Autoblog

Thinking of trading your gas-guzzling SUV in for something smaller, a bit more fuel efficient? You are not alone. The rocketing cost of gasoline, and diesel fuel, is having a ripple effect on the SUV market. With consumers trading in their behemoths by the thousands in exchange for more frugal transportation, dealers are stuck with a surplus of unwanted sport-utes sitting on their lots with values dissolving.

Diesel-burning trucks aren't immune either. As diesel fuel costs hovering about fifty cents per-gallon above gasoline, some of the bigger oil-burning SUVs and trucks are losing measurable resale by the day. Overall, according to CNW Marketing Research, used SUV sales were down 14% in March alone. With any surplus, come big discounts. It may be a ghastly time to fill a 30-gallon tank on an SUV, but it is the perfect time to negotiate with a dealer for that seven-passenger family truckster you've been fancying. No need to hurry -- there will be an even better selection tomorrow.

Thanks to Jim for the tip!

[Source: U.S. News and World Report]

It is well known by now that decisions made around convertibles don't follow rational rules. That's why Britain, a place with some of the least agreeable weather in the world, has made some of the most appealing convertibles ever seen, though perhaps not the most reliable. Convertible resale values are also not constrained by conventional wisdom: a study by EurotaxGlass found that in the UK, some mass-market ragtops hold their value much better than their more prestigious brethren.

Over a twelve month period in the UK, judged by trade value as a percentage of list price, a Ferrari F430 Spider maintains 97% of its value -- better than any other droptop. Next in line comes the VW Eos 2.0 TDI Sport, at 94%. They are the only two examples that manage to lose less than 10% of their value: the Porsche Boxster S and Mercedes-Benz SLK55 are both tied for third at 87%.

EurotaxGlass also reveals that while there are peaks and troughs in convertible values based on the time of year, hardtop convertibles are not so affected by them, which makes sense. But they also say dealers have reported buyers not wanting folding hardtops because then other people wouldn't know they were driving a convertible. According to EurotaxGlass, "It seems discreet coupe-convertible styling does not flatter the vanity of some owners." Click the link to get the entire list of residual values.

[Source: Gizmag]

It's the oldest criticism of buying new versus used – drive that fresh-from-the-factory 2007 model off the dealer lot and instantly chuck 5 - 10% of your investment right out the window. The minute its front wheels touch Main Street USA your brand new car becomes used. This is why resale value is so important, as most vehicles only retain about 35% of their value after five years according to Kelley Blue Book.

KBB has just announced the winners of its 2007 Best Resale Value Awards, which should help shoppers make a more informed decision when looking for a car that will hold its value. Keep in mind, however, that these awards are given to 2007 models, the value of which over time is just being projected by KBB, so there are no guarantees.

Follow the jump to learn which models age with the most grace and remain highly valued.

[Source: KBB.com]

Here's an odd one of dubious merit: Kelley Blue Book's marketing research division has partnered with Taco Bell under the guise of studying the effects of in-car eating on vehicle residuals. Yes, that probably bears re-reading.

The car valuation guide experts have teamed up with fast food's Gordita gurus on the thinnest wisp of a study-- to determine the depreciation costs that sloppy 'dashboard dining' has on a vehicle's resale value.

Their findings? According to a KBB official, "Our research highlights a huge misperception among consumers: that the interior condition of a car has less importance than the exterior in terms of residual value." Fair enough. But the fact that the press release then goes on to praise "Innovative companies like Taco Bell" for "...creating solutions for diners on the go with mess-free products like the Crunchwrap Supreme™" sort of takes the intellectual sheen off this one, doesn't it?

Besides, crediting Taco Bell with creating "mess-free products" is a remarkable example of selective retention. After all, there's nothing tidy about a Chalupa, kids. Not before, not during, and certainly not after.

(Thanks to Nick @ Slashfood for the tip)

[Source: KBB.com]