Honda Motor Co. fell the most in five months on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, leading a decline among automakers as the yen rose to the highest in more than four months against the euro and dollar. Honda shares fell 140 yen, or 3.6%, to close at 3,780 yen. Toyota Motor Corp., fell 2.6% to 6,670 yen, while Nissan Motor Co., fell 2.6% to 1,119 yen. The value of earnings from exports declines when the yen strengthens against foreign currencies. Japan's biggest carmakers get as much as 65 percent of their operating profit from North America, according to analysts.
Top 10 Least Expensive Luxury Vehicles to Own
Cars at the lower end of the luxury class, like the Acura TSX, are the least costly to own because their lower starting prices minimize the effects of depreciation. Vincentric has put together list by estimating six expenses over five years: depreciation, interest and opportunity costs, fuel, maintenance and repairs, insurance, and taxes and fees. But bear in mind that Vincentric’s projected ownership costs are only estimates. Actual expenses will vary by region. “There are large variations in maintenance and repairs when you look at a state where costs of living are higher, because labor rates are higher,” Similarly, people living in high-tax states will likely pay more in vehicle taxes and other fees. Insurance rates also change by region, as do fuel prices, he says. All of these are factored into the five-year ownership costs used to rank the vehicles on our list.
Top 10 Least Expensive Luxury Vehicles to Own (With 5-year cost of ownership):
Top 10 Least Expensive Luxury Vehicles to Own (With 5-year cost of ownership):
10. Lincoln MKZ: $55,011
9. Lexus ES 350: $54,585
8. Acura RDX: $54,502
7. Lexus IS 250: $53,220
6. Volvo V50: $52,906
5. Audi A3: $51,513
4. Saab 9-3 SportCombi: $51,499
3. Volvo S40: $51,484
2. Saab 9-3 Sedan: $50,282
1. Acura TSX: $47,084
IIHS Safety
In other news, the IIHS recently introduced ratings for luxury sedans in side-impact ratings. Among the highest ratings, the Acura RL was rated the highest safety rating among other luxury sedans in side-impact crash tests.