CINCINNATI, April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The summer travel season has yet to hit, but gas prices are already topping $4 a gallon in much of the United States.  To gauge consumer reaction to increased fuel costs, Swapalease.com created an online survey to determine consumers' opinions and plans for managing the wallop to their wallets.  Not surprisingly, an overwhelming number of them are putting thought into leasing or buying a more energy-efficient vehicle.

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Seventy-seven percent of survey responses said better gas mileage was at the top of their list, with 49 percent of those considering a newer model year vehicle. Thirty-three percent of the group is researching hybrid cars, while the rest plan to save by swapping their current ride for a smaller one.

"The survey confirmed exactly what we expected," said Scot Hall, EVP of Operations, of Swapalease.com. "Gas prices are forcing drivers to look at their options – when it costs $75 every time you fill your tank, it adds up quickly. Fortunately, our unique lease-swap services are just what consumers need to get them from a gas guzzler to a sleek, fuel-efficient model quickly, easily and at an affordable cost."

Swapalease.com is the only full-service online marketplace of in-process vehicle leases, matching individuals who want to get out of their lease with people who are looking for short-term lease agreements. Prospective buyers can search the listings for the exact vehicle they want, and then register for a nominal fee, allowing them to use Swapalease.com's safe online system to contact the prospective seller and close the deal. The Lifetime Buyer's Club gives members the permanent opportunity to search Swapalease.com's inventory of cars and contact lease owners directly.

The survey offered several other interesting facts: nearly 60 percent of respondents plan to change their driving habits overall and their travel plans for the summer, while they were evenly split on making up the budget deficit by spending less at the mall, dining out less and cutting back on entertainment. More than three-quarters believe gas prices will increase or continue to fluctuate.

"The current gas cost situation is clearly impacting the morale and spending habits of the American driver," said Hall. "Lease takeover is the perfect way to put yourself in a more fuel-efficient car at a budget-friendly price. Swapalease.com's user-friendly format is great for those looking to get out of a lease, and those looking to pick one up."

About Swapalease.com:

Swapalease.com is the world's largest automotive lease marketplace and the pioneer of facilitating lease transfers online as evidenced by the company's patented processes.  Conceptualized in 1997 it has evolved into a leading automotive consumer online destination servicing all aspects of the automotive leasing lifecycle including education, research, pricing, acquisition and lease transfer.

The company is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is privately held.  For more information please call 866-SWAPNOW (866-792-7669).

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Scot Hall
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SOURCE Swapalease.com