Best Large Cars of December 2008

Hooray! An affordable large car is back on the charts with the Holden Commodore being massively reduced from its original price (probably around $10,000 less when you consider all the other charges and stamp duty).

#1 Holden Commodore

Base Model RRP: $29,990

Pros:

• Only large car under $32,000


• ESP Standard


• Big 3.6L Engine


• Alloys standard


• Alarm standard

Cons:

• A bit thirsty with fuel


• No full size spare


• Metallic paint extra


• Questions about parent company GM's future

Best Compact SUVs of December 2008

This month the Suzuki Grand Vitara enters the fold and we now have 3 Japanese made Compact SUVs all at the same price of $29,990. It was a tough decision, especially between the Mitsubishi Outlander and Suzuki Grand Vitara, but the Suzuki Grand Vitara won thanks to it not having any cons.

#1 Suzuki Grand Vitara

Base Model Estimated Price: $29,990

Pros:

• Alloy wheel standard


• Full size spare tyre


• ESP Standard


• Excellent warranty

Cons:

• None

#2 Mitsubishi Outlander

Base Model Estimated Price: $29,990

Pros:

• Safe


• Alloy wheel standard


• Alarm standard


• ESP Standard


• Excellent warranty

Cons:

• Space Saver spare

#3 Toyota RAV4

Base Model Estimated Price: $29,990

Pros:

• Full Size spare standard


• ESP standard

Cons:

• Alloy wheels extra


• Alarm extra


• No ESP option

Best Medium Cars of December 2008

No changes except the Toyota Camry Altise has replaced the Hyundai Sonata due to a cheaper price thanks to End of Year sales.

#1 Kia Magentis

Base Model Estimated Price: $23,190

Pros:

• Ridiculously low price


• Alloy wheels standard


• Alarm standard


• Full size spare


• ESP standard

Cons:

• Kia's poor resale value

#2 Toyota Camry Altise

Base Model Estimated Price: $27,990

Pros:

• Alarm standard


• Full size spare


• ESP standard

Cons:

• Alloy wheels extra


• A bit thirsty on fuel

#3 Mazda 6

Base Model Estimated Price: $30,375

Pros:

• Made in Japan


• ESP standard


• Full size spare

Cons:

• Premium unleaded recommended


• Alloy wheels extra

Best Compact cars of December 2008

Not much of a change in the hotly contested Compact cars segment although the Mitsubishi Lancer has reduced in price another $1,000.

#1 Subaru Impreza

Base Model Estimated Price: $24,990

Pros:

• Subaru resale value


• Metallic paint standard


• ESP standard


• All-wheel drive


• Great warranty

Cons:

• Space Saver spare


• Poor fuel economy

#2 Mitsubishi Lancer

Base Model Estimated Price: $20,990

Pros:

• ESP Standard


• Excellent warranty

Cons:

• Space Saver spare

#3 Toyota Corolla

Base Model Estimated Price: $21,990

Pros:

• Full size spare

Cons:

• Metallic paint extra


• No ESP option

Best Light Cars of December 2008

Not much of a change in this category, probably because it's one of the most popular nowadays.

#1 Toyota Yaris

Base Model Estimated Price: $15,990

Pros:

• Made in Japan


• Full size spare

Cons:

• None

#2 Mazda 2

Base Model Estimated Price: $17,768

Pros:

• Made in Japan


• Extra year warranty

Cons:

• Space saver spare

#3 Fiat Punto

Base Model Estimated Price: $19,990

Pros:

• Full size spare

Cons:

• None