IRVINE, Calif. — Appreciation for off rental-fleet vehicles is at its highest point this year, according to Kelley Blue Book’s Blue Book Market Report for December 2011.

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, which KBB attributed to the fact that the two models have maintained relatively high values throughout the year. 

"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 KBB. "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."

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, according to KBB.com. Dealers are encouraged to consider bidding when a low mileage rental unit becomes available at auction.

For more information, visit www.kbb.com

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)

 

Make

Model

Trim

Auction Value

Vs. $14,000 Segment Avg.

Ford

Escape

XLT Sport Utility 4D

$14,675

$675

Jeep

Compass

Sport SUV 4D

$12,325

($1,675)

Chevrolet

Equinox

LT Sport Utility 4D

$13,725

($275)

Suzuki

Grand Vitara

Sport Utility 4D

$12,050

($1,950)

Kia

Sorento

EX Sport Utility 4D

$14,725

$725

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

Average:

($500)

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