REDMOND, Wash. -

As the certified pre-owned market has emerged more rapidly in recent years, it has given dealers another avenue to boost profits and also foster confidence among used-vehicle shoppers, who are often given greater peace-of-mind in making a used purchase.

However, while MSN Autos acknowledged CPO models do provide more assurance — albeit “at a price,” it noted — the site suggested that some certified vehicles might not be up to snuff in terms of being a “good value” against their respective new-vehicle alternatives.

As such, MSN Autos recently shared what it determined to be the “10 Worst Values in Certified Pre-Owned Cars.”

The site turned to Black Book to conduct price comparisons between CPO units and the respective new-car versions of the same models, wrote MSN Autos’ Matthew de Paula, who authored the story.

“The company compared retail prices of all 2011 models with those of equivalent 2009 models listed as ‘extra clean,’” de Paula wrote. “The 10 vehicles with the smallest price difference between the 2011 and 2009 models made our list. As it turns out, four of the 2009 models cost more than their 2011 equivalent, which is a true testament to how topsy-turvy the car market is right now.”

He explained further that MSN Autos also considered Vincentric cost-of-ownership data, which determines five-year ownership numbers by blending Black Book’s pricing data with various ownership cost, including insurance, fuel, maintenance, repair, depreciation, and interest, among other items.

“All except one model on our list shows higher ownership costs over five years for the 2009 model than for the 2011 model. That’s largely due to added depreciation, repairs and interest costs on the older cars,” de Paula shared.

He pointed out that warranty coverage is included in the repair and maintenance Vincentric does for new and CPO units.

“A few things to keep in mind with this ranking: The models on the list reflect the most popular configurations for their particular trim levels, according to Black Book. We’ve listed incentives available for each model, as compiled by Consumer Reports, but did not factor them into the ranking calculation, because not everyone is eligible for them,” he continued.

Sharing further, de Paula wrote: “Pricing data and incentives are current as of mid-February 2011. They represent a snapshot in time and will change.”

He also emphasized that transaction prices are not incorporated in the data, as there was no resource for those numbers immediately accessible.

“So just because the 2009 Toyota Venza has a retail price listed as $755 higher than its 2011 equivalent, for example, doesn’t mean that’s what consumers are paying,” de Paula wrote.

The following is what MSN Auto found to be the 10 Worst Values in Certified Pre-Owned Cars:

1. Toyota Venza (FWD 4-cylinder)
2009 retail extra clean: $28,650
2011 retail equivalent: $27,895
Difference: $755 more for the used model
Five-year cost of ownership: 24 percent higher for 2009 model

2. Audi Q5 3.2 (Premium S Line)
2009 retail extra clean: $46,175
2011 retail equivalent: $45,555
Difference: $620 more for the used model
Five-year cost of ownership: 17 percent higher for 2009 model
Incentives: $1,500 cash for existing Audi owners

3. Toyota Tacoma PreRunner (Double Cab 2WD V6 A/T)
2009 retail extra clean: $26,375
2011 retail equivalent: $26,099
Difference: $276 more for the used model
Five-year cost of ownership: 13 percent higher for 2009 model
Incentives: $500 cash in Chicago region
 

4. Toyota Tundra (Double Cab 2WD 4.6L V8)
2009 retail extra clean: $27,625
2011 retail equivalent: $27,484
Difference: $141 more for the used model
Five-year cost of ownership: 17 percent higher for 2009 model
Incentives: $2,250 to $3,000 cash in most regions

5. Nissan cube
2009 retail extra clean: $15,225
2011 retail equivalent: $15,270
Difference: $45
Five-year cost of ownership: 10 percent lower for 2009 model

6.Nissan Versa (Sedan A/T)
2009 retail extra clean: $13,200
2011 retail equivalent: $13,267
Difference: $67
Five-year cost of ownership: 10 percent higher for 2009 model

7. Volkswagen Jetta S
2009 retail extra clean: $16,850
2011 retail equivalent: $17,160
Difference: $310
Five-year cost of ownership: 4 percent higher for 2009 model
Incentives: $750 cash in most region

8. Dodge Challenger R/T
2009 retail extra clean: $31,075
2011 retail equivalent: $31,490
Difference: $415
Five-year cost of ownership: 19 percent higher for 2009 model
Incentives: $1,000 cash

9. Toyota FJ Cruiser
2009 retail extra clean: $31,125
2011 retail equivalent: $32,188
Difference: $1,063
Five-year cost of ownership: 23 percent higher for 2009 model

10. Toyota Land Cruiser (4WD)
2009 retail extra clean: $68,025
2011 retail equivalent: $69,503
Difference: $1,478
Five-year cost of ownership: 11 percent higher for 2009 model

To read de Paula’s entire article, visit:
http://editorial.autos.msn.com/listarticle.aspx?cp-documentid=1182223