Should You Buy a Leftover Model?

Many car buyers are wondering whether they should buy the new model year or go with a leftover 2010.

Here are some points to consider:

• In a given year, only about 20% of models are redesigned. That leaves the majority being sold as carry-overs.
• Data shows that most vehicles' reliability improves over the model lifespan, due to running changes to address bugs.
• Consider waiting until redesigned cars have demonstrated a proven reliability record.
• A leftover new car is considered a year old the moment it is driven off the lot. That means when you sell or trade it in, it will be valued similarly to other vehicles of that model year even though it's been on the road for fewer months.
• If you are a high-mileage driver, near-term depreciation shouldn't be much of a factor. In fact, long-distance drivers buying a 2010 at year's end will get one more model year to spread miles over.