2011 Good 2012 Great 2011 was a good year for the consumer because of three factors in acquiring a new car. One used car values were at their highest level book to value than ever before. Two interests rates stayed at an all time low across the board with most manufacturers keeping 0% for 36 in some cases up to 60 months. Third lease rates were at an all time low which allowed the consumer just 1st payment out of pocket. Only one of the three will you see a change in 2012 "trade in value" thats because the manufacturer assembly plants are now at full capacity and are able to put more new car inventory back on the dealers lots where the will be less need for the used car segment to be the bread and butter of the day to day operations.