It has been no great secret that as of late, people have been cutting back. Sales among new cars for sale have been driving lately towards cars, small SUVs, and smaller pickup trucks. Large truck sales and other large SUVs have been on the decline as people search for not just the best new car price but the best value.
Fuel costs have of course been a major topic in these trends. As more cars offer 40 MPG and gas prices keep climbing people have become more interested in smaller or lighter vehicles that get better mileage. People search car comparisons to see where they can eek out the most fuel for their money.
But the question is not about small being the new in thing. People want the best small SUV, but they still want the size, height, and command of an SUV. More people are shopping sedans and small hatchbacks for the 40 MPG but they aren't begging for micro cars.
Is this simply a matter of price? New car incentives are down due in large part to limited inventory either because of the disaster in Japan and some automakers slow transition away from their beloved trucks and large SUVs. But you also pay less for new cars for sale if you simply buy less car as well.
So which is it? Is it the best new car price, the better gas mileage, or are people suddenly learning to live within their means. Maybe people are realizing that a single person commuter car does not need to be a seven seater SUV. After all some of the largest new car incentives are on large trucks right now.
Maybe it is just value shopping as car comparison tools allow shoppers to squeeze the most out of their money, but is it to much to hope for that we see more small SUV and efficient cars? It would probably be best for everyone.