IRVINE, Calif. — CarFinance.com released data on the top 10
new- and used-vehicle choices for its below-prime car buyers during the past six
months.

Comprising the list of used vehicles were three pickups from
domestic OEMs. The Top 10 included:

1. Ram 1500

2. Nissan Altima

3. Ford F-150

4. Dodge Charger

5. Chevy Silverado
1500

6. Chevy Impala           

7. Chevy Malibu

8. Toyota Camry

9. Chrysler 300

10. Ford Mustang

"While compact sedans rule the CarFinance.com new-vehicle
list, when it comes to used, pickups and midsize/large sedans dominate (with no
compacts making the top 10)," CarFinance president and chief executive officer
Jim Landy said.

"This is a consumer looking for multi-use trucks and larger,
fit-the-whole-family vehicles, but seeking those relatively high-cost vehicles
at the significantly lower used price point," Landy continued.

Landy also highlighted several other used-vehicle buying
trends discovered through CarFinance.com's analysis:

—The Big 3 dramatically overwhelmed imports with only two
import models, Altima and Camry (top-selling sedan in the U.S.), cracking the
top 10.

—Chrysler 300, Chevrolet Impala, and Dodge Charger represent
strong choices for consumers looking for larger cars at more affordable prices

—Manufacturer warranties also seem to move the used-vehicle
shopper as Chevy, Dodge and Kia all offer 100,000 mile warranties, meaning the
majority of these vehicles sold would still come with the warranty benefit
(given that 2 to 3 years old is average).

—While the Mustang stands out as an iconic brand, the
availability of a V6 engine option provides the below-prime customer who
insists on practical fuel economy the opportunity to drive a sporty coupe.

As Landy mentioned, compact models comprised several spots
in CarFinance.com's list of top new-vehicle choices by non-prime buyers in the
past six months. The entire list included:

1. Dodge Avenger

2. Kia Forte

3. Kia Optima

4. Chrysler 200

5. Dodge Journey

6. Ford Focus

7. Ram 1500

8. Nissan Sentra

9. Nissan Versa

10. Kia Sorento

"With loans to the nation's large population of below-prime
car buyers rebounding, and helping to fuel our economic recovery, the industry
would be wise to keep a close eye on their vehicle preferences," Landy said.

"The CarFinance.com Top 10 Lists offer a snapshot of
consumers focused on vehicle choices that are realistic and economically
viable, and reflect the responsibility we are consistently seeing in their loan
behavior, which is characterized by low rates of defaults and low rates of late
payments," he went on to say.

As on the used side, Landy offered more analysis the site
found regarding new models, including:

—Practical sedans that offer good fuel economy and value in
their class heavily dominate the list.

—While domestic and import models are evenly divided on the
list, it's Chrysler, Kia and Nissan that are most popular with below-prime
buyers, not Honda and Toyota. This suggests that the inroads made by the
domestics and Korean brands in the small and midsized sedan segment could be
fueled by below-prime buyers.

—Many models on the list have experienced recent design
updates (Avenger, Journey, Ram, Sentra and Versa). While these consumers are
looking for practical transportation, they also care about style.

—Longer manufacturer warranties (Optima, Sorento and Forte
offer 10-year/100,000 miles), fuel economy and pricing (all vehicles on the
list) are critical.

Continue the conversation with SubPrime Auto Finance News on LinkedIn and Twitter.


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