It’s a fact that the economic downturn is leaving some used car buyers in New York looking for avenues to relieve some tension, and a well-handling sports car like the Chevrolet Corvette is on the minds of some, according to one car website.

Carmax, which provides reviews of used automobiles, is reporting that sports car searches are up 6 percent this month, and the Corvette was its 17th most searched car.

The car was also named the National Automobile Dealer Associations Car of the Month for May, in part because “the suspension is refined, the engine is powerful and efficient and the layout is very practical,” according to Michael Caudill, NADAguides.com auto expert.

Those looking to test drive a used Chevrolet Corvette will be able to hear the throat of the 350 horsepower V8 in the 2003 model, contributing to the coupe’s “ultrahigh performance” according to Edmunds.com editors.

But the website noted that with the power put to the pavement, the used Corvette also provided a car that could provide used car buyers with “daily-driver livability,” thanks to dual-zone air conditioning and other amenities.

Find Used Chevrolet Cars in New York with New Jersey State Auto