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Strong residual values are the key to maintaining low running costs. Good fuel economy and the value of the Stilo's options ought to have helped the Stilo's resale values, but haven't. That's because dealers and car-supermarkets have been flogging new or nearly-new Stilos at such low prices, so they're even cheaper to buy new than their low list-price suggests. Heaven knows how little a five-year old Stilo might be worth, but on the plus side, they aren't expensive to buy in the first place. Low insurance groups, too. There are few independent surveys on how reliable the Stilo is turning out to be. If it can match the Punto for quality and dependability, it will make a sound buy. It's cheap to pick-up, too. With almost-new models costing as little as seven and a half grand, used cars are even cheaper. Prices are competitive, and on top of that, the Stilo is well equipped as standard, coming with no less than six airbags, dual stage power steering, electric heated door mirrors, electric front windows, an electric sunroof, six speaker stereo, ABS, EBD, ASR and emergency brake assist as standard. You can build on this base level simply priced trim levels. Engine upgrades, and switching from three to five doors, are priced in the same way. The aim is to offer extremely clear pricing and great value. Not that clear pricing really matters, given the discounts available on new Stilos.
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