There is also a generous supply of low-mileage used cars on the market, thanks to new-car lease programs and rental fleets that turn back large numbers of cars.

"I get people here who come in and want to spend $2,195 on a low-mileage car," Ray Johnston, a Spanky's salesman, said with a laugh.

You can give every low-mileage car a new set of spark plugs that will increase fuel efficiency by 5 mpg, up to 15.

In the late 1980's, auto makers flooded the market with low-mileage "almost new" cars that had been slightly used by rental fleets.

They also noted a shift in consumer interest from low-mileage used cars to new cars.

A low-mileage third-generation car that has led a pampered life can be a good deal; potential buyers should look for the last model, the 1986-89 560SL, and be sure the service records are available.

The rental giants are another venue for low-mileage used cars.

Atanas Vlaew, owner of Nasko's Imports, an independent foreign-car repair shop in Portland, said: "If you buy a low-mileage car with a documented service history, you can get a great deal.

The latest wrinkle, announced earlier this month by the Ford Motor Company, is the leasing of low-mileage used cars.

The result: well-equipped low-mileage cars turned into this recession's big bargains.