Posted on 03/04/2014 10:39:59 AM PST by John W
DETROIT March will be one of the most crucial months for the U.S. auto industry in years.
Sales were slower than expected in January and February, and the number of unsold cars on dealer lots grew. Some automakers had to resort to juicy discounts to lure reluctant buyers.
Most industry executives, dealers and analysts blame the historic cold temperatures and snowfall, and expect warmer weather to restore consumers enthusiasm for car buying. Most still expect annual sales to exceed 16.1 million, which would be the highest level since 2006.
But a continuation of the trends could signal more fundamental reasons for sagging demand. For instance, consumer confidence fell slightly last month, according to the Conference Board. That hurts car sales, because buyers need to be confident before they invest in a car.
(Excerpt) Read more at journalgazette.net ...
How do you have a 91 car in Western PA without it falling apart? My wife’s 97 only had 50k miles when we traded it in, but the fenders and cat converter were rusting away.
Changed all of them last summer.
Good plan!
That Saturn has plastic body panels plus it sat in wife’s uncle’s garage for at least ten years.
One poblem is the body doesn’t rust but the front subframe does. Might have to weld a small piece in over the summer.
I’ve already replaced the exhaust, brake lines and other vulnerable stuff. Probably will replace the exhaust again next year.
Do most of the work myself so that helps. Problem is at my age, 65, I’m slow....sigh.
I’ll keep my humble 65 Willys Jeep that runs most of the time. Stopping is a different matter sometimes.
I recently acquired a CJ 7 project that I hope to get started in earnest soon.
At least I can work on the old model stuff or farm it out fairly reasonably for stuff that I don’t have capability.
Brake lines can be fun. Done a lot. B-I-L is working in a garage in Mercer PA where that’s pretty much all they do.
Some of the things he has seen are scarey. Lines hung with zip ties, metal twist ties, duct tape and even string. Oh, and kinks!
Ok I have used a zip tie or two just to get ‘er done....!
Gee
My 2002 car has 305,000 New England miles and I have never replaced any of that stuff nor is there any significant rust.
Not sure why you guys are having so many problems.
Then again, my Civic wasn’t made by GM.
The value plunges quite a few thousand, as soon as a new vehicle is driven off of the new car lot. And in two years,... The depreciation is monstrous. It’s probably the worst financial decision that anyone can make. In the past, bankers warned young customers about it.
Cars are overregulated, Overloaded with tech and safety equipment and just too damn expensive.
Is that why so many car ads (mostly foreign) show cars sliding around?
And made of more and more plastic. What many people still think is “Chrome” is plastic, as is much of the bodywork today.
On-demand. Haven’t had any problem all winter long. And I’m short, so I LOVE riding up high so I can see better. Also LOVE the remote start. What LUXURY!
Well, I’m not THAT old; I take care of my stuff, so it lasts a good, long time. I’ve never driven a car, even beaters I’ve owned along the way, for less than 10 years. Driven a few into the ground, as a matter of fact, LOL!
Been thinking about getting a 4x4 Escape with the 6 cyl.
Does it handle snow/ice pretty good? Have you had any problems with it at all? Mileage?
Handles really well on snow/ice. Mine is a 4-banger. Mileage runs between 20 and 26 MPG, between city and highway driving. No problems at all.
OK, thanks!
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