Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/24/business/24auto.html?_r=3&ref=automobiles
The New York Times - June 23, 2011
Rule of thumb says that a car loses at least 10% of its value the moment it leaves dealership Soaring used-car values turning that formula on its head for many fuel-efficient vehicles Used cars over all retaining higher percentage of original value than ever before One to 5 year old compact cars worth about 30% more on wholesale market than just 6-mths ago Some of biggest gainers are hybrid cars; offered at big discounts last year Toyota Prius in particular demand; Japanese factory that builds it closed for a month Confluence of factors creating low supplies / high demand behind unprecedented prices Many buyers seeking higher-mileage vehicle consider used car more affordable than new one Plunge in new-vehicle sales in 2008-09 meant significantly fewer late-model cars are available Tight credit markets led to sharp cutback in leasing; usually steady stream of leased vehicles Shortages of Japanese models at many new-car dealerships due to earthquake / tsunami Used cars likely to spend rest of yr shedding some of value they have gained in recent mths "There’s just so many things hitting the market all at once." -- Alec Gutierrez, manager of used-car pricing, Kelley Blue Book