A used Prius is a hot commodity these days

Buyers are so eager to start saving gas with the nation’s best-selling hybrid that they’re paying more for a used Prius than they’d pay for a new one if they were willing to wait.

Driven by gas prices and waiting lists for new Priuses at many dealers, buyers paid an average $27,945 in June for a 2008 Prius with an average 8,000 miles on it


Even 2007 models that had logged an average 22,000 miles sold for only $276 less than dealers were getting for a Prius direct from the factory.

“Demand for fuel-efficient vehicles is so strong that the customer is willing to buy used ones at a significant premium,” Power’s Tom Libby says.

Underscoring dramatic changes gripping the auto industry, July sales results being released Friday are expected to be down in double-digits vs. 2007. Sales of full-size SUVs, pickups and sedans continue to drag under most big automakers, even as small car and hybrid sales are strong.

USA Today