Get a lot of car for your money

For those of you who have ever considered purchasing a dream Lamborghini or Ferrari, this could be your last and best chance to get a deal. The increasing production of exotic automotive since the late 1990s has created such an excess that in today’s recessed economy resale prices are increasingly competitive.

“The recession has really created a good value opportunity because you can get a lot of car for your money,” says Steve Burks, marketing director at Motorcars International in Springfield, Mo. “Used van and car sales are really strong right now–it is a buyer’s market.”

Unfortunately, the same situation is true for people looking to buy everyday cars and vans as well. Used-vehicle registrations have declined 7.3% year-to-date, down an average of 286,000 units each month, according to Experian Automotive, a Schaumburg, Ill.-based analysis and consulting firm. New-car registrations are down 34.8% or an average of 430,500 units each month.

Consider the Honda CR-V or Lexus ES–they’re two of the best used-car buys on the market today. But avoid the Chrysler Sebring convertible and Dodge Grand Caravan–they’re two of the worst.