Don't Sell Your SUV; Kelley Blue Book Data Reveals Costs May Outweigh Gains

Increasing gas prices have encouraged consumers to trade-in their SUVs for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, but it is important to examine the big picture before making a final decision. According to Kelley Blue Book (http://www.kbb.com/), the leading provider of new- and used-vehicle information, the SUV market has dropped more than 8 percent since September of last year. Kelley Blue Book data reveals depreciation between three to five thousand dollars in SUVs during the past six months. While depreciation is common, eight percent is generally seen over 12 to 18 months, not six to eight. Mid-size SUVs have dropped seven percent, while large SUVs have declined 8 percent. In addition, full-size trucks have depreciated eight percent along with the entire market.

"While it might be tempting to trade-in your big SUV after spending $100 to fill its gas tank, it is important you take everything into consideration before you decide to change vehicles or you may end up spending thousands of dollars to save hundreds," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. "Large SUVs and SUVs with four-wheel drive are nearing their minimum price points so we expect depreciation will slow, and we anticipate there will be an uptick in buyer interest in SUVs as we approach winter, contingent on regional factors and gas prices. Hanging onto your current vehicle and riding out the current gas prices could be the most economical answer."

Don't let emotions make your decision -- you might be troubled by your current gasoline costs, but costs associated with acquiring, operating and insuring a new vehicle will most likely outweigh them. Below are a few suggestions in determining whether to sell your SUV

  *  Is your SUV paid off?  If not, be aware that you might be "upside down"
     on your current auto loan, owing more than it's worth
  *  Do the math -- look at the monthly payments for your alternative
     vehicle, check your credit and research all financing options
  *  Calculate monthly gas mileage for alternative used and new vehicles.
     Miles-per-gallon information and fuel-tank capacities are available on
     http://www.kbb.com/
  *  Choose wisely -- make the decision that best fits your needs without
     tiring your purse strings

  About Kelley Blue Book (http://www.kbb.com/sitemap)

Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company's top-rated Web site, kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New Car Blue Book® Value, which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book® Official Guide. Kbb.com is rated the No. 1 automotive information site by Nielsen//NetRatings and the most visited auto site by J.D. Power and Associates nine years in a row. No other medium reaches more in-market vehicle shoppers than kbb.com; nearly one in every three American car buyers performs their research on kbb.com.

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SOURCE: Kelley Blue Book

CONTACT: Media, Robyn Eckard, +1-949-268-3049, reckard@kbb.com, Joanna
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+1-949-267-4781, berobinson@kbb.com, all of Kelley Blue Book

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