6 Upcoming Cars Worth Waiting For

Even with heavy incentives on out-going model year cars, even small improvements to the new version can make it worth holding out.

CHRYSLER

1. 2009 Dodge Ram

Price: $21,270 - $43,240

There are some amazing deals on 2008 Dodge Rams right now. That's because dealers are trying to clear floor space to make room for the new 2009 Ram truck.

Ram trucks are currently available with up to $7,500 worth of incentives, according to Edmunds.com. That figure includes the value of low-rate financing deals as well as manufacturer-to-dealer incentives that won't be seen directly by consumers.

That's a lot of money. But keep in mind that the 2009 Ram truck will be loaded up with a slew of improvements that could make it worth waiting for, especially when you consider that those features will likely drive down the resale value of the 2008 model.

Besides optional RamBox lockable, water-tight storage bins built into the bed walls, the '09 Ram also features a revolutionary coil-spring rear suspension. Other trucks on the market have leaf-springs, which have been standard for years. Using coil springs results in a nicer ride and better handling.

The 2009 Ram also features a much-improved interior with richer-looking materials and a nice solidly-built feel, not to mention even more cleverly designed storage spaces inside to hide away more stuff.

AUDI

2. 2009 Audi A4

Price: $32,700 - $48,800

The changes under the hood seem modest, but the change in external appearance is clear and striking. From a dollars-and-cents standpoint, that's what really matters.

The A4's V-6 engine is the same as last years while the 4-cylinder engine gets more power. Also new for 2009, the engine is mounted lower and farther back in the body for noticeably improved handling.

On a practical level, the longer body creates more rear legroom, making the new A4 a much more comfortable choice for those with families.

There's also a financial impact, though. Radical redesigns always reduce the market value of their predecessor version. In this case, the new A4, with its sleek, aggressive appearance, makes the 2008 model look immediately old.

Meanwhile, incentives on the outgoing old-style Audi A4 are relatively good, totaling to up to $3,000 for remaining 2008 models. Even so, the damage the new A4 will do to the 2008 models resale value could ultimately wipe out much of those savings.

FORD MOTOR CO.

3. 2009 Ford F-150

Price: N/A

With the pick-up market drying up, at least for now, Ford decided to delay release of the new, redesigned F-150 pick-up. Meanwhile, dealers are working to sell off the remaining 2008 trucks still on their lots. Expect to see the new F-series truck in "late fall," Ford says.

While the new F-150 has nothing as radical (for a truck) as coil suspension, buyers of the 2008 version are passing up on some serious improvements. For instance, there's an additional 6 inches of length that adds to rear seat legroom and bed length in crew cab versions. There's also better fuel economy, thanks in part to a new six-speed transmission. To make it easier to get in and out of the truck bed, the new F-150 also offers tailgate and bed-side steps.

As with other major redesigns, the new look will also hurt the resale value of the predecessor models. Ford is putting some serious money into incentives for 2008 models -- almost $5,000 per truck -- but the new truck may ultimately be worth spending more.

MAZDA MOTOR CO.

4. 2009 Mazda6

Price: $18,550 - $28,260

Mazda's bread-and-butter Mazda6 sedan is getting thoroughly reworked for 2009. The most obvious change is a more sharp-edged body that picks up the Mazda's new corporate look.

Engines and transmissions are also new for "next year" but, as with the Audi A4, it's that new sheet metal that will crush the resale value of all the '08 Mazda6's that people are buying.

Mazda is paying out a total of almost $3,000 in incentives on outgoing Mazda6's, according to Edmunds.com. That's a lot of money but, again, the reduced resale value of the 2008's could absorb much of those savings.

FORD MOTOR CO.

5. 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid

Price: $29,305 - $33,385

The 2009 Ford Escape doesn't look much different from the outside. Actually, it doesn't look any different. But there are some important differences are underneath the body.

Both V6 and 4-cylinder Escape engines will get more power and slightly better fuel economy.

Escape Hybrid buyers will get the most crucial benefit, though. Up until now, Escape Hybrids haven't been available with Electronic Stability Control, a computerized system that helps drivers maintain control in abrupt emergency maneuvers. Systems like this have been shown to reduce fatal crashes by about a third.

ESC will be standard equipment on 2009 Escapes Hybrids just as it is now on the non-hybrid versions.

Escape Hybrids are in short supply and demand is high so, even for 2008 models, Ford is spending practically nothing on incentives, according to Edmunds.com. (To be more precise, Ford is spending $43 per SUV.)

Given that, and given the lifesaving importance of ESC, it's more than worth waiting for the 2009 model.

These changes also apply to Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute hybrid SUVs which, for practical purposes, are the same vehicle.

HONDA MOTOR CO.

6. 2009 Honda Fit

Price: $14,550 - $18,760

The Honda Fit for 2009 gets a more rounded exterior. Overall passenger volume inside is increased by less than an inch with little real change to interior hip or shoulder space. The back seats have been redesigned for easier folding, though.

Honda boasts of a more rigid body structure. More than half the metal in the new 2009 Fit is "high-strength steel." A stiffer body means better ride and handling, Honda says

Recognizing that, with higher gas prices, small cars are now attracting buyers accustomed to larger-car amenities. For one, the new Fit offers in-car navigation, a feature not previously available in the Fit.

All this may not seem like much, but incentives on the outgoing model-year Fit are equally slim. The tiny Fit is in high demand, so Honda is spending just $105 per vehicle on incentives for those 2008 models. At that rate, sit tight a while longer and wait for the 2009 version. You'll get a better car with stronger resale value for about the same money.