Consumer Reports has put out a list of the best deals for used cars and trucks from the 2006 and 2007 model years based on depreciation. This list was designed to help used car buyers find great deals on pre-owned models, but it’s equally useful to new car buyers. If you want to avoid owing more on your car loan than your vehicle is worth, either stay away from these cars with high depreciation or make sure you have a very large down payment.
Depreciation should always be considered when buying a new car or truck. If you owe more money on your car loan than the vehicle is worth, you’ll be in a bad situation financially if you decide to change cars for any reason. Many lending companies will no longer offer car loans to customers who are upside down on their trade in. All of the models on this list are now worth about half of what they cost when new.
Don’t assume that just because you’re buying from a brand with a good reputation that your car or truck will hold its value well. Nine out of the 20 cars and trucks on this list are made by Honda and Toyota, which are usually pointed to as responsible choices.
These vehicles were all recommended by Consumer Reports, so they are all quality cars that a buyer can reasonably expect to be safe and reliable for years to come. Even though all of these models are good cars, they aren’t great investments because they will depreciate and leave you upside down on your car loan.
|
Vehicle type
|
Make & model
|
Mileage
|
MSRP when new
|
Buying from dealer price
|
Drop in retail value vs. MSRP
|
|
Luxury car
|
2006 Lincoln Town Car Executive Sdn Auto RWD 8 Cyl 4doors
|
40,000
|
$42,435
|
$14,275
|
66%
|
|
Luxury car
|
2007 Lincoln Town Car Executive Sdn Auto RWD 8 Cyl 4doors
|
33,000
|
$42,555
|
$16,250
|
62%
|
|
Upscale car
|
2006 Volvo S60 Base Sdn Auto FWD 5 Cyl Turbo light pressure 4doors
|
40,000
|
$30,640
|
$13,975
|
54%
|
|
Sport-utility vehicle
|
2006 Toyota Sequoia Ltd Utility Auto RWD 8 Cyl 4doors
|
40,000
|
$41,855
|
$19,975
|
52%
|
|
Luxury car
|
2006 Acura RL Sdn w/Nav Auto AWD 6 Cyl 4doors
|
40,000
|
$49,300
|
$23,550
|
52%
|
|
Sport-utility vehicle
|
2006 Nissan Murano S Utility Auto FWD 6 Cyl 4doors
|
40,000
|
$27,600
|
$13,325
|
52%
|
|
Sport-utility vehicle
|
2006 Honda Pilot LX Utility Auto FWD 6 Cyl 4doors
|
40,000
|
$26,995
|
$13,050
|
52%
|
|
Luxury car
|
2006 Infiniti M45 Base Sdn Auto RWD 8 Cyl 4doors
|
40,000
|
$46,950
|
$23,075
|
51%
|
|
Sport-utility vehicle
|
2006 Mitsubishi Outlander LS Utility Auto FWD 4 Cyl 4doors
|
56,000
|
$20,099
|
$9,900
|
51%
|
|
Luxury car
|
2006 Lexus LS 430 Sdn Auto RWD 8 Cyl 4doors
|
40,000
|
$56,525
|
$27,875
|
51%
|
|
Sport-utility vehicle
|
2007 Toyota Highlander Ltd Utility Auto FWD 6 Cyl 4doors
|
40,000
|
$30,810
|
$15,250
|
51%
|
|
Sport-utility vehicle
|
2006 Toyota Highlander Ltd Utility Auto FWD 6 Cyl 4doors
|
40,000
|
$25,950
|
$9,500
|
50%
|
|
Sport-utility vehicle
|
2006 Infiniti FX45 Utility Auto AWD 8 Cyl 4doors
|
40,000
|
$49,750
|
$24,925
|
50%
|
|
Minivan
|
2006 Honda Odyssey LX Wgn Auto FWD 6 Cyl 4doors
|
40,000
|
$25,345
|
$12,700
|
50%
|
|
Midsized sport-utility vehicle
|
2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca Base Utility Auto AWD 6 Cyl 4doors
|
40,000
|
$32,395
|
$16,275
|
50%
|
|
Upscale car
|
2006 Lincoln Zephyr Sdn Auto FWD 6 Cyl 4doors
|
40,000
|
$28,995
|
$14,575
|
50%
|
|
Sport-utility vehicle
|
2006 Acura MDX Base SUV Auto 4WD 6 Cyl 4doors
|
40,000
|
$37,125
|
$18,675
|
50%
|
|
Convertible
|
2006 Lexus SC 430 Hdtp Convt Auto RWD 8 Cyl 2doors
|
40,000
|
$65,355
|
$33,200
|
49%
|
|
Sport-utility vehicle
|
2006 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Utility Auto FWD 6 Cyl 4doors
|
40,000
|
$21,695
|
$11,050
|
49%
|
|
Sports/sporty car
|
2006 BMW Z4 Base Cpe 3.0si Man RWD 6 Cyl 2doors
|
40,000
|
$40,100
|
$20,450
|
49%
|
Chart via Consumer Reports.
