The whims of car buyers can change frequently, but one of the biggest influences in purchasing decisions is the current state of fuel prices.

When fuel prices were down throughout 2010, many automakers reported sales gains for SUVs and pickup trucks. However, now that the average price for a gallon of gas is back up to $3.50, shoppers are increasingly looking to hybrids and compacts, USA Today reports.

A recent survey by AutoTrader found that 53 percent of respondents indicated that they were considering switching to a more fuel-efficient vehicle as a direct result of rising prices. A similar poll by Kelley Blue Book found that four out of five consumers were influenced by gas prices in February, which was an 11 percent increase over January.

Those trends are showing up in sales figures as well. As compared to February 2010, Toyota's Prius hybrid saw a 70 percent increase in sales last month, according to AutoData. The Honda Civic and Ford Fusion hybrids similarly saw increases of 54 and 12 percent, respectively.

Drivers looking to save money on their next vehicle may want to consider New Jersey State Auto Auction. The company offers a wide range of a fuel-efficient cars for sale at affordable prices.