Sticker price is one thing, but how much will a car really cost you?
The Nissan Versa, for example, is one of the least expensive cars sold, but Consumer Reports says its poor reliability means it could cost you in the long run.
Turns out paying $500 more for the Hyundai Accent is a better value, with better reliability, and it's a much nicer car to boot.
Consumer Reports is just out with its list of the "Best New-Car Values."
"Our value scores are based on three elements: our road-test scores, predicted reliability from our Annual Auto Survey, and our estimate of how much it'll cost to own the car for five years," Consumer Reports' Rik Paul said.
Consumer Reports says the Toyota Prius offers the best value. With a sticker price that's under $30,000, Consumer Reports says over time the Prius costs a very economical 49 cents a mile to own.
On the other end of the spectrum is the BMW 750Li. Its sticker price is almost a $100,000 and a whopping $1.80 a mile to own. That puts it at the worst value on Consumer Reports' list.
"Every category from small cars to SUVs have both good and bad performers. But if you want some space and want a good value, we recommend a wagon, a small SUV or a minivan," Paul said.
Some good choices include the Toyota Sienna and the Mazda5.
So next time you're shopping for a car, pick one that'll save you money in the long run.
Also making Consumer Report's list is the MINI Cooper's base model. It says that car is another great value, costing 49 cents a mile to own.
