10 Biggest Auto Sales Losers

Washington DC October 14, 2008; Deals on slow-selling models that don't get high gas mileage can sometimes be enough to offset the cost of the extra gas they use.

To help consumers make smart decisions, Forbes has tracked down the top 10 vehicles with the biggest sales losses this year. Six out of the top 10 vehicles with the biggest percentage losses in sales this year through September are midsize SUVs.

Models like the Land Rover LR3, with a sales drop of 62.3 percent, and Jeep Commander, down 54.8 percent, have lost favor with buyers largely because of their poor gas mileage.

But bargain hunters might find that discounts on out-of-favor SUVs will pay for the higher cost of gas. A conservative estimate is that the extra gas an SUV typically uses compared to a car could add $1,000 a year in expenses for gas. Over three years of ownership, a $3,000 discount on the vehicle price could make up the difference.

The biggest sales loser of all this year isn't a truck or SUV, but a minivan: the Hyundai Entourage. Despite being both safe and affordable and a top choice, has sales down a staggering 72.2 percent this year.

Editors Note: Last year I took my family to New York for a family event...the Louisville contingent, 6 adults and 1 child travelled together...and needing a minivan large enough accommodate the passengers and all of the luggage...I rented an Huyndai(rhymes with sunday) Entourage from Hertz and it did so nicely because it offers "real useable" luggage space behind the third row seat...so if you have a big family and/or a need for a not so mini minivan I suggest that you consider the Hyundai Entourage for purchase.

Click for a slideshow of all ten sales losers – and potential bargains.