10 Great Deals on Used Crossover SUVs

Prices for late-model crossovers are dropping fast. Kelley Blue Book helped us search out the biggest bargains.

2006 Mercedes-Benz R-class

Courtesy: Daimler AG

6-month value drop: $6,275

Est. private party value: $22,250

Mileage: 22 mpg Hwy, 16 mpg City

It's no secret that used SUV prices have been collapsing as gas prices have shot up. But now prices are dropping for used crossover SUVs, which get better mileage, but are still thirstier than cars.

Some of these crossovers -- SUV-like vehicles with smaller engines and car-like engineering -- have been on the market long enough so that redesigned versions are out. That also means big discounts on the old versions.

We worked with analysts at Kelley Blue Book to find a few gems that this pricing drop has unearthed. If you're in the market, this could be a great time to pick-up a relatively fuel-efficient used crossover.

Check out the Mercedes-Benz R-class. In just the past 6 months, values have dropped by $6,275. That reflects the trouble the R-class has had finding its niche in the American SUV market.

"There has been such a proliferation of vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz line-up that the R-class has taken a hit," said Jack Nerad, managing editor of Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com Web site.

Longer and lower than its close relative, the M-class SUV, the R-class looks a lot like a minivan with van-like spaciousness. But inside you'll find the opulence you expect in a Mercedes-Benz SUV.

2006 BMW X5

6-month value drop: $7,162

Est. private party value: $36,960

Mileage: 21 mpg Hwy, 15 mpg City

When BMW engineered the X5, the automaker didn't want to damage its legendary reputation for driving enjoyment. The X5 manages to keep BMW's brand character unblemished with decent interior space and practicality to boot.

Besides the general decline in crossover values, the X5's price plummet probably has something to do with the recent introduction of a newer, more powerful version.

The introduction of a redesigned vehicle almost always leads to a steep drop in the value of used versions of any given model, which has created a real buying opportunity here.

2006 Infiniti FX45

Courtesy: Nissan Motor Co.

6-month value drop: $6,162

Est. private party value: $27,734

Mileage: 18 mpg Hwy, 14 mpg City

Like the BMW X5, used FX45's are getting hit by competition from Infiniti's recently introduced FX50. With a different-looking new version out there, used FX45 buyers can no longer pretend they just bought a brand-new vehicle.

The FX45 may also suffer from its unimpressive fuel economy figures. There are larger, roomier SUVs out there that go farther on a gallon.

Nonetheless, FX45 buyers get sharp-looking design and an engaging driving experience.

2006 Acura MDX

Courtesy: Honda Motor Co.

6-month value drop: $6,036

Est. private party value: $22,177

Mileage: 23 mpg Hwy, 17 mpg City

The Acura MDX benefits from parent company Honda's well-earned reputation for reliability.

But, again, a new, improved version is pushing down prices of the now old- seeming last-generation MDX.

That just means you'll pay even less for a vehicle that gets very good fuel economy for a seven-seater, while earning top-notch crash-test ratings all the way around.

2007 Cadillac SRX

Courtesy: General Motors

6-month value drop: $4,493

Est. private party value: $22,641

Mileage: 24 mpg Hwy, 16 mpg City

Like the Mercedes-Benz R-class, the oddly shaped SRX has suffered from a lack of understanding.

"That's a vehicle that, I always thought, looked a little awkward, but, man, I like the way it drives," said Jack Nerad, managing director of Kelley Blue Book's automotive data Web site KBB.com.

The SRX offers the interior space of a mid-size SUV with the handling of a large luxury station wagon.

2006 Volvo XC90

6-month value drop: $4,332

Est. private party value: $28,958

Mileage: 23 mpg Hwy, 17 mpg City

The XC90 was redesigned for the 2007 model year and got a more powerful engine, but the old 2006 model got slightly better fuel economy.

As expected from Volvo, the XC90 also has outstanding crash-test ratings and electronic stability control is standard equipment.

2007 Kia Sportage

6-month value drop: $4,334

Est. private party value: $13,287

Mileage: 28 mpg Hwy, 23 mpg City

Kia and its Korean sister-brand Hyundai have long suffered from poor resale value. If you own a Hyundai or Kia, that's bad. On the other hand, if you're shopping for a used vehicle, it's all the better.

Hyundai and Kia offer some outstanding, safe and fuel-efficient vehicles that you can buy cheap from the used vehicle lots at your local dealer.

The Sportage and the largely similar Hyundai Tucson are just two examples. Both are nice to drive while offering excellent fuel economy and crash safety.

2005 Toyota Highlander

6-month value drop: $3,457

Est. private party value: $15,928

Mileage: 27 mpg Hwy, 22 mpg City

Last year, Toyota rolled out the newer, bigger Highlander. That's put additional pressure on the prices of used Highlanders, which don't offer the comfortable third-row legroom of the new ones.

Toyota's strong reputation for quality and fuel economy means that, even in this market, Highlander prices are holding up relatively well. But used models are still a real bargain.

You get a smooth, car-like ride and handling, excellent crash safety and outstanding fuel economy.

Ford Escape

6-month value drop: $3,185

Est. private party value: $15,770

Mileage: 29 mpg Hwy, 24 mpg City

The Ford Escape has always been a popular crossover SUV. For the 2008 model year, Ford introduced a "re-skinned" version. It then introduced more significant upgrades for the 2009 model, which is just now hitting showrooms.

That means prices are getting pushed even lower for the now ancient-seeming 2007 Escape. Even in the non-hybrid version, car-like fuel economy remains a high point.

2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara

6-month value drop: $2,726

Est. private party value: $12,573

Mileage: 23 mpg Hwy, 18 mpg City

When it comes to vehicles with four wheels and a roof, Suzuki suffers from an unfortunate lack of brand recognition. When you say "Suzuki," what comes to mind for most consumers, is a motorcycle.

But for used car buyers, that means low prices for the company's cars and SUVs, which have become quite competitive.

In this case, the handsome Grand Vitara, surprisingly rich in amenities and featuring a powerful V6 engine, looks like a steal at for something as new as a 2007 model.