While the sale of new cars dropped sharply during the recent collapse of the automotive industry, owners of used cars found that their assets actually increased in value as a result of a fortunate confluence of events.

Last year’s Cash of Clunkers program incited many Americans to buy newer, more fuel efficient cars, and took many used vehicles off the road, ABC affiliate KFBB 5 reports.

In addition, as many automakers responded to the recession by pulling older models out of production, owners of used cars found that some of their vehicles actually gained value after their purchase.

For instance, Jerome and Patricia Fuller, a South Carolina couple, recently purchased a 2005 Dodge Durango, says CBS affiliate WSPA. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), the value of the used car has increased by 16 percent, or roughly $1500, in the last six months.

NADA reports also indicated that used cars that have experienced the greatest increase in value since December 2008: Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Explorer, Lincoln Navigator, Chevrolet Tahoe, Dodge Ram 1500, Ford F150, Chevrolet TrailBlazer and Chrysler Town & Country.