Southwest Idaho vehicle sales declined 3.2 percent to 5,068 in April compared with April 2011, led by a drop in used car purchases.

New vehicle sales rose, as they have for much of the past year Total new vehicles sales were 1,525, up 5.5 percent from April 2011.

Used cars are becoming scarce and prices are rising to within reach of new vehicles. Stocks of used cars were depleted as people held onto their vehicles through the recession and the government's Cash for Clunkers program in 2009 took many older models out of circulation. Used car sales in the Treasure Valley were down 6.5 percent to 3,543 compared with April 2011.

New car sales began climbing in 2010, led by customers who were trading in worn-out vehicles with well more than 100,000 miles on the odometer and by the demand for more fuel efficient vehicles.

Dennis Dillon was the top new car dealership in April, with an increase of 65 percent from April 2011.

Bronco Motors was the top used vehicle dealership in April, but sales were down almost 43 percent from last year.

Figures are compiled for the Idaho Statesman marketing department by Cross Sell.