Interested in a hybrid? Better buy before gas rises much higher.

Many automotive analysts have been bullish regarding hybrid cars because they feel that gas would have to hit $3.50 to justify the extra cost of hybrids. Other studies have shown that $3.00 is the critical benchmark for the majority of Americans. Nonetheless, 50% of consumers already say fuel efficiency is driving their next vehicle purchase.

SUV sales are already down some 20 percent this year, and we have not hit the $3.00 mark yet - in most places. If we hit those threshold numbers, SUV sales are predicted to plummet far lower.

Many of those leaving the larger SUV market are heading to crossovers, which is certain to drive Toyota Highlander hybrid demand even higher. Ultimately, however, if the U.S. does hit $3.00 or $3.50 per gallon prices, the majority of Americans might be interested in hybrids, but there probably won't be any available.

This year Honda is only planning to sell about 25,000 each of the Accord hybrid and the Civic hybrid, and Ford is planning roughly the same for the Escape hybrid.

Thus, if you are interested in purchasing a hybrid, buy now. As the Toyota Prius is showing, resale value is often higher than the original sticker price. In a couple of months, used hybrids might be the only hybrids available for some time.