Fewer people are buying new cars. Why would you want to purchase a brand new vehicle that is only worth 80 percent of what you paid for it the minute you drive it home?

That’s why car dealers are shifting more of their resources to sell used and certified vehicles.

But do you know the main reasons why consumers are turning to the used car market? Let’s all say this together now: “rising gas prices and the subprime mortgage crisis.” It seems like those two things are two of the most influential factors when making purchasing decisions today.

The owner of a dealership in Baltimore said that he is carrying fewer new cars, but his used car business is more than making up for that deficiency. And that seems to be the consensus across the country, too.

Last year, consumers purchased more than 16 million new cars and light trucks. But industry forecasters expect those numbers to drop by about a half-million for the 2008 figures. The used car market, however, sees about 42 million units sold every year. And those sales won’t be dwindling any time soon.

Another good thing about the popular used car market is that it brings the prices of new cars down. It’s a simple question of supply and demand. With less demand for new cars, the prices drop. So that makes a win-win situation for any consumer who is searching for either a new or a used car.

If you’re interested in a quality used vehicle, a certified Ford is a great choice. With the extended warranty, roadside assistance and other conveniences, you simply can’t go wrong.  For any used or certified Ford, please visit our Ford dealers in St. Louis Mo or our Ford dealership in Waterloo.