The Great Depreciation- Best Used Cars Buys

A tanking economy doesn't have to be all bad news and nooses. Just look at fuel prices, which have come crashing down from unprecedented heights down to levels some younger drivers have never seen at the pump. For the ever-dwindling segment of the population still afloat, a deep recession may be the best time to indulge in a few luxuries that were just out of reach in the past.

In some cases, lightly used luxury rides like Range Rovers, Porsche Caymans, or Cadillac CTS-Vs can be had for Honda Accord prices; dollar amounts that far outstrip normal depreciation. Just be prepared to feel the wrath of your fellow motorists — nowadays, a luxury car can be a rolling target for loose-nut road-ragers with Buy American bumper stickers on their pickups.

Below is our list of top deals. We ignored the obvious stuff like ten-cent Tauruses and went for a set that's more aspirational. Remember, our nation's cup may be mostly empty, but at the same time it's a little bit full.

Sport-Utility Vehicles

Sports Cars

Sport Sedans

Luxury Sedans

Motive would like to thank AutoTrader.com, L.L.C., of Atlanta, GA, for data provided for this article.