Let’s face it, buying a new car can be a confusing process. All anyone really ever wants is to get a good car at a reasonable price. Sadly, this does not always happen. The key to getting the right car for you is determining exactly what you need as well as what you are willing to pay for it. When you can put a scenario together that provides you with a car that will fit into your lifestyle and budget, you’re set.

The value of the car is of course determined by many key factors such as price, potential resale value as well as many different options. However, each person’s view on value can be different so it is important to identify the qualities that you value in a car before you decide to make a purchase.  For example, some people may be willing to pay a higher price for a car that has more trunk/cargo space. On the other hand, that may not be as important to some people as things like heated seats and built in navigation. At the end of the day one thing is for sure, getting the things that you value at the right price will determine whether you make the deal or not.

The total price paid over the lifetime of the car is of course a large (arguably the largest) factor, but many people put this out of their mind and only look at the monthly payment. There are some cars, however, that have the reputation of providing high value because of their blend of price and features. Resale value is many times what comes and saves the day, and allows one to purchase a new car with a clear conscience. Purchasing one of the cars listed below will certainly help you get the most out of your dollar, even if you do lose more to depreciation than if you bought used.

The Mini Cooper is thought of as one of the best cars in terms of overall value. With a MINI’s price tag in the mid-to-upper twenties you are sure to get everything you need and more out of this vehicle (including a scolding from your spouse). People speak highly of this vehicle for many reasons: first, the reputation for reliability. Considering it’s a German-made and quintessentially “British” car, some old-school aficionados may consider both a miracle, but it’s true—t he Mini Cooper has been on the roadways for quite a few years now and almost all of them are in as good a shape under the hood and inside the cabin as they were when they were first released. In addition, the Mini has a few standard options that make it stand out from the pack in this price range. Not to mention the interior—if you’ve never sat in a Mini, you’re in for a treat.

Second, the Volkswagen Golf is another car that is well thought of in terms of value. The Golf is priced around the mid $20,000s. It has been long considered one of the best resale value German cars, and sells for a very reasonable price used. The most liked attributes? The utility of the hatchback, the reliability of German engineering and the fun-to-drive nature of the chassis. These are important factors, and can give you peace of mind that you will be able to sell your Golf down the line.

The classic example? The Honda Civic. It has long been long thought of as a vehicle with very high value both new and used. Civics have been in production for decades for a few reasons. Central amongst those reasons is because they last. The Honda Civic is synonymous with reliability. If you buy a Civic you know that you will not be stuck taking it in for repairs week after week all the while watching the bills stack up. The Civic is priced right around $20,000 and for this price it is a no brainer. Take into consideration the fact that the Civic gets great gas mileage. With the cost of fuel on the rise there is no doubt that driving a Civic will actually help to save you money (though many other foreign and domestic offerings now get good gas mileage as well). On the highway the Civic is known to get around 35 miles per gallon. In the city the figure is around 26 MPG. Regardless of where you do most of your driving, you can’t beat the value. See all Honda Civic trims and options, along with prices.

Last but not least, pickup trucks. Most notably, Japanese trucks such as the Toyota Tacoma and Tundra. These hold their value extremely well, and in general trucks always do. Their utility can’t be beat, and with workhorses like Toyota’s trucks, they never break and rarely need repairs, so there are no worries and can sell well at either 50,000 miles or 150,000.

“Source: Automobile Magazine. Edward Pacheco shares his knowledge about the latest new cars and automotive leasing options, and is thrilled to be featured on Personal Finance Analyst.”