By Moses Leos III

Recent declines in gas prices have reinvigorated consumers’ confidence in purchasing large trucks and SUVs. 

However, the fluctuating state of gas prices continues to determine the cars people purchase. 

According to Dustin Rogers, new car manager at Roger Beasley Hyundai in Kyle, such a trend is common among swings in gas prices. 

“When gas prices are high, they (consumers) go for the gas savers,” Rogers said. “When prices are low, they tend to go for the (Sports Utility Vehicles).” 

Christian Guerra, used car sales manager at Nissan San Marcos, said lowered gas prices open the options for those wising to buy new and used vehicles. It also improves the morale of customers, where “they are more apt to spend.” 

During times of high gas prices, Guerra said families often seek fuel-efficient crossover SUVs. Currently, he said many families aren’t as reluctant to purchase a new truck or SUV, and still be able to afford it. 

However, those seeking hybrid and fuel-efficient vehicles often must justify the purchase at this time. He said customers pay “a premium for that type of technology.” 

“It’s a little harder justification financially for the customer to pay for a premium for something that gives them better gas mileage, when in realtiy the cars without the premium are getting comparable consumption,” Guerra said. 

But has that changed car buying in Hays County? 

Guerra said his dealership had an increase in sales during the holiday season. However, he said it follows normal trends of higher sales in December, followed by slowdown in January. 

He said the dealership stocked up on Nissan Altimas and other cars “that would sell off the shelf.” 

However, blending customer wants with their budget is also critical. 

Meanwhile, Rogers said lower gas prices didn’t affect sales at the Kyle dealership. He believed units sold from 2013 to 2014 were the same.

However, higher gas prices could spur more sales for Hyundai and other fuel-efficient vehicles. 

“The tipping point is $3.25 at the gas pumps. Then they (customers) start looking at gas savers,” he said. “When it tips that point, you’ll start seeing an influx of business…when gas prices are high, Hyundai does really well.”

Changing auto sales trends from 2013 to 2014*

SUV Crossovers

Small Luxury +18.6%

Compact +14.5%

Mid-Size +12.3%

Non-Luxury +.8%

Hybrid -11.5%

Cars

Small Non-Luxury +.8

Mid-Size +1.2%

Full-Sized -9.8%

Hybrid -11.5%