AOL Autos: Some Used Models Approaching New-Car Pricing

As used-car prices and wholesale values continue to rise, dealers may find it even harder to sell a consumer on a used unit that shoppers might be able to find new for a similar price.

And with gas prices on the rise and technology constantly moving forward, is it better to buy a new gas sipper or an old one?

With used prices increasing and dealers potentially wondering how close they will come to their new-car price tags, AOL Autos covered this very issue, highlighting analysis from Kelley Blue Book.

“Kelley Blue Book, after crunching the numbers, found 10 vehicles that have just barely more expensive — or even cheaper — monthly payments for the new 2012 version of the vehicle versus the used 2011,” AOL Autos highlighted.

Ranging from the fuel-efficient Honda Civic Hybrid to the quirky Nissan Cube, the monthly payments on these units — new or used — sit side-by-side.

Here is the list KBB and AOL Autos came up with, along with commentary from AOL Autos:

10. Toyota Corolla LE
MSRP: $16,130 – $17,990
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg City, 34 mpg Highway

Monthly Payment + Fuel (New): $434
Monthly Payment + Fuel (Used): $412

“This perennial favorite in the small sedan segment is only $22 more per month for the 2012 versus the 2011 model.”

9. Nissan Juke S
MSRP: $19,990 – $25,780
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg City, 32 mpg Highway

Monthly Payment + Fuel (New): $519
Monthly Payment + Fuel (Used): $501

“The polarizing design may turn off some car shoppers, but the fact that you can get in a brand new 2012 model for only $18 more than a used 2011 is pretty tantalizing.”

8. Mini Cooper
MSRP: $19,500 – $24,950
Fuel Economy: 29 mpg City, 37 mpg Highway

Monthly Payment + Fuel (New): $484
Monthly Payment + Fuel (Used): $468

“The Mini Cooper is an AOL Autos favorite. You can get the fun to drive, gas sipping 2012 model for only $16 more per month than a 2011.”

7. Nissan Cube
MSRP: $14,980 – $18,520
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg City, 30 mpg Highway

Monthly Payment + Fuel (New): $416
Monthly Payment + Fuel (Used): $401

“Another polarizing design, but if you can get past its weird breadbox geek-mobile exterior, the Cube is a solid buy, especially new. An extra $15 a month will give you that new car smell.”

6. Chevrolet Equinox LT
MSRP: $23,530 – $30,970
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg City, 32 mpg Highway

Monthly Payment + Fuel (New): $589
Monthly Payment + Fuel (Used): $579

“Recently picked as our Smartest CUV buy under $30,000, the Equinox is also one of the best vehicles to buy new.”

5. Hyundai Elantra GLS
MSRP: $15,345 – $20,595
Fuel Economy: 29 mpg City, 40 mpg Highway

Monthly Payment + Fuel (New): $435
Monthly Payment + Fuel (Used): $427

“The reigning North American Car Of The Year, and selected by AOL Autos as the best overall car under $20,000, the Elantra can be had brand new for a measly $8 more per month than the used 2011.”

4. Honda Civic LX
MSRP: $15,605 – $26,155
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg City, 36 mpg Highway

Monthly Payment + Fuel (New): $424
Monthly Payment + Fuel (Used): $416