BMW 320i
Info: 2-litre inline-4, 6-speed auto, 156bhp, 0-100kmh in 9.8secs
Why buy: This is probably the most sought-after 'upgrade' car among folks who have driven mainly 'bread-and-butter' cars.
And at $110,000, why not? The price includes a
higher trade-in price for your existing car.
Agent: Performance Motors
Price now: $110,000
Price before: $140,000
SAVINGS: $30,000 (21 per cent)

Lexus LS460
Info: 4.6-litre V8, 8-speed auto, 380bhp,
0-100kmh in 5.7secs
Why buy: It is still the quietest limousine, the only one with an eight-speed transmission and
is exceptionally swift and comfortable. Now, it
is also by far the least expensive.
Agent: Borneo Motors
Price now: $250,000 (the nearest offer)
Price before: $298,000
SAVINGS: At least $48,000 (16 per cent)

Read about the 320i here (left) or LS460 (right). What rocks your boat?

Renault Megane 1.6M
Info: 1.6-litre inline-4, 5-speed manual, 110bhp,
0-100kmh in 11.1secs
Why buy: A decently sized Continental family sedan with a Japanese price tag. True, the Megane may be getting on in years, but it is still a spacious carrier with creditable ride and handling.
Agent: Wearnes Automotive
Price now: $50,999
Price before: $63,000
SAVINGS: $12,001 (19 per cent)

Mercedes-Benz E200
Info: 1.8-litre supercharged inline-4, 5-speed auto, 184bhp, 0-100kmh in 9.4secs
Why buy: The quintessential towkay car, a status symbol and a workhorse. A 1.8-litre engine means
relatively low running cost and road tax. It has
the highest open market value among its peers.
Agent: Cycle & Carriage
Price now: $150,000
Price before: $175,000
SAVINGS: $25,000 (14 per cent)

Hyundai Avante 1.6A
Info: 1.6-litre inline-4, 4-speed auto, 121bhp,
0-100kmh in 12.2secs
Why buy: The weak Korean won has made this modestly equipped Corolla-sized 1.6-litre sedan more affordable than ever. If you can drive a
stick shift, the manual version is only $38,499.
Agent: Komoco
Price now: $40,499
Price before: $55,000
SAVINGS: $14,501(26 per cent)

BMW 520i
Info: 2-litre inline-4, 6-speed auto, 156bhp,
0-100kmh in 10.6secs
Why buy: In the 1990s, you could get only a Nissan Cefiro or Honda Accord for $130,000. The 520i is an entry-level model. The 156bhp four-cylinder engine may be modest but still does a convincing job of sounding and hauling like a BMW. The actual transaction price is not listed. Instead, BMW's agent is offering to subsidise monthly instalments. If you do not wish to take up the plan, the savings can be converted into a discount.
Agent: Performance Motors
Price now: $130,000
Price before: $155,000
SAVINGS: $25,000 (16 per cent)

Korea's Corolla beater: The Hyundai Avante (left) or a high 5 for the Beemer (right).

Toyota Prius
Info: 1.5-litre 76bhp inline-4 with 67hp
electric motor, continuously variable transmission, 0-100kmh in 10.9secs
Why buy: Save the Earth, save money. This petrol-electric hybrid is the most frugal five-
seater of its size. It returns 17 to 20km per litre
of petrol.
Agent: Borneo Motors
Price now: $77,988
Price before: $89,388
SAVINGS: $11,400 (13 per cent)

Ford S-Max
Info: 2.3-litre inline-4, 6-speed auto, 161bhp,
0-100kmh in 10.7secs
Why buy: Thanks to the weakened euro and
firmer yen, this well-equipped, solidly built seven-seater is being considered by folks who previously shopped exclusively Japanese. It is
also more pleasurable to drive than most
Japanese MPVs.
Agent: Regent Motors
Price now: $84,000
Price before: $119,000
SAVINGS: $35,000 (29 per cent)

Ford fights back (left) while Suzuki Swift becomes the basement bargain (right).

Suzuki Swift 1.3A
Info: 1.3-litre inline-4, 4-speed auto, 92bhp,
0-100kmh in 13.7secs
Why buy: This is still one of the cheapest and
most driveable small hatchbacks in town. Despite the yen having risen by about 25 per cent from a year ago, this little number has become a lot less expensive.
Agent: Champion Motors
Price now: $44,500
Price before: $54,400
SAVINGS: $9,900 (18 per cent)

[AsiaOne says: This car is also one of the top three winners for AsiaOne's People Choice Awards 2008 in the budget car category. Read more about it here.]

Note: The 'offers' listed may vary, depending on factors such as whether you have
a car to trade in, the size of the loan you are taking up and, often, your bargaining skills. Price before refers to the price a year ago.

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