AutoTrader.com has released their monthly report of trends and statistics as it relates to vehicles sold through their online marketplace, which helps indicate interest in vehicles throughout the country.
Every month, AutoTrader publishes which cars are generating the most searches and interest on their website. The month of August saw a reversal of recent trends. Since gas prices began climbing to nearly $4 per gallon, most drivers were looking for compact cars with high miles per gallon ratings. However, with gas prices beginning to come back down, there has been a higher interest in trucks and SUVs.
Searches for August saw models like the Chevrolet Tahoe, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Ram 1500 all climb in the rankings. Meanwhile, best-sellers for the past few months like the Ford Focus, Hyundai Sonata and Chevrolet Cruze all saw fewer searches.
Prices were up sharply from the previous year, especially on used vehicles. Popular models like the Honda Accord and Civic were both up more than 10 percent over the average 2010 price.
Drivers who are planning on buying a used vehicle should keep in mind that a car comprises more than strictly the purchase price, as regular tune-ups, vehicle inspections, oil changes and other maintenance will also be expenses.