IRVINE, CA - Kelley Blue Book reported that vehicles typically found in high volume within rental fleets have appreciated most since the start of the year, as covered in the company's Blue Book Market Report for December 2011.  Kelley Blue Book's analysis highlights that affordable buying opportunities remain available even in this supply constrained market.

The Kia Rio, Chevrolet Aveo and Chrysler PT Cruiser all increased more than 10 percent in value since January, while vehicles not typically found in rental fleet, including the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, are flat on a year-to-date basis due to maintaining relatively high values throughout the year.  Used-car values remain at historically high levels so as shoppers continue to seek affordable vehicles, rental fleet provides dealers and consumers a significant value proposition in today's economy.

"When the market heated up, dealers were looking for budget vehicles that met consumer financial and fuel-efficiency needs and these rental-fleet vehicles offered an incredible value when the market prices were high," said Alec Gutierrez, manager of vehicle valuation for Kelley Blue Book.  "Overall, dealers can expect to save more than $2,000 when purchasing a three-year-old highly fleeted compact, while savings on a fleet-heavy crossover will only yield a modest $500." 

High-Fleet Compacts $2,200 Cheaper than Segment Average

Make

Model

Trim

Auction Value

Vs. $10,000 Segment Avg.

Chrysler

PT Cruiser

Sport Wagon 4D

$6,700

($3,300)

Dodge

Caliber

SXT Sport Wagon 4D

$8,525

($1,475)

Chevrolet

HHR

LT Sport Wagon 4D

$9,350

($650)

Chevrolet

Cobalt

LT Sedan 4D

$7,900

($2,100)

Suzuki

Forenza

Sedan 4D

$6,475

($3,525)

Note: All values reflect a MY2008 vehicle w/60,000 miles

Average:

($2,210)

With the unemployment rate at 8.6 percent and many homeowners still upside down on their mortgage, many families will likely consider a vehicle that was a prior rental, so dealers should consider bidding when a low mileage rental unit becomes available at auction.

The monthly Blue Book Market Report explores the state of the automotive industry by analyzing Kelley Blue Book Auction Values.  The report also discusses developments in residual values and trends in monthly used-car shopper activity on kbb.com.