Don't Buy These At Full Price, Ever

Vincentric Market Price: $12,140
Discount from MSRP: 35%

Why? Out of fashion; discounted too much for too long

The retro-styled Chevrolet HHR, just like the Chrysler PT Cruiser it mimics in some respects, is a product whose time has come and gone. The HHR has been heavily discounted for several years now and has lackluster resale value; it gets just one star in ALG's Depreciation Ratings, meaning its value is going to drop like a rock as soon as you drive off the dealership lot.

HHR sales are actually up this year, though with a higher percent -- now 69 percent of all HHRs -- going to fleets.

Vincentric Market Price: $8,317
Discount from MSRP: 30%

Why? Often a $10k car with a $12k pricetag

This common sight in rental fleets is discounted more than $2,500 off its MSRP, making it, currently, the least expensive car being sold in the U.S., based on Vincentric's market prices. In addition to its chronically low market prices, the Aveo carries an ALG Depreciation Rating of just one star, confirming that it's going to plunge in value on the used market.

By contrast, a base Nissan Versa 1.6 sedan stickers at just $9,990, but it certainly isn't overpriced. The market has decided it's worth every bit of it, as the base Versa is typically discounted just $150 or so. Critics contend that the Aveo has never been competitive with the Versa or other popular rivals like or the Honda Fit. However that might change with the introduction next year of an all-new, more sophisticated Aveo model.

Vincentric Market Price: $16,775
Discount from MSRP: 20%

Why? Has been relying on incentives for years

The full-size pickup market has remained sluggish, and while a few higher-end models are doing better recently, these simple, work-oriented trucks are sitting on lots. These are the inexpensive, Spartan models without any of the "luxury" features like leather interiors and navigation systems that have invaded the pickup market over the past decade.

As the construction industry continues to suffer, there's neither a need nor the money available for most builders and contractors to upgrade their fleets. So does GM lower prices, drop the W/T models, or just wait for sales to come back around?

Vincentric Market Price: $22,062
Discount from MSRP: 4%

Why? Finicky shoppers; aggressively priced rival

Honda miscalculated with the new-for-2010 Insight hybrid. The Insight has a slightly sportier feel than the Toyota Prius, but hybrid shoppers are turned off by the Insight's lower EPA ratings: 40/43 mpg, versus 51/48 for the Prius. Toyota's competitive pricing on the redesigned 2010 Prius, as well as a $750 factory incentive, have made its iconic hybrid a tough competitor.

As a result, inventories have grown, and the Insight hasn't sold nearly as well as expected. Honda has been averse to incentives in the past, to preserve resale values, so you probably won't see a big sale. Instead, look for changes this year or next, possibly a revised pricing strategy that includes more standard equipment, or a lower-priced base model.

Vincentric Market Price: $17,825
Discount from MSRP: 17%

Why? Rivals all are newer, fresher

Mitsubishi has the Galant priced close to the Hyundai Sonata, Honda Accord, and Toyota Camry, all of which are better cars. In fact, this aging model is no longer even a direct rival, as the midsize sedan class has grown over the past few years. Mitsubishi gave the Galant a mild refresh in 2009, but it's been six years since the car was completely redesigned.

With a lower price the Galant could be a budget alternative, but as it stands, with a sustained $3,500 factory incentive and total discounts of around $4,000, resale values are not good.

Vincentric Market Price: $32,859
Discount from MSRP: 11%

Why? Slow sales; pricier than full-size pickups

The Ridgeline hasn't been a strong seller, and an 11-percent discount from MSRP is huge and noteworthy for Honda, a company that has always been reticent to resort to such strategies. The Ridgeline's problem is that it's an answer to a question that almost nobody is asking anymore: Can I get an "almost" pickup that's smaller and more SUV-like than traditional American trucks?

But with prices that can stretch toward $40k for a very well equipped version, the overpriced Ridgeline costs more than many full-size trucks with comparable features.