Screamin' Deals Available on Popular 2004 Vehicles as Model Year Ends, According to Edmunds.com

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Oct. 25, 2004 -- Edmunds.com, (http://www.edmunds.com/), the premier online resource for automotive information, today listed ten popular vehicles that are available near record low prices as the 2004 model year draws to a close.

To compile this list, Edmunds.com's automotive experts examined each vehicle's incentives and True Market Value(SM) transaction price. Currently, the following models can be purchased for thousands of dollars below sticker price:

   *  2004 BMW 325i Sedan
   *  2004 Cadillac DeVille
   *  2004 Chevrolet Corvette
   *  2004 Dodge Dakota
   *  2004 Ford Mustang
   *  2004 Honda Odyssey
   *  2004 Nissan Pathfinder
   *  2004 Subaru Legacy
   *  2004 Toyota Tacoma
   *  2004 Volvo S40

"Some of the best discounts are offered when the manufacturer is introducing an enhanced, redesigned version for the next model year, as is the case for many of the vehicles we listed," observes Phil Reed, author of Edmunds.com's Strategies for Smart Car Buyers. "This type of shopping is better suited to bargain hunters than trendsetters."

Reed added that any consumer who plans to keep a vehicle only a short time should think twice before picking up such a deal, because the older model year vehicles will not hold its value as well. The older model's depreciation rate is especially bad for owners when the new model looks quite different, is more powerful or has superior safety equipment. To maximize the resale value of their vehicles, consumers should consider opting for safety equipment, leather seats, in-dash CD players and other popular features.

The biggest bargains -- and the worst depreciation -- will apply to models that are being discontinued and for those painted in trendy colors that don't appeal to mainstream buyers.

Consumers check the incentives in your area clicking. Look up the regional True Market Value prices for new and used vehicles of interest as well as highlighted "Deals of the Month" HERE