The trade-in value of SUVs has crashed as gas prices have risen.  With the big gas-guzzlers worth less than ever, thousands of Americans have tried to get rid of their large vehicles, and a glut of SUVs now sites unsold on used car lots.  The Wall Street Journal reports, " A three-year-old large SUV today is worth about $2,000 to $3,000 less at trade-in than a three-year-old large SUV would have been in 2007, before gas prices began to soar, according to Marc Cannon of AutoNation Inc., the largest U.S. auto retailer. A three-year-old Chevy Tahoe that might have fetched $19,700 in September 2007, he says. Today, a three-year-old Tahoe might be worth $16,400 at trade-in."  But should you run out and unload your Explorer as fast as possible, before its value falls any farther?

Industry experts from Kelley Blue Book say no, you shouldn't.

Autoblog explains, "Even though SUV and truck values have dropped about eight percent since September (an eight percent drop usually takes between 12 and 18 months), KBB thinks that these large vehicles are 'nearing their minimum price points.'"  KBB expects "an uptick in buyer interest in SUVs" as winter approaches. 

Denver ABC affiliate KMGH adds, "Blue Book recommends consumers look at monthly payments for an alternative vehicle, check their credit and compare those costs to what they spend for the SUV now in gas and payments." 

If it does make sense for you to trade down to something more efficient, research the best small cars and hybrids with U.S. News' car rankings and reviews.

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