jump-starting sales that have slumped due to bruised consumer confidence from the ongoing accelerator-related recalls, the related hearings in Washington D.C., and several other issues and recalls. The automaker calls the new...Read More»
Consumer Reports, as part of this week's torrent of announcements from its Annual Auto Issue, named the 2010 Honda Fit and 2010 Toyota Prius the best new-car values of the year. While it so happens we like both of those models very much (and appreciate the Prius' 51-mpg rating), they definitely...Read More»
Some of the most respected companies that look at depreciation are predicting that Toyota (NYSE: TM) vehicles won't be worth as much as much as previously predicted when customers go to trade them a few years from now. Yes, even the ones that aren't recalled. But how much they'll fall in value...Read More»
If you've been on the lookout for a new car but you're a little short on cash, General Motors may have a deal for you. In a clever shell game that should pay off nicely for consumers, the company is offering dealers $7,000 for every Pontiac and Saturn vehicle that they move to their rental-vehicle...Read More»
Among mainstream brands, consumers still rate Honda and Toyota highest in quality—whether that is or isn't the case on actual quality surveys. But Ford is quickly gaining ground. That's according to the latest Perceived Quality Study (PQS), from residual values expert Automotive Leasing Guide...Read More»
What causes a particular vehicle to depreciate more than another of the same make, model, and year? According to ordinary car shoppers, vehicle mileage is seen as the top reason for depreciation, ranking above accident damage, maintenance records, and other issues such as flood damage or title...Read More»
