The slow decline in gas prices over the past few months has many used car buyers bypassing expensive hybrids in favor of what you might feel is a surprising choice: SUVs. According to a new study by Carfax, the leading provider of vehicle history reports, consumer interest in SUVs remains strong despite the seeming popularity of high-fuel-efficiency cars.
Evidence also shows that shoppers are more interested in these cars if there is a clear vehicle history and the vehicle is priced right – which, according to experts, they increasingly are.
"Many used SUVs, even those with greater fuel efficiency, are selling below market value because of the growing supply on dealers' lots, so buyers can be choosy about the next vehicle they purchase," said Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax, the organization that ran the study.
Gamache says there's been a dramatic increase in consumer activity at
carfax.com over the past year for SUVs and crossover vehicles, some by as much as 3,000 percent. The Web site allows shoppers to run a vehicle history report, checking for past accidents and major damage on the vehicle they are considering. Additionally, the report highlights attributes such as low mileage and regular maintenance to help people find the best-value SUV.
So which SUVs are high on used car shoppers’ list right now?
- Searches on the Kia Rondo were up 3,600 percent from a year ago, while searches for Jeep Patriots and Buick Enclaves were up well over 2,000 percent.
- Searches for the Mazda CX-9, Land Rover LR2, Saturn Outlook, and Lincoln MKX were up more than 1,000 percent.
- Hyundai Tucson and GMC Acadia searches were up over 900 percent.