2008 Saturn Astra XR

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PRICING DETAILS Invoice: $17,180 Retail: $18,375 Target Price: $18,375 COST OF OWNERSHIP: $30,076

VALUE RATING EXPLAIN THIS

Cost of Ownership

Ownership costs are the costs to purchase and operate a vehicle over a period of time. Understanding these costs can save you money and help you make a wiser financial decision when it comes time to select a vehicle.

Regardless of the "value" claims that you may read in car reviews or hear in ads, a vehicle's economic value is based on how much it will cost to own and operate compared to its purchase price. In a sense, purchase price is "what you pay" and the ownership costs are "what you get." The less you pay for what you get the better off you are.

Ownership costs can differ greatly. The cost to own and operate two different vehicles with equal purchase prices can differ by thousands. Of course when evaluating ownership cost for used cars and trucks, a vehicle's condition and mileage will greatly impact ownership costs, therefore it's important to compare similar vehicles in similar condition for an accurate picture.

IntelliChoice releases its final analysis for the current model year, annually each January. For additional comparative information you may wish to review the other Small Wagon category winners for this year. The ownership costs for early release new model year vehicles is estimated, with ratings and Best Overall Value winners not available until complete data can be compiled.

IntelliChoice also updates the Best Deals results each month in order to capture the many expiring rebates and ongoing programs, current pricing, and market conditions, giving the consumer the most up-to-date data analysis.