Consider resale value when buying a car

Buying a new car is a big investment. But you also want it to be a sound one. No one wants to get stuck with a vehicle that loses its value too quickly or is worth a fraction of what they paid for it when it comes time to sell. After all, depreciation is the biggest cost to car owners, even over maintenance and gas. Because of that, car buyers have to consider a car's resale value or residual value when trading in their old cars and purchasing new ones.

ALG, a Santa Barbara, Calif.-based automotive research firm, and Kelley Blue Book, an Irvine, Calif.-based provider of new- and used-car information, each year release their residual value awards, which honor those automobiles predicted to retain the highest percentage of their manufacturer's suggested retail price after three years. The rankings are not an exact science, but they can help consumers make a more informed choice when buying a car. With that in mind, here's a look six vehicles that claimed the top spots in their segments in Kelley Blue Book rankings, with their ALG rating as well. Bankrate also has included the cars' fuel economy in miles per gallon.