Midsize Comparative Analysis

                  MSRP=2001   Resale=2004        Est.=estimated

                    

Manufacturer	Model	Est.MSRP 2001	Est.Resale Value 2004	Value Retained	Value Lost
Toyota	Prius	20,495	14,291	69%	6,204
Honda	Accord(Sedan)	16,060	11,070	68%	4,990
Volkswagen	Pssat	27,140	18,150	66%	8,990
Nissan	Altima(4D XE)	16,880	10,300	61%	6,580
Toyota	Camry(4D CE)	18,700	11,434	61%	7,266
Chevorlet	Monte Carlo(2D Coupe)	20,850	11,580	56%	9,270
Lincoln	LS (Sedan 4D)	32,885	17,538	53%	15,347
Chrysler	Sebring(4D Sedan)	21,119	10,659	51%	10,460
Mitsubishi	Gallant(DE)	17,811	8,189	46%	9,622
Buick	Century(Sedan)	20.335	9,230	45%	11,105
Ford	Taurus(LX)	18,880	8,100	43%	10,780

                         The figures are quite revealing. If you purchase the Toyota Prius your vehicle will have retained thirty per cent more value than the Ford Taurus;a difference of over $4000. The Lincoln loses

 $15,000 over three years.!!

 Don't forget that when you trade in the vehicle the dealers have access to this information. It does not make sense to purchase or lease a

vehicle with low resale value. When you trade in your vehicle you will

have less equity; if you sell it privately then there will be less interest in

a low value automobile.