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Best and worst car buys as model year changes
| Five '05 cars to avoid -- for now |  Ford Mustang
Ford dealers will have customers lined up 10 deep to get a look at the all-new Mustang, which has been restyled to resemble a modern version of the 1967-68 Mustang. The car looks fabulous and even with the V6 packs a lot of power. Wait six months until the frenzy dies down and the Mustang should be a good buy.
| |  Chevrolet Corvette
Only the sixth all-new Corvette in more than 50 years, this one promises 400 horsepower and interior refinements that will make it more competitive with the likes of Porsche but at thousands less. A convertible will be along midyear and then later a Z06 model with as much as 500 horsepower. Just don't expect to buy a new Vette at anything under sticker for at least the first year.
| |  Hybrids
The gasoline-electric vehicles are coming into their own. Ford's hybrid Escape will join Toyota's Prius and Honda's hybrid Civic, followed by the hybrid version of the Lexus RX, called the 400h. These are remarkable vehicles and they're in demand. But there's a waiting list at some dealerships for the Prius, and Ford will only build 20,000 hybrid Escapes. So wait a year before going green, unless you've got a lot of green to spend.
| |  Dodge Magnum/Chrysler 300
When rap stars and football players start showing up in vehicles, you can count on mere mortals having to pay top dollar to join the fun. That's the case with these two stylish new Chryslers that perhaps foretell the company's long-term revival. Just wait about four more months until P Diddy and his crew get theirs.
| |  Mercedes-Benz CLS
There are few classier designs than the Mercedes CL, and for 2005 Mercedes is slotting the sleek four-door CLS between the E Class and S Class sedans. If you're shopping in the over-$50K market, this is one to check out. But even in that price range, waiting perhaps a year could mean saving a few thousand dollars.
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- Five '04 leftover bargains
- Five favorites for '05
- Five '05 cars to avoid -- for now
- End of year car-buying tips
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