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The Book:
Kelley Blue Book
Used Car Guide:
Consumer Edition, January-June
2004
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Editorial
Reviews on Kelley Blue Book
(Kelley Blue Book Used Car
Guide. Consumer Edition, Vol 12, January-June, 2004) |
| An essential resource
for anyone looking to buy, sell, or trade in a used car, this portable
volume provides the general public with information that was originally
restricted to the automotive industry: original list prices, vehicle
identification numbers (VINs), and trade-in, private-party, and
retail values for vehicles, according to condition. First published
in 1926 to help auto dealers, financial institutions, and others
in the trade, the Kelley Blue Book has been available to consumers
since 1993. This edition covers model years 1989 to 2003. Also included
are values for additional options and equipment, a table of acceptable
mileage ranges by year, and tips on buying a used car.
Blue Book Consumer
Edition January-June 2004 - For only $9.95! Includes
values for used cars, trucks and vans covering model years 1988
to 2002. The Consumer Edition includes three values:
- Retail
- Private Party
- Trade In
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TOP 10 2004 MODEL VEHICLES TO BEST HOLD
THEIR VALUE
Kelley Blue Book, the trusted resource for vehicle information, is releasing
its Top 10 list of 2004 model year vehicles that will best hold their
value over the next five years. This year's list has been segmented by
overall retention value and by vehicle category.
Based on current vehicle data, market conditions for each vehicle, expectations
of the future economy and the combined experience of the Kelley Blue Book
editorial team, the lists forecast which 2004 model vehicles will retain
the greatest amount of their original MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail
price). Savvy consumers in the market for a new vehicle may want to take
a closer look at the following lists.
2004 Model Year Vehicles KBB Forecasts Will Best Hold Their Value Over
Next Five Years
OVERALL LIST
Acura MDX
Infiniti G35 Coupe
BMW 3 Series
Lexus RX 330
BMW X5
Mercedes-Benz CLK
Chevrolet Corvette
MINI Cooper
Honda Civic
Toyota Tacoma Prerunner
(High performance, low volume vehicles or vehicles with an original MSRP
over $60,000 were not taken into consideration on the overall list. Values
based on the November/December 2003 Kelley Blue Book Residual Values Guide.)
2004 Model Year Vehicles KBB Forecasts Will Best Hold Their Value Over
Next Five Years
BY CATEGORY
SEDAN: Honda Accord LX V6
LUXURY: Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG
COUPE: Infiniti G35 Coupe
PICKUP: Toyota Tacoma Prerunner Crew Cab 4D V6 4WD
CONVERTIBLE: Mercedes-Benz CLK 320 Cabriolet
SPORT UTILITY: BMW X5 4.4 i
WAGON: Subaru Impreza WRX Sport Wagon
VAN/MINIVAN: Honda Odyssey
HATCHBACK: MINI Cooper SPORTY: Chevrolet Corvette Z06
(Kelley Blue Book vehicles that are expected to hold the greatest amount
of value in their category over the next five years. Values based on the
November/December 2003 Kelley Blue Book Residual Values Guide)
According to the Kelley Blue Book editorial team, several newly introduced
2004 model vehicles are expected to retain a high percentage of their
value looking five years into the future, but fall just short of making
this year's list. Vehicles just missing this years Top 10 list include
the Acura TSX, Cadillac SRX, the redesigned Ford F150, Mazda RX8, Nissan
Titan, Saab 9-3 Convertible and the Toyota Prius. The Mitsubishi Lancer
Evolution and Subaru Impreza WRX STi are also expected to do well, but
were omitted from the overall list because they are low volume performance
vehicles.
"The Internet provides more information on car-buying today than
in the past," said Charlie Vogelheim, executive editor, Kelley Blue
Book. "Today, it's about more than just getting a good deal when
you buy a new car, but getting the information to help you determine its
actual value down the road."
When buying a new car, Vogelheim reminds shoppers to do their homework
on vehicles they are considering. Information buyers should look at include:
The New Car Blue Book Value: What others are paying for the car you are
considering.
5 Year Cost of Ownership: How much the car will cost to own over a five
year period, which takes into consideration, depreciation, maintenance,
insurance, gas costs, state fees and other ownership costs. This information
is also available on kbb.com from IntelliChoice.
Quality of the Car: Kbb.com offers J.D. Power Quality Ratings on new vehicles.
Owners Reviews/Ratings: Find out what current owners of the vehicle think
about the vehicle you are considering. This information is available in
the reviews section on kbb.com.
Vehicle depreciation is inevitable. Some cars, like the ones on this
year's Top 10 lists, have a slower depreciation rate than others. "Vehicle
depreciation is based on manufacturer supply and sustaining consumer demand,
as well as long-term quality, reliability and usefulness," according
to Vogelheim.
No matter what vehicle you own, there are a few things you can do to
slow the depreciation of your vehicle according to Kelley Blue Book.
Maintenance History Have your car serviced regularly and keep track of
the car's maintenance schedule.
Save receipts from oil changes, tune-ups, tire rotations and other services
that demonstrate long-term vehicle care. Providing a verified history
of maintenance often helps maintain vehicle value.
Make sure you perform the required maintenance at intervals recommended
by your owners' manual.
Interior/Exterior Condition This is a top factor in determining a car's
value.
Interior
A one time investment of $50 - $100 for seat covers can maintain the quality
of the interior.
Keeping cigarettes out of the car. Cigarette smoke is tough to remove
or cover up and can affect the overall value of a car.
Exterior
Perform a thorough washing and waxing on a regular basis.
Watch where you park your car and what you park next to, try to avoid
door dings. Park your car away from other vehicles if possible.
Park in the shade. Some vehicles with vinyl dashboards crack due to regular
sun exposure.
Kelley Blue Book values are the most accurately and frequently reported
on the Internet today. All Kelley Blue Book pricing and values are based
on data obtained from dealers, auction data, remarketers as well as through
consumers via a feedback tool on the company's Web site, kbb.com.
Kelley Blue Book values take into consideration the region of the vehicle,
its engine, transmission, trim style, optional equipment, current mileage
and current condition. In addition to actual vehicle details, other considerations
that determine a vehicle's value include the current marketplace, current
economy and supply and demand. Kelley Blue Book reports factual and timely
data reflecting the current marketplace for consumers and the automotive
industry.
Source: Kelley Blue Book Internet
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