MONEY Magazine's 2004 Car Guide - Price Data and Picks of Best Cars in Every Class

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MONEY's Nine Commandments for Savvy Car Buyers

NEW YORK, Feb. 17 -- MONEY's March issue (on newsstands February 16, 2004) features MONEY's Annual Car Guide, one of the most comprehensive tools available anywhere for the 17 million Americans who will buy a car this year. The guide picks best models in 13 categories and includes dealer cost and resale information for every model.

MONEY magazine's auto critic Lawrence Ulrich test drove every redesigned or new model on the market, and picked the best in each class based on design, performance, comfort, features, quality, technology, safety and economy-and even the fun factor-of each car. According to Ulrich, "We base our picks on rigorous testing of every car or truck on the market, recognizing that cars are kind of a left-brain, right-brain proposition, where price, performance, and looks can all be very important."

With the average vehicle price topping $30,000 for the first time this year, there are few household purchase decisions more important than a car. And with rebates and easy loans readily available this spring, economists believe U.S. sales this year will blossom to the 17 million mark. However MONEY cautions readers that discounts are fine, but shouldn't form the sole basis for buying a car

  MONEY's 2004 Annual Car Guide Features:

  * Best Buy and Runner-Up in Every Category -- MONEY picks Best Economy
    Car, Best Family Sedan, Best Sports Sedan, Best Luxury Car, Best Small
    SUV, Best Mid-Size SUV, Best Large SUV, Best Luxury SUV, Best Coupe,
    Best Pick Up, Best Minivan, Best Sports Car and Best Wagon.  MONEY's car
    table is packed with data on 406 of the most popular models on the road
    and includes information on dealer's cost, warranty and resale value for
    every car, as well as Coming Attractions in 2004 and MONEY's auto
    calendar reveals the latest come-hither models.

                MONEY Magazine's 9 Car-Buying Commandments

   1.  Know the Numbers - Whether you use MONEY's Car guide or other
       resources like The Auto Channel, seek out actual transaction prices, dealer invoices,
       resale values and incentives in your area.  

   2.  Separate the Car From the Deal - Don't get distracted by come-ons
       like cash rebates and low-interest financing.  Find the ideal car in
       your price range before you shop -- or at least whittle down your
       options to a short list of three.  Then drive them all, make an
       informed decision and stick to it.  Only then should you look for the
       best deal.

   3.  Understand the Dark Side of Rebates - The very best cars, like the
       Toyota Corolla, are top values even at the full retail price.  Other
       cars require rebates simply because most people wouldn't buy them
       otherwise.  That discount can lower your monthly payment.  But expect
       every penny of that rebate, and often more, to disappear from your
       car's long-term resale value.

   4.  Shop the Money - Check your credit rating and loan rates in your
       area.  It's a good idea to get pre-approved for a bank or credit
       union loan.  (Just keep it to yourself while shopping; it's harder to
       get the lowest price if the dealer knows he won't make money on
       financing.)  If the dealer offers a better loan rate, you can always
       take it.

   5.  Play the Dealers - Solicit bids from several dealers on the model you
       want, including options, using invoice and target prices as a
       baseline.  The best dealerships will quickly offer a fair price to
       anyone who's serious about playing the field.

   6.  Put It to the Test - Take a long, hard test drive in any car you
       plan to buy.  To avoid pressure, state up front that you're not
       looking to buy today.  Pay attention to the ride, steering feel and
       shifting smoothness, the comfort of the seats, the feel and
       placements of controls, and the design and quality of the interior.
       The car should feel stable driving straight, and solid and
       rattle-free over rough pavement.  Test acceleration and braking and
       listen to the engine and wind noise at high speed.  Make a panic stop
       on a back road.  Climb into the back seat and assess trunk space.

   7.  Be Ready to Walk - Too many people stroll into their first
       dealership and drive out with a new car.  If you're feeling confused
       or under the gun, walk out.  You won't hurt anyone's feelings.  You
       will gain time to think, confirm info, shop around or consult with
       family.  Making your final offer and then heading home is a good way
       to put the ball in the salesperson's court.

   8.  Don't Get Hustled - You've settled on a price and are sitting in the
       office where you'll close the deal.  Now firmly reject any attempt to
       pad the dealer's profit with needless extended warranties, service
       contracts or equipment you didn't ask for.

   9.  Don't Pinch Pennies - Beating a dealership out of that last $100 is
       no victory if it means you'll be stuck with an uncaring dealer or a
       poorly run service department.  If a dealership or its staff gives
       you a bad vibe, shop elsewhere.

  Other New and Hot Car Topics that Lawrence Ulrich is available to discuss:

   * Electronic Stability Controls -- The most revolutionary safety feature
     on the market right now that has the potential to save thousands more
     lives than air bags

   * How to Shop For an SUV Crossover -- The category that's growing ten
     times faster than any other type of vehicle -- and the significance of
     rebates

   * Partial Zero-Emission Vehicles -- Good news for environmentally
     conscious car buyers

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