CAMPBELL, CA (February 2, 2009) – IntelliChoice.com, the leading source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis, and part of media and marketing services company Source Interlink Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SORC), today announced its “Best Deals of the Month” for January 2009 for all new cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles. The monthly ranking shows that consumers still have their pick of great deals, even on some of the most popular models.
“The start of 2009 continues 2008′s buyer’s market,” said James Bell, editor of IntelliChoice.com. “The traditionally slow holiday car buying season was even slower than expected; so many deep deals are on the table for buyers with decent credit and/or cash on hand. The many months of slow sales we have seen may indicate pent-up demand down the road, but for now, anyone in the market for a new car or truck should plan to enter the dealership with a singular focus on finding a great deal and leaving happy.”
Bell mentioned that the January Best Deals list is the last version using 2008 data. At the Chicago Auto Show on February 10, IntelliChoice.com will announce its Best Overall Values of the Year (BOVY) Awards using cost of ownership data for all 2009 model cars. “The BOVYs offer car buyers a way to evaluate the creme de la creme of new 2009 cars with a view to long-term value.”
IntelliChoice.com’s “Best Deals of the Month” identify new cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs with the best total cost of ownership value in 33 respective classes. Selections are based on current car prices, market conditions and the lowest national manufacturer consumer new car rebate. In addition, IntelliChoice.com uses the latest information from numerous automotive resources to evaluate what it costs to buy, own and operate each new car model-year trim line over a five-year basis.
The following “Best Deals” for January 2009 are ranked by vehicle type and size
| Class | Brand | Model |
| Subcompact Car | Toyota | Yaris Sedan |
| Compact Car over 17000 | Honda | Civic Hybrid |
| Compact Car under 17000 | Toyota | Corolla |
| Midsize Car over 21000 | Toyota | Prius |
| Midsize Car under 21000 | Toyota | Prius |
| Convertible | MINI | Cooper Convertible |
| Luxury Convertible | Saab | 9-3 Convertible |
| Near Luxury Car | Lincoln | MKZ |
| Luxury Car | Cadillac | DTS |
| Large Car | Hyundai | Sonata |
| Base Sport Car | Volkswagen | R32 |
| Sport Car | Chevrolet | Corvette Convertible |
| Sport Sedan/Wagon over 38000 | Lexus | GS |
| Sport Sedan/Wagon under 38000 | Chrysler | 300 C |
| Compact Utility/Crossover | Ford | Escape Hybrid |
| Midsize Crossover | Toyota | Highlander |
| Luxury Crossover | Lexus | RX 400h |
| Small Wagon | Toyota | Matrix |
| Midsize/Large Wagon | Subaru | Outback Wagon |
| Intermediate SUV | Kia | Sorento |
| Full-Size Utility | GMC | Yukon XL 1500 |
| Luxury SUV | GMC | Envoy Denali |
| Compact Pickup Truck 2WD | Toyota | Tacoma Regular Cab 2WD |
| Compact Pickup Truck 4WD | Toyota | Tacoma Double Cab 4WD |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck 2WD 1/2 Ton | Chevrolet | Silverado 1500 Extended Cab 2WD |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck 2WD 3/4 Ton | Chevrolet | Silverado 2500 HD Regular Cab 2WD |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck 2WD One Ton | Chevrolet | Silverado 3500 HD Regular Cab 2WD |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck 4WD 1/2 Ton | Chevrolet | Silverado 1500 Extended Cab 4WD |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck 4WD 3/4 Ton | Chevrolet | Silverado 2500 HD Regular Cab 4WD |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck 4WD One Ton | Chevrolet | Silverado 3500 HD Crew Cab 4WD |
| Minivan | Toyota | Sienna |
| Full-Size Van | Chevrolet | Express 1500 Passenger Van |
| Cargo Van | Chevrolet | Express 1500 Cargo Van |
IntelliChoice.com updates vehicle data several times a month in order to capture the many expiring auto rebates and ongoing incentive programs offered by manufacturers–giving consumers the most up-to-date analysis on which vehicles offer them the best value for their money.
IntelliChoice.com’s “Best Deals” designation enables consumers to identify how car rebates affect a vehicle’s value throughout ownership and not just at the time of purchase. Ownership costs can vary significantly among different trim lines of the same model.
Additionally, IntelliChoice.com continuously updates fuel costs based on the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Vehicles designated as “IntelliChoice.com Best Deals of the Month” are typically cars and trucks that have good to great ownership cost values before any manufacturer rebate. A rebate can often turn a good ownership cost value into a great value, and a great value into an “IntelliChoice.com Best Deal of the Month.”
Please visit http://www.intellichoice.com/ for more information or to check the auto rebate section of any vehicle report for the most up-to-date incentives.
IntelliChoice.com, part of Enthusiast Media’s Automotive Digital, is the market leader in automotive ownership cost and value analysis. Founded in 1986, IntelliChoice.com is committed to empowering consumers to make better purchase decisions by providing independent and essential automotive information and tools. Through the IntelliChoice.com web site (www.intellichoice.com), consumers get the help they need to research, compare, configure and price vehicles. The site also connects buyers to the buying alternatives of their choice, including vehicle manufacturers and an online car buying guide. Enthusiast Media is a division of Source Interlink Companies, Inc., (NASDAQ: SORC), a media and marketing services company. Source Interlink (www.sourceinterlink.com) is one of the largest publishers of magazines and online content for enthusiast audiences and a leading distributor of home entertainment products, including DVDs, music CDs, magazines, games, books and related items.
