New-car looks at affordable, used-car prices

Price new: $38,570
KBB retail price used: $32,878

Ford revamped the F-150's engine lineup for 2011, adding three new engines that improved both power and fuel economy. The star of the class was the EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6, a turbocharged engine that makes as much power as a V8 but is more efficient. Today, you can get a 2-year-old F-150 for about 15 percent savings. We'd choose the fairly well-equipped XLT with the EcoBoost engine, 4-wheel drive and the longer 6.5-foot bed — a popular setup.

Check Listings: Find a used F-150 in your area

Price new: $27,995
KBB retail price used: $23,331

With its 2011 redesign, the Hyundai Sonata put a lot of pressure on its midsize-sedan competition. Swoopy good looks, available turbocharged power and a well-appointed, comfortable interior made it a fine new car, and now it's a wise choice for a used car. Opt for a Limited trim with the 274-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and you'll save 17 percent, according to KBB.com numbers.

Check Listings: Find a used Hyundai Sonata in your area

Price new: $19,175
KBB retail price used: $15,341

With the release of the Cruze for the 2011 model year, Chevrolet proved it could build a world-class compact car. Ride, handling, interior quality and refinement are at or near the top of the class, and the fuel-efficient Eco version with the manual transmission gets 42 mpg highway. We recommend avoiding the automatic transmission because it tended to hunt for gears and was often confused. Buy a 2011 model now and you'll save 20 percent.

Check Listings: Find a used Chevrolet Cruze in your area

Price new: $35,535
KBB retail price used: $31,022

Honda's 2011 redesign of the Odyssey made a good minivan even better. It became sleeker, more fuel-efficient and even easier to use. Team those traits with best-in-class handling, a powerful V6 engine and loads of space for the kids, and the Odyssey makes a great family vehicle, new or used. It holds its resale value well, so you'll save only 13 percent for a 2-year-old van, but that may be enough to get you the van or equipment you want and still stay within your budget.

Check Listings: Find a used Honda Odyssey in your area

Price new: $41,925
KBB retail price used: $35,866

With its 2011 redesign, the X3 SUV got bigger, but it didn't give up any of its characteristic BMW handling. The larger size made the rear seat hospitable, and an improved ride made it easier to drive every day. Two new engines also gave it willing power. Our choice would be the 300-horsepower xDrive35i, which gives the X3 muscle-car power to go with its sport-sedan handling. KBB gives the X3 a generous resale value; you should save approximately 15 percent.

Check Listings: Find a used BMW X3 in your area

Price new: $55,995
KBB retail price used: $44,914

The iconic American sports car, the Corvette is the stuff of dreams for car fans from coast to coast. But the price of entry is high, so it makes sense to look for a used car. We'd opt for the Gran Sport, with its sportier suspension, wider tires and bigger brakes. Right now you can save about 20 percent by choosing a used 'Vette, but those prices will likely fall as we get closer to the release of the redesigned 2014 model later this year.

Check Listings: Find a used Chevrolet Corvette in your area

Price new: $40,040
KBB retail price used: $35,072

Based on a Mercedes-Benz platform, the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a luxurious ride and a refined interior to go with Jeep's traditional off-road capability. A well-equipped 4-wheel-drive Limited version would make a great choice for families of up to five. The 3.6-liter V6 engine provides plenty of power, and the Limited has useful features, such as Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera and easy-to-clean leather upholstery. Buy one now and you'll save 13 percent off the original price.

Check Listings: Find a used Jeep Grand Cherokee in your area

Price new: $42,620
KBB retail price used: $32,995

When Cadillac introduced the CTS for the 2003 model year, it began a renaissance for the brand. The 2008 redesign was better-looking and more luxurious, befitting Cadillac's "standard of the world" aspirations. Buyers looking for a CTS should opt for the 3.6-liter V6 engine, which offers more power than the weak 3.0-liter while giving up virtually nothing in fuel economy. A 3.6 Performance trim will get you that engine and a 23 percent savings off the new-car price.

Check Listings: Find a used Cadillac CTS in your area

Price new: $27,945
KBB retail price used: $23,405

When it comes to fun for the dollar, nothing beats the MX-5 Miata, except for a used Miata. With only two seats and a convertible top, the Miata is a summer toy for most owners, so you will likely get one that is lightly used. We'd opt for the Touring iteration with the power hardtop and the manual transmission. We'd save 16 percent in the process, and have a reasonably priced stress release for years to come.

Check Listings: Find a used Mazda Miata in your area

Price new: $23,700
KBB retail price used: $20,695

We love the MINI Cooper for its combination of fun driving dynamics and useful cargo space. It's a great choice for singles or couples who like to drive and have a bit of style. We recommend the sprightly 181-horsepower Cooper S with the manual transmission. It will put a smile on your face with every commute. According to the authorities, a 2-year-old Cooper S represents a savings of 13 percent versus a new car.

Check Listings: Find a used MINI Cooper in your area

Price new: $73,575
KBB retail price used: $47,517

High-end luxury cars tend to lose their value quicker than their less expensive counterparts, which means used versions are within reach of more buyers. Jaguar redesigned its flagship XJ sedan for 2011, giving it attractive modern looks that parted from almost 45 years of tradition. The aluminum-intensive construction reduces weight and contributes to excellent handling, and the base 5.0-liter 375-horsepower V8 engine has tons of power. Buyers of 2-year-old models will also love the interior luxury they get for a 35 percent discount.

Check Listings: Find a used Jaguar XJ in your area

Price new: $39,825
KBB retail price used: $36,000

Think of the Volvo XC60 as a sport sedan in SUV form, with all the power that implies, most of the handling and plenty of cutting-edge safety equipment. The standard City Safety system automatically brakes the vehicle at low speeds to avoid accidents. Inside, it has plenty of room for five in a modern, high-quality environment. We'd buy the 300-horsepower T6 trim with all-wheel drive. KBB.com quotes a minimal 10 percent savings for a 2-year-old model, but we suspect 15 to 20 percent might be more accurate.

Check Listings: Find a used Volvo XC60 in your area

Price new: $40,360
KBB retail price used: $35,524

Despite being larger than its predecessor, the redesigned 2011 Explorer changed from a bulky, trucklike SUV to a more agile and roomier crossover. The change improved fuel economy and made the Explorer much more satisfying to drive. With seating for up to seven, the Explorer is a fine family vehicle, made even better with a 12 percent discount on a used model. It's hard to pass on the well-equipped Limited and the all-weather security of all-wheel drive.

Check Listings: Find a used Ford Explorer in your area

Price new: $26,165
KBB retail price used: $21,844

The Volkswagen GTI combines the cargo utility of a hatchback with the agile moves of a compact sport sedan, and it does so with classy European style. Most buyers will prefer the passenger convenience of the 4-door, as well as the responsive dual-clutch automated manual transmission. That setup will make a fun car for couples or small families, and a 2011 model will cost you 16 percent less than buying new.

Check Listings: Find a used Volkswagen GTI in your area

Price new: $25,280
KBB retail price used: $21,838

With its outstanding fuel economy, the Toyota Prius is a practical family car that will save buyers money at the pump and spare the environment a few extra emissions. What better way to save a little more money than to buy used? We figure most buyers would want the Prius III trim, which adds Bluetooth connectivity and satellite radio. Opt for a 2-year-old model, and you'll save 14 percent, spending about what you would expect for a new compact car.

Check Listings: Find a used Toyota Prius in your area

For more information on the vehicles in this slideshow, click the links below:

-Ford F-150
-Hyundai Sonata
-Chevrolet Cruze
-Honda Odyssey
-BMW X3
-Chevrolet Corvette
-Jeep Grand Cherokee
-Cadillac CTS
-MX-5 Miata
-MINI Cooper
-Jaguar XJ
-Volvo XC60
-Ford Explorer
-Volkswagen GTI
-Toyota Prius

Kirk Bell has served as the associate publisher for Consumer Guide Automotive and editor of Scale Auto Enthusiast magazine. A Midwest native, Bell brings 18 years of automotive journalism experience toMSN,andcurrently contributes to JDPower.com and Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.