Getting Value for your Automotive Dollar
Whether you pay a lot or a little, you can still have a satisfying vehicle ownership experience. That is a key lesson to be learned from a recent study conducted by San Diego-based Strategic Vision. According to the research firm, value is not just a series of economic analyses but is also in the eye of the beholder, and value is something Strategic Vision tries to isolate in its Total Value Index (TVI). Long-term economic benefits plus strong quality in the overall ownership experience equate to overall value.
Best Vehicle Values: Overall
If you think the "cost" of your vehicle is the price of your vehicle, you've got a big lesson to learn. The vehicle that costs the least to buy isn't always the best value in its segment, because other costs in addition to purchase price are important in determining the overall value equation. So as you consider the purchase of a new vehicle, to get the most for your money, you should look at several factors in addition to price in determining what vehicle might be the best one for you.
Consumers Key "Green" Attributes Into Value
Traditionally, drivers covet vehicles that look great, function flawlessly and say nice things about their owners...and these days you can add another series of attributes, too, all revolving around the environment. Today's American consumer is more environmentally oriented than ever, and, in an effort to reflect that, Strategic Vision, a California-based market research firm has unveiled the new SmartGreen Index (SGI.)
