Used cars are still a hot commodity, even though new vehicle sales are picking up and decreasing the demand for pre-owned models. The experts at Kelley Blue Book are projecting that the value of used vehicles will rise ever so slightly in the first quarter of 2013. Demand was high during the recession, as many consumers looked to used cars to save money. As the economy continues to recover, more people are buying new vehicles, which not only alleviates pressure on the used car inventory, but the trade-ins are helping to increase the number of available used models.

This initially lowered the value of used cars a bit, but high gas prices and recovering inventories have kept values from dropping too much. The first quarter of 2012 saw used car values jump up 2.5 percent, and KBB states this increase was due to high gas prices that hovered near the $4 mark. For the first three months of 2013, KBB predicts that used car values may increase as much as 1 percent across all vehicle classes. This is based on the assumption that gas prices will remain constant and the used-vehicle inventory will grow during this time period.

Based on these presumptions, KBB indicates that the value of small cars and hybrid models will increase more than any other classes – as much as 2 percent. Not only will these models remain popular despite gas prices that are expected to remain around $3.50 per gallon, but drivers in areas affected by Hurricane Sandy may be especially inclined to opt for these models, as they are fuel-efficient and more affordable than larger models. Car shoppers in the New York/New Jersey area can find the ride they're looking for at NJ State Auto Auction, which carries a wide selection of makes and models.