Trading in for a hybrid

Edmunds released another top 10 list a few days ago, and I've been trying to write about it ever since. Unfortunately, there was an issue at their site all day yesterday and I couldn't find the article again. But it's back up and I can finally get the whole list.

What cars are being traded in when buyers go for a hybrid? According to Edmunds, it's a mixed bag:

1. Toyota Prius
2. Toyota Camry
3. Honda Civic
4. Honda Accord
5. Ford Explorer
6. Toyota Highlander
7. Jeep Grand Cherokee
8. Ford Escape
9. Toyota Corolla
10. Lexus RX 300

It's not surprising to see some of the most popular cars being traded in at high rates. After all, there are more out there to be traded. Also, Edmunds points out the high loyalty rating Toyota enjoys. Given that most hybrids being sold are from Toyota, its not surprising to see 5 Toyota/Lexus vehicles being traded in for hybrids. Also, the Prius has a very high satisfaction rating, so its really no surprise to see the Prius labeled number one. A highly satisfied customer who decides to go new will often buy the same car.

One suggestion for Edmunds. It might be interesting to see these ranked by a percentage of cars available. What I'm thinking about is the Honda Insight. Never in major production, it might be interesting to see if previous Insight owners go hybrid again (I'm thinking they do). But they'll never end up on this list given the low production numbers.

Source: Top 10 Models Traded In for Hybrids