SYRACUSE, NY (WSYR-TV) - If you're in the market for a new car, chances are you'll be paying more this year. From satellite radio to GPS units, drivers are expected to add more perks to their purchases, even as gas prices rise.
"The mustang is on the wish list. The pick-up truck is on the need list," said Randy Beach as he walked through the aisles of the Syracuse Auto Expo. "I'd like to buy something that I want and if I have to spend a little bit more, I guess I don't mind doing it."
That attitude has dealers excited as U.S. consumers are paying 11% more on average for new vehicles and rebates are smaller, according to the Wall Street Journal, comparing figures to 2008. Dealers hope it's a sign that the auto industry and the economy are in recovery mode. In Syracuse, there's a mix of optimism and caution.
"They're probably a little bit more careful about how they spend their money," said salesman Mark Forcione of Heritage Lincoln. "I mean they are maybe selecting a bit more vehicle because they may plan to have it a longer period of time."
Good mileage is a key selling point. According to www.gasbuddy.com, the average price of regular gas in Syracuse Saturday was roughly $3.82 a gallon, compared to $3.77 last week, and $3.61 last month. That's about 30 cents higher than the national average.
While prices normally rise in the Spring, this is the earliest drivers have seen a regular gallon hit $3.50. There's concern the February spike could be followed by much higher prices by April.
"People are definitely looking at the window stickers and looking at averages probably a little bit more," said Forcione. "They know that gas prices are going up and everybody is feeling it a little bit."
SUV shopper John Basteno believes it will take at least a few years for the economy to build strength, but he's siding with optimism.
"Rising gas prices would mean that the economy is getting a whole lot better and everybody benefits," said Basteno. "That is another way of looking at it."
Randy Beach is less concerned with gas prices and more concerned with buying something he can live with for the next six years.
"Hopefully, whatever I buy, it is going to have half-way decent gas mileage," said Beach. "For what I saved on riding snowmobiles this year, I can probably afford a little bit more in a car."
Another reason to keep the Mustang on the wish list.
