A recent survey of car collectors by Hagerty Insurance found that they would be sad to see 10 current models go if struggling automakers decide to discontinue certain models and makes.

But, those looking to pick up American classics like the Chevrolet Camaro and the Saturn Sky may have to turn to the used car listings to sate their thirst for the gasoline-powered greats based on industry reports.

GM is reportedly closing up shop on Saturn and Pontiac production, including the Sky roadster and its Solstice counterpart that provided American buyers the chance to buy a 170-hp convertible at a lower price point than many of its competitors.

Edmunds said the 2006 model year cars had “nimble handling” and offered lots of legrooms in a stylish package.

“As car enthusiasts, many of us would hate to see these cars become extinct,” said Hagerty Insurance CEO McKeel Hagerty. “We appreciate the place in American society that a great car can occupy and the value of that car to future motorists down the road. It would be sad to see them go.”

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The economic downturn may give those looking to buy a used car an inadvertent boost, according to new government data that says used models are more affordable than they’ve been in at least a year.

According to the Consumer Price Index, used car prices are about 2 percent cheaper than they were in February, and 12 percent cheaper than if a buyer had made the same car buy in March 2008.

Although gas prices are up somewhat from February, and may hit $2.36 a gallon by the summertime, used car buyers can counteract that by purchasing more fuel efficient cars which can go further on the same tank of gas.

Drivers can also take advantage of the fact that $4 prices for a gallon of gas are highly doubtful for the near future, as prices are down to nearly half of what they were a year ago.

Those who are on a tight budget may be able to take advantage of utility and energy costs that are somewhat cheaper than they were a year ago, and are likely to improve as the weather turns warmer.

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A marketing research firm is predicting used car sales to continue to be strong through 2010, the Detroit Free Press reports.

The CNW Marketing Research, which is based in Oregon, reported that approximately 13 percent of new car shoppers left dealerships with a certified used car instead, according to the article.

Furthermore, CNW expects used car sales to continue in its popularity through 2010 and predicts sales of 40 million in the market, an increase of 9.5 percent from last year’s number of 36.5 million.

One reason people may be gravitating toward used cars instead of new ones is the weak economy, which has caused many individuals and families to tighten their budget.

For those looking to buy a used car, some car officials recommend consumers order a vehicle history report and have an independent mechanic evaluate the vehicle in an effort to know the car’s status.

Recently AOL released a list of the Best Used Cars Under $20,000 and placed the 200 Audi A4 Avant Quattro in the best wagon category.

“We like the 2.0T engine for its racy driving characteristics and fuel efficiency,” stated the website.

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Japanese automaker Mazda says that it will ramp up efforts to deliver better fuel economy on many of its product lines.

The company wants to increase fuel economy across all models by 30 percent in the next five years, aided in some cases by a move towards hybrid vehicles, according to an Automotive News report.

“Our new gasoline engines will achieve the same fuel economy as current diesel engines, and our diesel engines will achieve similar fuel economy as existing hybrids,” Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi told the news provider.

While some Mazda fans may be willing to wait, there are many used cars that offer similar fuel economy, and some may be less expensive than their newer counterparts.

Diesel-powered vehicles, such as those made by German makes like Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes Benz offer used car buyers up to 30 percent more fuel economy than those powered by standard engines, and a variety of models have been using the power train for years.

Other opportunities for used car buyers looking for a car that’s stingy in gasoline consumption are hybrids such as the Toyota Prius or the Honda Insight, which incorporate electric motors and see combined efficency ratings above 35 miles per gallon.

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