You've probably seen lots of ads promoting big savings on end-of-the-model-year cars. So the question is should you snap up a leftover 2010 or are you better off going for a 2011 model?

Consumer Reports says in addition to a lower price, there are other advantages to getting a "leftover" 2010 car. Consumer Reports' reliability surveys show that models that have been on sale for a year or more tend to have fewer problems than brand new cars or vehicles that have just had a major redesign.

In fact, you may need fewer repairs getting the last year of a model's design. Those vehicles are usually the most reliable. Consumer Reports says that's one reason why the 2010 Honda Odyssey is a good get. It's in its sixth year of production, which means Honda has had a lot of time to get the kinks worked out. The Odyssey rates very good in reliability and it's one of Consumer Reports' favorite minivans.

But Consumer Reports says that there are advantages to buying a 2011 car. For one, it doesn't depreciate as fast. If you trade in your car every couple of years, you're better off getting the new 2011 model because it will probably be worth more money at resale.

Other advantages to getting a 2011 car: You tend to get better gas mileage and the latest safety features with newer models. Take the Hyundai Sonata. The 2011 Sonata is a huge improvement. It drives better. It's more fuel efficient, and it scored top marks for safety in crash tests.

So before you head to the dealership, do some research so that you get the best deal.

If you do decide to get a 2010 car, Consumer Reports says you don't need to worry about the warranty. It still comes with a full warranty, just like the 2011 vehicles.