If you're already stretched paper thin under the financial weight of a thirsty, expensive vehicle, getting out of it for something more fuel efficient might seem like an unattainable dream. Fear not, the smarties over at Consumer Reports have rightly pointed out that since depreciation accounts for nearly half of the cost of a car during its first five years of ownership, buying a used miser is the best way to save money and resources.

If vehicles could be sainted, stained-glass artists all over the U.S. would be busy figuring out the best colors for the Toyota Prius to shine in. Brand new examples of the motorized mollusk that everyone can't wait to buy spend just five days on dealer lots. Last year's model lasts just fifteen days more.

The real coup, however, is in the prices. An unused Prius requires about $26,672 to take home. The used version, with fewer than 10,000 miles, goes for around $27,945. That's right, nearly $1,300 more. More incredible: a 2007 model with more than 22,000 miles will only save you $276 compared to the price of a shiny new 2008. We're not sure you can even call that depreciation.

Click above for high-res gallery of Ben's Boss A4

If you act now, you can purchase the 2001 Audi A4 Avant in the picture above. If you want the whole car, as is, it will cost you $2,500. If -- for reasons we can't fathom -- you want the car without the front bumper, it will cost you $2,350. If you want that same car, but don't want the wheels, well, that paperweight will cost you $2,000. Strike all three important components and the aftermarket stereo, and this fine piece of German engineering is yours for the bargain basement price of $1,300.

Click above for high-res gallery of the Gallardo LP560-4

Spend more for the cutting edge of luxury and style, and you could wind up taking a larger whack than most when it's time to trade in that sled. The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) is reporting that premium luxury vehicles actually have the highest annual depreciation rate. The reason for the stone-dropping value is that luxury car buyers tend to want the latest and greatest.

All you people with a 10-year-old car - drive it, drag it, push it or pull it! Mexico is paying top dollar!