Most-Researched Used & New Cars in March
The lists of used vehicles most researched in March at NADAguides.com as well as Kelley Blue Book’s website reinforced how diverse the customer base is that dealers are trying to serve nowadays.
Among the top 10 most-researched used models at NADAguides.com, the first three models were full-size pickups, led by the Ford F-150, then the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ram 1500. Another full-size truck, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500, also made the March list, coming in at No. 7.
The remainder of the listed included in the April issue of Guidelines from NADA Used Car Guide covered a wide array of models, include the Honda Accord, Ford Mustang, Toyota Camry, BMW 3 Series, Nissan Altima and Chevrolet Impala.
Meanwhile, the top 25 list sent to Auto Remarketing by KBB on Tuesday didn't mention a full-size pickup until No. 15. The top half of the list constituted a variety of sedans and SUVs.
The most-researched used vehicles at KBB.com in March were:
1. Honda Civic
2. Honda Accord
3. Toyota Camry
4. Toyota Corolla
5. BMW 3 Series
6. Nissan Altima
7. Jeep Wrangler
8. Ford Mustang
9. Honda CR-V
10. Jeep Grand Cherokee
11. Volkswagen Jetta
12. Ford Focus
13. Ford Escape
14. Ford Explorer
15. Ford F-150 SuperCrew Cab
16. Ford F-150 Super Cab
17. Honda Odyssey
18. Chevrolet Impala
19. Chevrolet Malibu
20. Chevrolet Tahoe
21. Toyota RAV4
22. Subaru Impreza
23. Ford Taurus
24. Mazda MAZDA3
25. Ford Fusion
Most-Researched Used Brands
Turning back to data shared by NADA UCG, South Korean automakers Kia and Hyundai enjoyed quite a surge of consumer activity for their used vehicles in March at NADAguides.com.
Kia led all brands in year-over-year gains with a 77 percent lift. Hyundai wasn’t far off that pace with a 65-percent increase.
Seven other brands generated jumps of at least 40 percent in March. That contingent included:
— Porsche: up 53 percent
— Subaru: up 51 percent
— Audi: up 50 percent
— Jaguar: up 44 percent
— GMC: up 42 percent
— Nissan: up 42 percent
— Mercedes-Benz: up 40 percent
Only one brand’s consumer activity in the used space softened in March. That was Land Rover, which dipped 3 percent year-over-year.
New-Vehicle Activity at KBB.com
KBB also sent Auto Remarketing its Top 25 most-researched new vehicles in March. That rundown went as follows:
1. Honda CR-V
2. Honda Accord
3. Toyota Camry
4. Toyota Highlander
5. Mazda CX-5
6. Subaru Forester
7. Honda Civic
8. Toyota RAV4
9. Nissan Rogue
10. Ford Escape
11. Nissan Altima
12. Ford Fusion
13. Jeep Grand Cherokee
14. Kia Sorento
15. Toyota Corolla
16. Jeep Wrangler
17. Lexus RX
18. Mazda MAZDA3
19. Ford Explorer
20. Ford Mustang
21. Nissan Pathfinder
22. Ford Focus
23. Jeep Cherokee
24. Subaru Outback
25. Honda Pilot
Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence senior manager Arthur Henry noted that compact and midsize SUV/crossover vehicles continue to be popular among new-model shoppers since those vehicles took seven out of the 10 slots in the ranking. Henry pointed out that Honda CR-V continues to lead the charge as it has been the most researched vehicle throughout the year.
“Interest in Subaru vehicles are starting to wane after a successful ad campaign in February,” Henry said. “The Forester has declined three spots, the Outback has declined two spots and the XV Crosstrek has dropped out of the Top 25.
“Successes in drawing consumer attention are the highly incentivized Toyota Camry and the heavily advertised Nissan Rogue,” Henry went on to say. “The Lexus RX increased in rank since this model is commonly cross-shopped as more luxury models become prevalent in the marketplace.”