2012 Volkswagen CC, 2012 Ford Mustang, 7 others are NADAguides 'recommended buys'

The new Quarterly Car Buyers Market Report issued Wednesday by NADAguides identifies nine current "recommended buys" from Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Hyundai, Land Rover, Toyota and Volkswagen.

Based on an analysis of depreciation value, incentives and rebates, warranty, assistance services and features, NADAguides analysts are recommending these vehicles to people shopping for a new car right now: The 2011 Audi S5, 2012 BMW 6 Series, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado, 2012 Ford Mustang, 2011 GMC Terrain, 2012 Hyundai Tucson, 2011 Land Rover LR4, 2011 Toyota Venza and 2012 Volkswagen CC.

Troy Snyder, director of product development at NADAguides, said the new wheels offer great value for the dollar.

“These nine vehicles offer value and features that many consumers are starting to expect from automotive manufacturers at lower price points," Snyder said. "What was previously only available in luxury segment vehicles is now starting to become standard across all types of makes and models.

"These features, coupled with a great warranty, additional customer services such as free maintenance, and competitive incentives, are making many new vehicles much more attractive for car buyers. The Car Buyer’s Market Report is designed to help consumers determine which vehicles are ones they should definitely consider and these nine vehicles offer a little something for everyone.”

Highlights:

2012 Volkswagen CC: This VW has a first-year depreciation rate of 1% and costs $28,515 for the sedan manual sport. The sedan executive 4Motion limited availability starts at $40,390. Volkswagen offers 0% financing for 36 to 60 months or 1.9% for 72 months. The 2012 Volkswagen CC comes with a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty and Volkswagen’s CareFree Maintenance program for the same time period. There is a 44-day supply of inventory. It has good high-tech equipment, from "intelligent crash response" to the touch-screen navigation system.

2012 BMW 6 Series: A 19% first-year depreciation combined with great warranty and service programs make the this all-new luxury car a recommended buy. BMW offers 3.9% percent financing on 36 to 72 months and all 2012 BMWs come standard with a four year, 50,000 mile warranty and BMW’s Ultimate Maintenance program, which covers all regular maintenance during the same time period. Starting MSRP for the 2012 BMW 6 Series 2 door coupe 650i is $83,000. The 2-door convertible 650i starts at $90,500. There is a 43-day supply of inventory so the car is readily available. The 2012 BMW 6 Series is competitively priced within its category while the high-tech safety features, 400 horsepower and glass-smooth drive make it value-driven and fun.

2012 Chevrolet Colorado: This work truck has a 17% first-year depreciation rate and an affordable MSRP of $17,395 for the 2WD regular cab work truck. Chevrolet offers $2,500 cash back or 5.9% financing for six years. The Colorado comes with a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty and a 100,000-mile, five-year roadside assistance and courtesy transportation program. The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado offers a variety of body, powertrain and equipment options. There is a 67-day supply of inventory at Chevy dealerships. The great safety equipment, Chevrolet’s OnStar and many other factors make this vehicle an excellent buy right now.

2012 Ford Mustang: With a 12% first-year depreciation rate and a competitive price that starts at $22,310 for the coupe. The 2-door convertible Shelby GT500 has a base MSRP of $53,810. Ford offers $500 cash back or 3.9% financing for six years. There is a two-month supply of inventory. The 2012 Ford Mustang has a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty and a five-year, 60,000-mile roadside assistance program. The speed and horsepower of the Mustang make it a great choice for muscle car customers at these prices.

2012 Hyundai Tucson: Technology features like a touch-screen navigation system, rearview camera and hands-free phone system make the Tucson a great value. The 2012 Hyundai Tucson is loaded and comes in as a great value with its entry MSRP of $19,045 for the front-wheel drive 4-door manual GL. The all-wheel drive sedan has a starting price of $26,395. The first-year depreciation rate is 18%. Ask Hyundai about the "trade-in guarantee" when you talk with a salesman. The 2012 Tucson comes with a five-year, 60,000-mile warranty and roadside assistance for five years, standard.

2011 GMC Terrain: The MSRP of $24,500 is competitive and the truck has a first-year depreciation rate of 18%. GMC offers 2.9% financing for 36 months, 3.9% for 48 months, 4.9% for 60 months and 5.9% for 72 months. The 2011 GMC Terrain comes with a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty and five-year, 100,000-mile roadside assistance and courtesy transportation program. There is a 42-day supply of Terrains on GMC dealer lots. Terrains are equipped with OnStar and XM satellite radio, adding further value.

2011 Audi S5: This 354-horsepower vehicle was selected based on the vehicle’s low first year depreciation rate, 19 percent, combined with great incentives and the vehicle’s warranty and other ancillary services. Audi is currently offering 0.9% financing for 36 months, 1.4% for 48 months, 1.9% for 60 months and 4.69% financing on 72 months, with a 38-day supply of inventory. The 2011 Audi S5 comes with a 4-year, 50,000-mile warranty that also includes 24-hour roadside assistance during the same time period. Starting MSRP for the 2011 Audi S5 coupe manual prestige is $53,650. The cabriolet premium plus starts at $59,050. It is equipped with a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen audio system and navigation.

2011 Land Rover LR4: The LR4 has a 17% first-year depreciation rate and a starting MSRP of $47,650 for the 4-wheel drive 4-door V8. A DVD-player / navigation and premium sound system, 375 horsepower and a comprehensive airbag system make the LR4 a recommended buy. There is a 44-day supply of inventory and 0.9% financing on 36 months. The 2011 LR4 comes with a four-year, 50,000-mile warranty along and four years of roadside assistance. Plus, he first scheduled maintenance is free.

2011 Toyota Venza: The Venza is a great deal. It has a 20% first-year depreciation rate and a competitive starting MSRP of $27,125 for the 4-door wagon I4. The Venza 4-door wagon V6 (with all-wheel drive) starts at $30,400. Toyota offers many opportunities to customize that will not be on the 2012 models. The 2011 Venzas can be equipped with a security package, convenience package, lighting package, leather package, comfort package, premium package andr tow prep package. The Venza has what it calls the Toyota Star Safety System: a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty, the ToyotaCare free maintenance program for two years. There is a 39-day supply of inventory on Toyota dealer lots. Right now Toyota offers $1,000 cash back or 0% financing for 36 months and 1.9% for 48 to 60 months.

Hawke Fracassa covers the auto beat from Detroit for TN. You can reach him at hawkefracassa@aol.com or (248) 747-1550. Or follow him on Twitter @HawkeFracassa.

Image source: Volkswagen