Tips on Buying Cars: model choices, depreciation rate, model choices

Question
Being a bit of a miser am looking at the purchase of an 08 Outlander.  The models offered range in price from about 19,000 to 27,000.  My problem is the manufacturer lumping packages together ,so I am considering what is the level of deprecation on the cheaper models versus the more expensive.

Answer
The depreciation rate will be almost the same... meaning after a year of owning a 19,000 dollar one.. vs. a year with the 27000 one... both will lose 2 to 4 thousand in value. If depreciation is you main concern, a Mitsubishi probably should not be your first choice. They don't hold resale very well... not saying they are bad vehicles, but the resale markets tend to favor Toyota's and Honda's. In the end the higher end model will be worth more than the lower end model.. but no one can predict just how much they will go down. I suggest you analyze your wants versus your needs.. and go with the model you NEED. With that in mind... unless you live in an Icy area, you don't need four wheel drive... and for the most part unless you plan to do some real off-roading in your outlander.. you don't even need an SUV. Just something to consider.. station wagons and minivans offer VERY similar (or more) space.. and even similar off-road ability for less money and less gas. Just food for thought. Stick with the options you need and you will actually use... either way if it costs less now it will be worth less later.. and visa versa. Check into brands that hold resale better... honda/toyota... some nissan models.. ford explorer is in the same segment and does pretty well on resale...

Take a gander into:
http://thestealership.com/wantsvsneeds.html
http://thestealership.com/types.html

Good Reads that should help...

Good luck and feel free to reply..