NADAguides Names Top Recommended Current Buys

Nine current models from nine different brands. That’s what makes up the latest quarterly list of Top Recommended Current Buys from NADAguides.
The specific units included in the list released Wednesday were the 2011 Audi S5, 2012 BMW 6 Series, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado, 2012 Ford Mustang, 2011 GMC Terrain, 2012 Hyundai Tucson, 2011 Land Rover LR4, 2011 Toyota Venza and the 2012 Volkswagen CC.
NADAguides analysts arrived at these selections after an in-depth review of depreciation value, current incentives and rebates, warranty, assistance services and features.
The list is a part of the NADAguides Car Buyers Market Report. Analysts reiterated that vehicles taken into account include low first-year ownership depreciation value of 21 percent or less, basic warranty (36,000-mile warranty or higher), above average features that make driving more pleasurable, road-side assistance programs (required to be considered), financing incentives, a competitive MSRP within the segment and days’ supply product availability.
When assessing the latest selections, Troy Snyder, director of product development at NADAguides, declared, “These nine vehicles offer value and features that many consumers are starting to expect from automotive manufacturers at lower price points.
“What was previously only available in luxury segment vehicles is now starting to become standard across all types of makes and models,” Snyder continued. “These features, coupled with a great warranty, additional customer services such as free maintenance, and competitive incentives are making many new vehicles much more attractive for car buyers.
“The Car Buyers Market Report is designed to help consumers determine which vehicles are ones they should definitely consider, and these nine vehicles offer a little something for everyone,” he went on to say.
NADAguides analysts offered more commentary about each vehicle tapped.
2011 Audi S5
“The 2011 Audi S5 was selected as a NADAguides Top Recommended Current Buy based on the vehicle’s low first year depreciation rate, 19 percent, combined with great incentives, and the vehicle’s warranty and other ancillary services,” analysts explained. “Audi is currently offering 0.9 percent financing for 36 months, 1.4 percent on 48 months, 1.9 percent on 60 months and 4.69 percent financing on 72 months, and with a 38-day supply of inventory as of August now is a great time for consumers to find a great deal on the 2011 Audi S5. Additionally, the 2011 Audi S5 comes with a four-year, 50,000-mile warranty that also includes 24-hour roadside assistance during the same time period. Starting MSRP for the 2011 Audi S5 2 door coupe manual prestige is $53,650, while the two-door cabriolet premium plus starts at $59,050. This fun to drive vehicle with 354 horsepower comes with numerous safety features, a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen audio system, navigation and many other value added features.”
2012 BMW 6 Series
“A 19 percent first year depreciation combined with a great warranty and ancillary service program make the all-new 2012 BMW 6 Series a NADAguides Top Recommended Current Buy,” analysts declared. “BMW is currently offering 3.9 percent financing on 36 to 72 months and all 2012 BMWs come standard with a four-year, 50,000-mile warranty and BMW’s Ultimate Maintenance program, which covers all regular maintenance during the same time period. Starting MSRP for the 2012 BMW 6 Series 2 door coupe 650i is $83,000, while the two-door convertible 650i starts at $90,500 and with a 43 days’ supply of inventory the 2012 BMW 6 Series should be readily available at dealerships. Although higher in price than the other Top Recommended Current Buys, the 2012 BMW 6 Series is competitively priced within its category while the high-tech safety features, 400 horsepower and ultra-smooth drive make it a fun to drive vehicle with added value.”
2012 Chevrolet Colorado
“The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado offers a 17-percent first-year depreciation rate and a very competitive starting MSRP of $17,395 for the 2WD regular cab work truck,” NADAguides highlighted. “Chevrolet is currently offering $2,500 cash back or 5.9 percent financing for 72 months. The vehicle comes with a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty and all new Chevrolet vehicles come with a 100,000 mile, five year roadside assistance and courtesy transportation program. The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado offers a variety of body, powertrain and equipment options allowing the customer to select a model suitable for their specific needs. A 67 days’ supply of inventory combined with impressive safety equipment and Chevrolet’s OnStar make this vehicle an excellent NADAguides Top Recommended Current Buy for truck buyers.”
2012 Ford Mustang
“With a mere 12-percent first-year depreciation rate and a competitive price within its category, the 2012 Ford Mustang is a NADAguides Top Recommended Current Buy,” analysts stated. “MSRP for the 2012 Ford Mustang starts at $22,310 for the two-door coupe, while the two-door convertible Shelby GT500 starts at $53,810. Ford is currently offering $500 cash back or 3.9 percent financing for 72 months and the 2012 Ford Mustang has a 60 days’ supply of inventory as of August. The 2012 Ford Mustang also comes with a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty and all new Ford vehicles come with a five-year, 60,000-mile roadside assistance program. High-performance, excitement, horsepower and speed combined with the great starting price make the 2012 Ford Mustang a great choice for muscle car customers.”
2011 GMC Terrain
“The 2011 GMC Terrain starts at a very competitive MSRP of $24,500 and has a first-year depreciation rate of 18 percent,” NADAguides noted. “GMC is currently offering 2.9 percent financing for 36 months, 3.9 percent for 48 months, 4.9 percent for 60 months and 5.9 percent financing for 72 months. The 2011 GMC Terrain comes with a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty along with a five-year, 100,000-mile roadside assistance and courtesy transportation program. As of August there was a 42 days’ supply of the 2011 GMC Terrain on dealer lots, combined with features such as OnStar, XM satellite radio and more the 2011 GMC Terrain is a NADAguides Top Recommended Current Buy.”
2012 Hyundai Tucson
“With technology features such as a touch-screen navigation system, rearview camera, hands-free phone system and a long list of safety features the 2012 Hyundai Tucson is loaded at a great starting MSRP of $19,045 for the FWD four-door manual GL, while the AWD four-door auto limited starts at $26,395,” analysts highlighted. “The first-year depreciation rate for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson is an estimated 18 percent and with Hyundai’s trade-in guarantee consumers can be certain what price they will get for trade-in when it comes time. The 2012 Hyundai Tucson comes with a five-year, 60,000-mile warranty along with roadside assistance for the same time period making it a NADAguides Top Recommended Current Buy.”
2011 Land Rover LR4
“The 2011 Land Rover LR4 has a 17-percent first-year depreciation rate and a starting MSRP of $47,650 for the 4WD four-door V8, making it a NADAguides Top Recommended Current Buy,” analysts said. “A DVD-player/navigation and premium sound system, 375 horsepower and a comprehensive airbag system combine to make the 2011 Land Rover LR4 a great choice for consumers. With a 44 days’ supply of inventory and 0.9 percent financing on 36 months now is a great time to buy. The 2011 Land Rover LR4 comes with a four-year, 50,000-mile warranty along with roadside assistance during the same time period and the first scheduled maintenance free of charge.”
2011 Toyota Venza
“The 2011 Toyota Venza offers a 20-percent first-year depreciation rate and a competitive starting MSRP of $27,125 for the four door wagon I4 FWD, while the four door wagon V6 AWD starts at $30,400,” NADAguides pointed out. “Toyota offers multiple packages that allow the consumer to customize to their liking including a security package, convenience package, lighting package, leather package, comfort package, premium package or tow prep package. All new Toyota vehicles come with Toyota’s Star Safety System, a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty, ToyotaCare free maintenance program for two years, 25,000 miles and roadside assistance during that same time period. With a 39 days’ supply of inventory on dealer lots as of August and Toyota currently offering $1,000 cash back or zero percent financing for 36 months, 1.9 percent on 48 to 60 months the 2011 Toyota Venza is a NADAguides Top Recommended Current Buy and now is a great time for consumers to get a great deal.”
2012 Volkswagen CC
“The 2012 Volkswagen CC has a first-year depreciation rate of 18 percent and is competitively priced in its category with a starting MSRP of $28,515 for the four door sedan manual sport, while the four door sedan executive 4Motion limited availability starts at $40,390,” analysts noted. “Volkswagen is currently offering zero percent financing for 36 to 60 months or 1.9 percent on 72 months. The 2012 Volkswagen CC comes with a three year, 36,000 mile warranty and Volkswagen’s CareFree Maintenance program for the same time period. With a 33 days’ supply of inventory, great safety features such as intelligent crash response and technology such as a touch-screen navigation system the 2012 Volkswagen CC makes the NADAguides Top Recommended Car Buys.”