Gas prices have been on a steady rise over the last few weeks, prompting many analysts to predict that consumers will place an even greater emphasis on fuel-efficiency when shopping for used cars. According to Kelley Blue Book's Hot Used Car Report for February, they hit the nail on the head.<\/p>\n
The report, which measures the activity of used car shoppers on kbb.com, found there was an increase in the number of shoppers researching fuel-efficient vehicles last month. The growth in research of hybrid cars was at the top of the list. The segment experienced a 12.2 percent rise in the number of people looking into purchasing these fuel-efficient vehicles and it was significantly higher than the next-closest competitor.<\/p>\n
February also saw an increase in the number of people researching compact cars, though to a lesser degree of hybrids. The segment had a 3.7 percent increase in shopping activity, while sports cars had a 2.8 percent rise. Minivans (2.7 percent) and subcompact cars (2.4 percent) rounded out the top five.<\/p>\n
There was a decrease in the number of shoppers looking at mid-size crossovers, a usual favorite among drivers, which did not come as a surprise to some analysts.<\/p>\n
"When the price at the pumps is at play, customers will stray," said Arthur Henry, a market analyst for Kelley Blue Book.<\/p>\n