5 great used Cars

Here's a quick look at five cars that represent good value at the moment. Feel free to hit us back with your own suggestions too.

2007-2008 Acura TL Type-S -- The new for '09 TL is a technical advancement over the outgoing model. It offers a smidge more power, outstanding infotainment offerings, optional all-wheel drive, and more room in back. But it's so hideous-looking, I could never bring myself to buy one. The previous gen TL is just the opposite; one of the most attractive sedans on the market, and the Type-S is the performance version. At launch, we called it "A Japanese Alfa Romeo." Great V-6, good electronics (first car I ever tested with Bluetooth), and high quality. Shop now and you may still find a fresh one.

C5 Corvette Z06 -- Many Corvette guys I know have to have the latest and greatest. Now that the C6-series Z06 (and ZR-1) are in the marketplace, people are offing their previous gen Z06s. Sure, they have about the same horsepower as a base C6 -- but the price should be half or less. You have to be careful here; they are made to be run hard, and often are. And the first of them had some piston problems as I recall. But a lot of hardcore Vette types really care for their cars, and don't beat them to death. The newest of them is five years old now; find one that's lived a good life, and you'll have something special.

Volkswagen Phaeton -- The right car wearing the wrong badge. VW wanted to see how far upmarket it could take the brand in this country, and went one step too far. That takes nothing away from the greatness of the machine. They are fabulously engineered, looks the business, shared a lot of stuff with the Audi A8, and are fine driving cars. A bit of an odd duck as it came and went so fast, but its not an orphan as VW is still around, and will continue to be. If you want a top drawer luxury sedan for near econobox money, find a clean Phaeton, and enjoy flying first class for a coach fare.

2004-2008 Ford F-150 -- Even though fuel prices have halved in the last 90 days, the truck market is still chilly. Every time a new version of a high volume model, like the F-150, comes out, the latest-and-greatest crowd dumps their old ones. Between this phenom, and lots of lease turn-ins, means that a two, three, or four-year old F-150 can be a great deal if that's the vehicle you need. Bargain hard - there are many new choose from.

1990-2002 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class -- Even the newest of these falls well outside the three-year lease turn-in window, but they are superbly engineered machines. Although not a metal retractable hardtop, the SL's top is a one-touch unit. Engineered and built to high standards, these "Sacco era" SLs will run long miles without trouble. They don't have as many power goodies as the new ones, but they are great to drive, and still look good to many eyes, including mine. Get the latest, lowest mile example you can find, and it'll still be cheaper than a new four-banger Camry.

What's on your Great Deals list?