Don’t be surprised if the young drivers in your circle seek out a fuel-efficient car with plenty of extras, even on tight budgets.

Although those shopping for used cars might not be able to snap up a Toyota Prius or other new-model “green” car that has generated a lot of buzz in the media, they still have plenty of options. Small sport utility vehicles, such as the Ford Escape, or even subcompacts and compacts such as the Mazda Protégé, are increasingly popular as used cars.

“Last year the No. 1 thing on people’s minds was efficiency,” especially for younger drivers, said Kevin Buehler, owner of Patriot Automotive in Eldersburg.

As demand increases, it sometimes makes the number of fuel-efficient cars — especially in the used car lots — less available than some shoppers would wish. Those who shop in Eldersburg will find that dealers work with each other to find the right car for customers, Buehler said. That’s not the case in most markets.

The good news is that plenty of extra equipment, such as side air bags, is standard in many of the older-model used cars. That’s a relief to many safety-conscious parents or first-time car buyers.

“Technology has finally caught up with the market,” Buehler said.

Of course, there are also plenty of younger drivers who are transitioning from college into a career who have plenty of extra cash to spend on a car.

Dealer Scott Northcutt, of Northcutt Chevy/Buick/Toyota in Enid, Okla., sees many twentysomethings with plenty of money to spend on autos, due in part to the U.S. Air Force base in his area. “Some of these highly paid pilots are only 22 years old,” he said. “They have disposable income and don’t mind spending it.”

Many times, those buyers want something special many dealers don’t stock. The demand — from buyers of all ages for Jaguars and high-end luxury vehicles — is another solid market filled by Patriot. The Web site for the dealership attracts buyers from throughout the U.S. looking for a special car at a fair price.

“We focus on what people want so they come back and buy,” Buehler said. “That’s how we do business.”

And guess what, added Patriot Sales Manager Roy Hall: “It works.”

Dealer at a glance:

Patriot Automotive

www.patriotautomotive.us

6229 Sykesville Road (Route 32) at Lee Lane

Eldersburg

410-552-0997

Toll Free: 877-840-0994

Comments from Examiner Readers

12:41 AM MST on Tue., May. 6, 2008 re: "Vintage Triumphs roll on"

Examiner Reader said:
It is refreshing to see that their are motorcyclist out there that are as passionate about their bikes as the Harley Davidson nation. And heck, I think it is great that they are passionate about their bikes too! I am a motorcyclist and I love to ride. I do ride a Honda VTX1300R. It is my second Honda and I also have owned a Kawasaki (KLR250). I have always loved the styling of the old Triumph's and from what I have seen of the new bikes, the Tiger, Bonneville, Speed Tiples and others they are really incredible looking and performing bikes. Much like Harley, from what I understand, they have worked out a lot of the old bugaboos that came with the bikes in the past. Again, I think it is great that everybody has their own personal prefernce but when it comes down to it I love to ride. I can't fathom the comments that I have heard like, "If I can't ride a (blank) I won't ride anything." Hondas, Triumphs, Victory, Harley, Ducati, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Norton... I love 'em all! John Mozuk

Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

10:15 PM MST on Tue., Mar. 25, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

IN THE KNOW said:
This place is going to be sold to Marine-Max or so it goes around the Harbor

Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

3:41 PM MST on Sun., Mar. 2, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
The new location looks very nice....The service is still luke warm at best, and the charges are out of line for the east coast

43 agree | 31 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

3:35 PM MST on Sun., Mar. 2, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
You should check with yacht owners that have gone to other yards due to poor service and overpriced labor! I tell every one up and down the ICW to avoid this place at all cost. You do your readership a great diservice when you write such crap!

28 agree | 31 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

10:36 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 22, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Never Again said:
This fluff piece is a buncha hooey. They have a really bad reputation.....have had it for years.... They are arrogant from the top down..... Tidewater Yacht Service Tidewater Yacht Service.....

38 agree | 39 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

7:03 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 22, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
This yard is a rip off. You store your boat there for the winter and then they remeasure it after you have paid them and charge you more a coupla months later.

54 agree | 29 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

9:16 PM MST on Tue., Nov. 27, 2007 re: "Dealer ensures cycles 'fit' the customers"

Examiner Reader said:
I was fortunate enough to meet these guys last weekend and let me tell you one thing, Jon and Shawn are a class act in both customer service and up front honesty. Very few business men who can fit this mold. Keep up the great work guys. Looking forward in building my dream bike soon. Thanks for all your advice! Big Daddy Dog Route 40 Bikers' Paradise USA

88 agree | 90 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate