– BMW has the highest residual value for the 2004 model year, displacing Mercedes-Benz as the top brand, according to the Automotive Lease Guide. The ALG, which projects residual (or resale) values for the leasing industry, says that in three years BMWs will be worth 54.5 percent of their original value on average. Lexus is second highest at 53.2 percent and Acura third at 52.1. Mercedes fell to fourth at 52 percent. Honda topped non-luxury brands with a three-year residual of 53.7 percent. Toyota is second (52.6), Volkswagen third (51.7) and Nissan fourth (50).
– Hyundai will continue its 10-year powertrain warranty through the 2008 model year. Hyundai began the warranty in 1998 and said it would run through 2005. Hyundai’s warranty provides bumper-to-bumper coverage for five years/60,000 miles and covers major powertrain components for 10 years/100,000 miles. It is transferable to immediate family members of the original owner. Kia, part of the Hyundai Group, offers the same warranty.
