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IntelliChoice Value Rating
The chart above shows the purchase price versus ownership cost for each car from a specific vehicle class. The cars with better than average ownership cost/purchase price correlations are the best values, and these best value cars are represented by the dots below the curve. (i.e. the cars that have a lower ownership cost compared to its purchase price.) Those cars, which are worse than average or poor values, appear above the curve.
One way to view the graph is to draw a vertical line through any purchase price. You may see several dots that fall on this line - each of which is a car with a similar purchase price. However, notice the difference in ownership costs of each car represented by the vertical position of the dot. Two cars with the same purchase price can have thousands of dollars difference in ownership costs. This is what separates "good value" cars from "poor value" cars.
What is a good car value?
A "good car value" is one whose cost to own and operate is less than expected. The lower the cost to own and operate a car compared to what is expected, the better the value of that car.
But how do we know a car's "expected cost"?
For each car in the class, IntelliChoice plots the car's purchase price against the total five-year cost to own and operate it as determined by IntelliChoice research. Each dot on the above chart represents a specific car. Generally, we find that as the purchase price of the car increases, the cost to own and operate that car increases. This is why the dots on the graph tend to rise upward and to the right. This phenomenon also makes intuitive sense - as the purchase price rises, financing costs tend to rise, as do insurance, depreciation, taxes, and most other car ownership costs.
This is an important concept. It's normal for car ownership costs to rise as purchase price rises. Therefore, we can't just establish one "average" ownership cost number for each class, since cars in the class have different purchase prices. (This is why the "Relative" shown on each chart is different for cars in the same car class.)
Using statistical techniques, IntelliChoice "connects the dots" to form a curve that defines, for this car class, the relationship between the car's purchase price and car's ownership costs. This curve is our "expected cost" curve. The curve defines, for any car in the class, the five-year ownership cost that we would expect to see at each possible purchase price. If every car in the class were an average value, then all the dots would fall exactly on the curve. However, it's rare that any dot is exactly on the curve. Some dots are a little higher or lower, and some are a lot higher or lower. The dots that are a little lower are better than average car values, while the dots that are a lot lower are excellent car values (A dot that is a lot lower than the curve has ownership costs much lower than expected for a car of its purchase price). Conversely, a dot a little higher than the curve is a poorer than average car value, while a dot that is much higher than the curve is a poor car value.
Value is a relative term, not an absolute term. It is performing better than the logical expectation.
So is a Mercedes-Benz E320 expensive to own and operate? Certainly in an absolute sense. Most other cars cost less. But, when its cost to own and operate is plotted against cars with comparable invoice prices, the E320 costs less. So the E320 is not expensive to own and operate - it is a good car value. The Mercedes does not have low ownership costs, but it has low ownership costs for its invoice price.
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Article From Import Tuner Magazine
Red Devil - APR 2003 Infiniti G35APR Builds The Ultimate Infiniti G35 / writer: Joey Leh photographer: Steve Demmitt /
Article provided by: Import Tuner Magazine
In the realm of the modern sport compact, the list of power players runs short but strong. Holding the spotlight are such heavy hitters as the WRX, Lancer Evolution, S2000 and 350Z, while perennial favorites such as the Civic, Integra and RX-7 continue to thrive. But one theme remains constant throughout all the different models and types of cars, a distinct lack of luxury trimmings. The Honda Civic was never designed as a Bentley killer, the Acura Integra shows its age and we've all heard the ever-popular complaints regarding the Evolution VIII's interior design. But, there's no reason to abandon all hope. You see, since 2003, Nissan's luxury branch Infiniti has been selling the up-market G35. Fit with a competent front-engine, rear-drive platform and the ubiquitous VQ35 six cylinder, the G35 coupe is literally a high end, backseat-equipped version of the 350Z. The same engine, the same power, the same suspension and the same massive stock tire clearance. But, stock is never quite good enough for the mad scientists over at aerodynamics manufacturer APR Performance.  For the fifth time in a row (sixth if you count a face update) APR has taken a stock specimen, infused it with more power, better looks and a wider body using a functional, clean factory appearance. From a Toyota Celica, APR moved on to a Toyota MR-S, Lancer Evolution VIII, Subaru WRX STi and finally this Infiniti G35. Starting with a stark white slate, APR's KC Chow spent precious time molding and sculpting a widebody kit for a debut at the 2006 SEMA Show. APR's widebody kit for the Infiniti G35 coupe features a factory-look front end and enough clearance for a ridiculous 325 millimeters of rear rubber. Accented by a Seibon carbon-fiber hood, APR's own front carbon wind splitter, Carbign Craft convex side mirrors and GTC-300 rear wing, this G35 was just barely finished in time for SEMA. The attention to detail on APR's demo car shows through as well. Chow carefully selected a front bumper with dimensions that are both shorter and wider than stock to mate up with 45mm wider front fenders. The 50mm wider rear fenders were molded immaculately and the entire body was painted inside and out. TPR Autobody used a gold base coat before slathering on the ALSA Corp candy Blood Red paint. A meticulous shop, TPR repainted the entire car when a run showed up in the reflective candy paint, something not up to par with the level of this G35. Steamroller 325-width tires may be great conversation starters, but for APR, there's a reason for everything. The 2003 Infiniti G35 rocks 280 hp, but that power level hardly warrants the use of meats this wide. APR juiced up the performance of their cruiser with the addition of twin turbochargers. Built by SP Engineering, the 3.5L V6 engine remains stock internally, relying on the VQ35's legendary reputation for sustaining abuse. The twin turbo kit used here is based off of GReddy's offering, using GReddy exhaust manifolds, external wastegates and two TD05-18G turbochargers. SP Engineering custom fabricated the downpipes, which feed directly into a HKS Hi-Power dual exhaust. With no crossovers of any kind, the exhaust tract features a single exhaust for each bank of three cylinders. The mufflers gurgle and roar with each stab of the gas, with a tone that has more in common with a Porsche than an Infiniti. ... >>next page
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