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Many used vehicles are going for sky-high prices, but nevertheless, Forbes believes good used deals are still available for customers. To cull out the 2008 models that it believes gives consumers the best bang for the buck, the company went through a plethora of data from J.D. Power and Associates, IntelliChoice.com and Kelley Blue Book.

All of the vehicles on the “Best Used Cars for the Money” list are 2008 model-year vehicles that meet the following conditions, explained Forbes.com contributor Jim Gorzelany, who authored the piece:

—Rated average or above-average in the latest U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study by J.D. Power and Associates.
—Found to have average or below-average long-term ownership costs, per Intellichoice.com data.
—Below-average Kelley Blue Book resale values.

The list included five General Motors models and three Hyundai models, with Ford, Mitsubishi and Chrysler each represented with one vehicle.

The following models are what Forbes found to be the best deals, with commentary from Gorzelany included:

2008 Ford Taurus
Estimated retail price: $14,685 to $20,370

“Ironically, while this accommodating full-size sedan enjoys a top ranking for long-term reliability from J.D. Power and Associates, it’s saddled with poor resale value, which makes it an especially attractive choice as a used car. It comes nicely powered by a 263-horsepower V6 engine that’s mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission,” Gorzelany wrote. “If you live in the Snow Belt, look for models equipped with the optional all-wheel-drive system for top traction. Otherwise, the car delivers a smooth ride with surprisingly lively handling.”

2008 Hyundai Accent
Estimated retail price: $9,580 to $10,705

“Here’s another model that gets top rankings for reliability but is saddled with rock-bottom resale values,” he wrote. “Offered in a choice of sedan or hatchback body styles with only modest features, performance was not the 2008 Accent’s strong suit, with only a 110-horsepower engine under the hood. But it boasts admirable fuel economy at 27-city/33-highway mpg.

2008 Buick LaCrosse
Estimated retail price: $14,765 to $19,505

“This large near-luxury car boasts top reliability with low long-term ownership costs and sells at bargain prices in the resale market. You’ll find the 2008 vintage with either a sufficient 200-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine or a more powerful 300-horsepower 5.3-liter V8,” he noted. “While the current model features snazzier styling, the 2008 model gives up nothing in terms of passenger comfort, with a buttery smooth ride.”

2008 Hyundai Elantra
Estimated retail price: $11,650 to $13,600

“While the previous generation Elantra compact sedan isn’t as expressively styled as the current model, it performs well in most respects and garners top scores for reliability after three years of ownership. A 138-horsepower four-cylinder engine is peppy enough, especially when mated to the standard five-speed manual transmission,” Gorzelany wrote.

2008 Cadillac DTS
Estimated retail price: $22,300

“They don’t make luxury cars like this anymore — literally, as the DTS was discontinued at the end of the 2011 model year,” he shared. “The old-school DTS is big as a boat and emphasizes comfort above all else. A choice of 4.6-liter V8 engines delivers 275 or 292 horsepower, with the car receiving top reliability scores. Look for models equipped with what are still among the latest safety features, including lane-departure and blind-spot warning systems.”

2008 Mitsubishi Galant
Estimated retail price: $12,630 to $18,255

“The midsize Galant sedan performs admirably, with better-than-average reliability and uncluttered styling that remains fresh. You’ll find model-year 2008 Galants equipped with either a 160-horsepower four-cylinder engine or a smoother and more powerful 258-horsepower V6 in the top Ralliart model,” Gorzelany stated.

2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Estimated retail price: $17,650 to $26,165

“This midsize truck-based SUV can tackle the toughest trails and tow a decent-sized boat or trailer when properly equipped, which are tasks few of today’s car-based crossovers can accomplish. There’s no shortage of power, with a range of V6 and V8 engines delivering from 285 to 390 horsepower,” Gorzelany explained. “Mechanically equivalent to the GMC Envoy, both models were discontinued after the 2009 model year.”

2008 Cadillac SRX
Estimated retail price: $26,300 to $28,035

“While the current generation of Cadillac’s luxury crossover SUV is smaller and more stylish, the 2008 version holds its own with solid performance from a choice of V6 and V8 engines at 255- and 320-horsepower and sportier-than-average handling,” he pointed out. “Its roomy interior can seat up to seven passengers when found with the available third-row seat.”

2008 Dodge Durango
Estimated retail price: $14,685 to $23,970

“While large truck-based SUVs have largely fallen out of favor, those with a purposeful need for a roomy vehicle with stalwart towing abilities will find the 2008 Dodge Durango to be a godsend,” Gorzelany wrote. “The Durango’s base 3.7-liter V6 is barely adequate at 210 horsepower; it’s better equipped with either of the available V8s at 303 and 335 horses. This generation ran through the end of the 2009 model year with a similar version sold as the Chrysler Aspen.”

2008 Chevrolet Equinox
Estimated retail price: $17,050 to $22,805

“This pleasant compact SUV is not only capable, coming powered by either a 3.4-liter V6 engine at 185 horsepower or a 3.6-liter V6 with 264 horses, it’s comfortable, with a back seat that can slide fore or aft to maximize legroom or cargo space,” he shared.

2008 Hyundai Sonata
Estimated retail price: $13,115 to $16,635

“While Hyundai is at the top of its game right now with the current-generation Sonata, there’s still a lot to like about the previous-generation of this midsize sedan, particularly if you find one with the smooth and powerful 234-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine,” Gorzelany commented. “A 2.4-liter four-cylinder with a sufficient 162 horses was otherwise standard with the 2008 model.”

The complete analysis can be read at: http://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2011/10/25/the-best-used-cars-for-the-money/.