Fuel prices aren’t the only thing rising these days, prices of used hybrids and small, fuel-efficient cars have gone up a great deal in the last six months.  This is sparked by the shortage of popular, new vehicles that are fuel-efficient. Cars that were practically ignored last year are now being sold at a premium, due to high gas prices.

The used vehicle on the market today that is the most fuel-efficient is the 2007 version of the Toyota Prius hybrid.  Because of capped production, the 2008 Prius is hard to find, so people are turning to the used models.  On average, people paid $1,900 more in June for a 2007 Prius, than they paid in January of this year.  In other words, in six months, the price increased 9%.

Used hybrids aren’t the only cars seeing a price increase, the 2007 Mini Cooper prices have risen dramatically.  Customers paid on average, $2,300 more for a 2007 Mini in June than they did in January.  That amounts to a price increase of 12%.

Pre-Owned vehicles have a typical depreciation of 14-16% in a year, so a car that retains or increases its value is out of the ordinary.  The 2007 Prius and Mini have experienced this due to the high demand for fuel-efficient vehicles.  In addition, people are purchasing used car warranties to eliminate unnecessary repair costs down the road.