My parents recently traded their 4-Runner sport utility vehicle for a Honda Civic, and in the process, more than doubled their gas mileage. Admittedly, beyond gas mileage, their 4-Runner was getting old, didn’t drive well, and was just too big for their needs. However, getting over 30 miles per gallon and being able to fit in parking spaces up in San Francisco were huge benefits as well.
To no one’s surprise, I came across some numbers showing the movement towards smaller cars. During the first quarter of this year, large SUV sales plummeted 28 percent, while sales of subcompact cars rose 32 percent. A survey conducted by J.D. Power indicates one third of buyers who traded in their SUVs picked a small crossover or a compact car to replace it. Only 5 percent upgraded to a larger vehicle. To put things into perspective, SUV sales reached 3 million vehicles in 2003 – they are expected to be half of that this year, and there seems to be no end to the decline. There have even been reports that some used car dealerships aren’t buying SUVs at any price because they simply aren’t selling.
With gas prices skyrocketing, all car owners, especially SUV owners, are feeling the pinch at the pump. By downsizing from an SUV, owners can save as much as one half to two thirds on their gas bills – at $120 or more a fill up for SUVs, that is a substantial savings. Even those who buy larger cars are opting for more fuel efficient four cylinder models, instead of six cylinder models. Once spurned for their lack of power, four cylinder cars are dramatically increasing in popularity.
My hope is that this marks a shift in philosophy, where bigger, faster, and more power is not better or more in vogue. In Europe and Asia, many of our smallest cars are their standard or large cars. For example, the most powerful BMW models in Europe or Japan have engines typically found in the “entry level” BMW models here. With gas prices twice or three times as high, bigger and more powerful is not better. I personally drive a six cylinder car. When it’s time for my next vehicle, I will definitely look at smaller four cylinder cars and hybrids.
It looks like being environmental aware and having a larger pocketbook, not a larger car, are back in style.
I picked out my (new) used car from my friend who just started working at Auction Direct. It only took a couple of hours to do the paperwork and I was on my way…I think their site was auctiondirectusa.com.
I’m sold