Auto Trends

1981 Honda Accord, originally uploaded by ullyeus86

Yesterday I posted on the popularity of used vehicles in the current automotive market. However, just the same as that $1 toilet paper, used vehicles are not all created equal. Some used vehicles are at a much higher demand than others. Owning one of the high demand used vehicles is like holding a joker in your palm when you go to shake hands with the dealer.

Used trade-in’s are all doing particularly well in the current economy, but these are the top 10 used vehicles that many dealers covet (or I should rather say drool over) when dealing with trade-in’s this September, 2009…

Honda Accord-
Honda Accord’s have become a top selling vehicle in the US, both used and new. They are comfortable, sporty, affordable, and well balanced on the road. While the newer Accord’s have a bit more performance than the old, used models continue to be top performers in today’s market.

Honda Civic-
Honda Civic is the compact version of the Accord, as far as quality and affordability goes. These vehicles have really grown in popularity as the “green” movement continues to urge consumers to use less gas, while spewing less emissions.

Nissan Altima-
The Altima is the ultimate in practicality and quite possibly one of the best handling sedans out there for the price. It has not changed much over the past seven years, and if you prefer horsepower to handling, the 2002–2006 240-hp 3.5-liter V6 is still not a bad way to go.

Toyota Camry-
The 2002-2006 Camry remains a solid choice for buyers. It is roomy, dependable, safe, and yes, very practical. Buyers continue to even be interested in the 90’s generation Camry, considering 100,000 miles is considered only the half life of these sedans.

Toyota Corolla-
While the Corolla has lost some of its overall luster since its golden days, it is still a popular vehicle for used car buyers. The Corolla is affordable, long lasting (200,000-plus miles), and continues to log excellent fuel economy.

Jeep Grand Cherokee-
Those in the market for a good all around SUV, are usually not disappointed by the simple but functional offerings of the second generation (1999-2004) JGC. Reviews were most always flattering, focusing the majority of their praise on the 4.7-liter V-8 with 235 horsepower.

Chevrolet Tahoe-
Between the years 2000-2006, the Chevrolet Tahoe was one of the best made full-size SUV’s out there. It could comfortably transport up to 9 passengers, and featured two powerful engines (4.8-liter 285 horsepower, 5.3-liter 295 horsepower) that continue to provide impressive response even to today’s standards.

Dodge Charger-
A million cops can’t be wrong. 2006 brought the Charger back into the Dodge line-up, but this time it had a much more practical and family based appeal than the original muscle car. As sedan’s go, the Charger offers a lot of bang for the buck, although the V6 has a lot less buck for even less bang.

Ford Mustang-
As muscle cars go, the Ford Mustang was pretty much the only choice after the Chevrolet Camaro went by the wayside in 2002. The current (5^th generation) arguably has gained the most appeal since the 1970 302 Boss and Mach 1. The 2005-plus Mustang GT is still a top choice and a great buy with its 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque.

Nissan Maxima-
The sixth generation Maxima (2004-2008) is a reasonably popular vehicle today. While it hasn’t quite come close to the popularity of the Accord, most educated buyers know that it is still a great all around used vehicle. They came with two trim levels, the SL and the slightly sportier SE.

Sources:
Cars.com
MyRide.com