My most recent acquisitions have mostly been from Oxford Diecast. These are nicely detailed at a decent price point.
Autos at the depot by Edmund, on Flickr
I used to be able to find Classic Metal Works at reduced prices at train shows but lately it seems the prices have escalated for that line. Athearn, Brekina, Busch and their ilk all seem to have significantly increased in the last few years.
I always look for sales and discounts. MB Klein sometimes has considerable discounts on vehicles now and then.
Here's a brand I'm not familiar with but the price looks good, after discount:
https://www.modeltrainstuff.com/schuco-ho-452617601-1953-cadillac-eldorado-baby-blue/
Sometimes there is a particular vehicle I'm looking for and in that case I simply have to pry my wallet open
This Athearn Model B Mack mixer was close to $30 at the time but it was one I wanted as I remember seeing them in the '60s.
Mixer_mishap by Edmund, on Flickr
Sometimes I treat myself to a highly detailed vehicle from Artitec. Beautiful models but that detail comes at a price.
Payloader2 by Edmund, on Flickr
Road-crane1 by Edmund, on Flickr
Good Luck, Ed
I need to start accumulating cars to add to urban streets that I am working on. As a start I got one made by Busch and a more expensive on by Woodland Scenics to see what the difference was. Both will have their place on the layout depending on whether they are easily seen or not.
What brands have you found to be a good bang for the buck?
Rick