Bang for Your Buck

SmartMoney.com has put out its Hot Cars for 2004 list based on the top value holders as a percent of MSRP. Here's a look at the best buys* by category:

TOP 2004 VALUE HOLDERS BY CATEGORY
(Type; Vehicle; MSRP; 5-Year Retention Rate)

Sedan: Honda Accord LX V6; $23,760; 41%
Coupe: Infiniti G35 Coupe; $29,795; 49%
Convertible: Mercedes-Benz CLK 320 Cabriolet; $52,120; 51%
Wagon: Subaru Impreza WRX Sport Wagon; $24,545; 44%
Hatchback: MINI Cooper; $16,999; 46%
Luxury: Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG; $109,450; 52%
Pickup: Toyota Tacoma PreRunner Crew CabV6; $19,890; 49%
Sport Utility: BMW X5 4.4i; $67,495; 52%
Van/Minivan: Honda Odyssey; $24,950; 42%
Sporty: Corvette ZO6; $52,385; 50%

The list is also another sign that the year is quickly coming to an end. The 2004 model year cars are beginning to fill up the car lots, and that means dealers will be anxious to get rid of any remaining 2003s. With interest rates beginning to rise and 0.00% finance specials drying up the auto manufacturers must be crossing their fingers. Production numbers are probably still too high across the board and something new has to keep the cars moving off the lot. Signs of an improving economy might be enough to coerce buyers into the showroom. With each passing week the interest rates are slowing rising, and customers could be afraid of missing a good deal.

* Of course, that assumes financing a car is a good deal to begin with, but that is a subject for another day.