Edmunds notes costs of car ownership

Edmunds.com, one of the more respectable straight-shooters when it comes to evaluating the auto industry for consumers, recently offered some advice to those considering a new car purchase.

Specifically, Edmunds.com advises consumers to be wary of hybrid-car claims.

“Anyone truly concerned about their household expenses should ask some questions about any methodology that finds a premium hybrid vehicle to be an excellent value, especially when gas prices are so low,” noted Edmunds.com CEO Jeremy Anwyl.

The Santa Monica, Calif.-based company creates “True Cost to Own” calculation that projects average depreciation, financing, taxes, fees, insurance premiums, fuel costs, maintenance and repairs for vehicles over a five-year period.

The industry leaders by segment for the 2009 model year, according to Edmunds.com, are (The associated dollar figure reflects the five-year cost of ownership, NOT the retail price):

Compact Sedans with Lowest Five-Year Ownership Costs:
Honda Civic DX-VP ($29,037)
Chevrolet Aveo5 LS ($29,587)
Nissan Versa 1.8 S ($30,987)

Midsize Sedans with Lowest Five-Year Ownership Costs:
Honda Accord LX ($36,027)
Toyota Camry Base ($36,784)
Nissan Altima 2.5 ($37,011)

Compact SUVs with Lowest Five-Year Ownership Costs:
Jeep Patriot Sport ($35,077)
Honda CR-V LX ($35,593)
Honda Element LX ($36,317)

Midsize SUVs with Lowest Five-Year Ownership Costs:
Nissan Rogue S ($37,254)
Toyota RAV4 Base ($39,582)
Saturn VUE XE ($39,582)

Trucks with Lowest Five-Year Ownership Costs:
Toyota Tacoma PreRunner ($37,295)
Mazda B-Series B2300 ($38,602)
Ford Ranger XL ($38,854)