Used hybrid SUV’s are in high demand as an increasing number of buyers are looking for an affordable way to get into their first hybrid vehicle. There are several likely reasons why more people are now shopping for a used hybrid, beginning with the obvious fact that consumers are really starting to feel the pinch of higher gas prices at the pump. Even as the demand for gasoline is falling and oil inventories are at historic highs, crude oil sits at a record $104.52 a barrel today. Across the nation, drivers are now paying an average $3.18 a gallon, up from $2.97 a month ago and $2.49 this time last year (according to AAA).
Another factor contributing to the increase in preowned hybrid sales is the price of a brand new hybrid suv. For example, there has been a lot of buzz about the new Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon hybrids, both reaching dealer inventories in 2008. Unfortunately, those suvs start at over $50,0000 - causing many people to begin looking for less expensive options to going green. And, even though you can step into a new hybrid SUV starting at around $30K - that still represents a huge premium when compared to gas only models, in addition to it being more than many can afford.
The increasing demand for quality, used hybrid vehicles has kept resale values relatively high, obviously favoring sellers. At the same time, used hybrid inventories are trending upward as more hybrid suv models become available are more are sold by people wanting to move into newer models (to embrace 2nd, 3rd, and even 4th generation hybrid technologies). One of the best places to gage the availability of used hybrid suv’s is on Cars.com, so here are some stats as of now (March 2008)…
Used hybrid Ford Escape: The hybrid Escape has been around since 2005 and there are currently 210 for sale on cars.com with prices ranging from $14,000 to $36,000. Try this search to view the updated inventory.
Used Lexus 400h: The Lexus hybrid SUV is the 400h, available since 2006. 325 are now for sale on Cars.com - ranging from about $30,000 to $51,000. You can check their availability now.
Used Mercury Mariner hybrid: Your probably not going to find many preowned Mariner hybrids for sale as only a few thousand have been sold since 2005 (’06 model year). Cars.com lists only 4 as of today and they range from $20,000 to $25,000. Check here for updated numbers.
Used Saturn Vue Green Line: A little surprising how few are for sale here. Only 2 as of the time of this article, $19,000 to $22,000 roughly. These debuted as 2007 models and inventory levels were non-existant in the later half of ‘07. Even with the 2008 model on the way, used hybrid Saturn suv’s might be scarce for another year or two. Check here if you’re feeling lucky!
Used Toyota Highlander hybrid: Hybrid Toyota’s are really not right now, from the Prius to the Camry to the Highlander. The Highlander might just be the hardest to find, as many people seem to be hanging on to the one they have. Only 17 showed up in our search on cars.com today, with prices between $22,000 and $36,000. Give it a shot now.
Used hybrid Chevy Tahoe: Not surprising, there are none available yet. You can check here.
Used Mazda Tribute hybrid: Also, none available today. Check back by searching here.
Used hybrid GMC Yukon: Sorry, they’ve only been available “new” for a few weeks…so be patient and try back here.
About 560 used hybrid sport utility vehicles on Cars.com right now, which is a big improvement from a year or two ago. You might also try our Buy a Hybrid section. Be sure to let us know where you do your searches so we can add it to our list.
