Though used-car prices are trending downward after landing at record highs due to low supply, rates are still high and some consumers are turning towards buying new.

In light of this trend, Kbb.com offered a list of vehicles shoppers should consider buying new, since used prices for these units are sitting particularly close to this year’s model rates.

The list of ten vehicles includes units such as the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox LT, which is going for $24,845 new, according to Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price. And the used 2011 Equinox model is going for $24,305, according to Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail Value. This marks a difference of only $540.

Other models on the list include the 2012 Mazda MAZDA2 Sport, the 2012 Kia Rio LX Sedan and the 2012 Volkswagen Gold TDI 4D, to name a few. To see the full list of “10 Cars You Should Buy New" from Kbb.com, see here.

On the other hand, prices for new and used cars may begin to drive apart in the near future, according to CarGurus. The automotive research company reported Wednesday that its CarGurus Used-Car Price Index, which tracks the average price of a used car available for sale in the U.S., is currently at $19,316.

This is down approximately 2.4 percent since prices peaked in May and down 2.2 percent from this same time last year.

And officials expect prices to continue downward for the rest of year;  CarGurus analysts say they expect to see the average price of a used car continue to decline by at least another 4 percent by the end of 2012.
 
“This Fall is setting up to be a good time for consumers to find savings on a used-car purchase, which is quite a change from a few months ago,” said Langley Steinert, founder and chief executive officer of CarGurus.

“The tight supply issues that drove many used-car prices up earlier this year seem to be resolving, and that, combined with a typical seasonal drop-off in demand, bodes well for shoppers. Still, we recommend that consumers do careful research and their price homework as they shop for the right car,” he continued.

Breaking it down by vehicle type, the company noted that “the downward price trend in recent months is consistent across all categories.

“Year over year, average prices on most vehicle types are presently lower than this time last year,” they continued.

But there are a few exceptions. Despite rising gas prices, the average prices for vans, pickups and SUVs are presently higher year-over-year.

“Average prices on these large, less fuel-efficient vehicles were generally low in summer 2011 due to high gas prices and reduced demand,” the company concluded.