Resale Values Count

If you're buying a new car, you mightwant to check on its projected resalevalue 3 years out. The better the car'svalue holds up, the bigger the trade-inyou'll have when you buy your next car.On the other hand, if you typically buy aused car, you can spot some real bargainsfor 2006 by checking a car's projected 3-year resale value. For example, if you'rebuying a new midsize car, the HondaAccord will be worth almost $13,000 in3 years, more than half of what you payfor it new. If you buy a used DodgeIntrepid in 2006, however, you will payless than a third of today's sticker price.Similarly, 3 years from now, you could bedriving a 2003 Cadillac Seville for abouta third of its new-car price.