KBB: Used Shoppers in January Focus on ‘Practicality’

Kelley Blue Book contends consumers shopping for a used car in January had practicality on their minds, as the start of the New Year means a return to work and school.

KBB’s Arthur Henry explained shoppers displayed “an increased interest in the full-size crossover, hybrid car and compact car segments,” as 2013 got underway, according to KBBs Hot Used Car Report.

“January marks the end of the holidays and the start of the new year, which means the return to work and school. At this time, shoppers are looking toward practical vehicles that are multi-functional to serve their family’s needs; hence, the increase in shopping activity in the full-size crossover segment,” said Henry, manager of market intelligence and market analyst at KBB.

He says August is another month that shows similar trends for used vehicles, due to the back-to-school season.

Another factor behind used shopper interest trends this past January is gas prices, which are on the rise once again.

Henry said these spikes at the gas pump could be “prompting shoppers to pay more attention to the fuel-sipping hybrid car and compact car segments.”

The pair of compact cars gaining extra attention  this past month, in particular, are the 2007 Dodge Caliber and 2008 Mazda MAZD3, KBB reported.

Explaining the increase in shopper interest, Henry said, “The 2007 model year was the first year that the Caliber was available on the market as it replaced the Dodge Neon. Dodge’s goal with the Caliber was to offer a more versatile vehicle without sacrificing fuel economy. In the 2008 model year, Mazda3 added additional safety features, further increasing its appeal. The Mazda3 is a perennial favorite among consumers as it provides the complete package: fuel economy, space, style and affordability.”

Kelley Blue Book’s Hot Used-Car Report captures monthly used-car shopper activity on KBB.com, including a list of the top and bottom movers in the same time period, the company shared.