Rochester, N.Y. - Gas prices rose another nickel overnight, with Rochester now paying an average of $3.58 according to Triple A (and most locations are already higher than that). That's why you'll notice some changes at the auto show this weekend.
"I think we've learned our lesson from years past when we saw gas prices take a spike and there wasn't maybe enough selection out there," says Brad McAreavy, president of the Rochester Auto Dealers Association. "But there is a lot of selection out there right now."
There has to be. Even SUV buyers like Dick Powers tell us they're setting baselines when it comes to gas mileage.
"I'm certainly worried about rising fuel prices," Powers says. "The car that we would get would have to get at least 20 miles to the gallon, or more. And it wasn't always this way."
One thing to keep in mind if you're heading to the Rochester International Auto Show this weekend: almost every model lists an estimated annual fuel cost, but that cost is going to be lower than your actual cost. That's because the estimated cost is based on 15,000 miles and $3.00 per gallon. Gas prices are on their way to being 33% higher by the spring.
Here's a list of some of the most fuel-efficient models on display this weekend (and this does not include hybrids or the new Chevy Volt):
Chevy Cruze Eco, peaks at 42 miles per gallon
Ford Fiesta, peaks at 38 miles per gallon
Honda Civic, peaks at 36 miles per gallon
Toyota Carolla, peaks at 34 miles per gallon
Buick Regal, peaks at 30 miles per gallon
