Posted on 08/31/2005 9:53:59 AM PDT by Millee
As gas prices continue to rise, Denver area car dealers say they're seeing more drivers trading in their gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles for smaller cars or hybrids.
Honda dealer Ralph Schomp in Littleton said some 20 SUVs were turned in over the weekend, while at least two other dealerships report similar numbers.
Among the popular models -- Honda's Accord and Civic hybrid model, as well as Toyota's Prius, which is also a hybrid.
Some dealerships report that the waiting list for Toyota's hybrid Highlander -- which keeps the SUV body style -- is now 12 to 14 months.
Besides gas prices that are creeping closer to the $3 a gallon mark, new car buyers may be steered to the car sipping vehicles by the new federal Energy Policy Act that includes a tax credit of up to $3,400 for hybrid or diesel vehicles.
The state is also offering a tax incentive of as much as $2,300.
Yeah, that would be the common sense thing to do right now. I don't think gas prices are gonna go down any time soon.
Ive switched from driving the F150 to driving the Ranger.
They'll have to pry my Suburban "form my cold dead hands".
Buy high, sell low.
I'll take a Harley Sportster....or maybe a Toyota hybrid... then there is always A HORSE!!!
:-)
Before you do that, you need to calculate the additional costs of new purchase, the change in monthly car payment, a potentially higher interest rate on your current car loan, etc.
You might be ahead keeping the bigger vehicle.
GREAT! I hope this trend continues. I'd LOVE to buy a full-size, gas-guzzling SUV for cheap!
The market at work...
Same here!!!
how many flood damaged SUVs will be title washed this year?
You can buy a LOT of gas for your SUV for the price of a new car (assuming that your current car is paid off).
What are gas prices looking like today in Denver? I haven't had a chance to get into town yet.
We just bought an Eddie Bauer Expedition at the employee pricing. The size and luxury of the ride is worth every penny, not to mention the safety to my wife and 2 kids who drive in it everyday to school and work and back. Some things are worth paying for. And for me and my family, this is one of them. If I had no kids and/or were single and had no need for such a large ride, I would definately have something smaller and more gas efficient. It's called freedom of choice.
My wife just sold (yesterday) our Suburban and got taken to the cleaners. She is shopping now.
Exactly. Once people decide that gas prices are too high to afford their low mileage cars, they will get higher mileage cars. No need to browbeat or legislate a thing.
I have 3 motorcycles getting 40 to 50 mpg...and one Windstar van at 20 mpg. I ride the bikes about 25k per year, and the Windstar about 5 k per year, barely enough to keep the battery charged.
Kids and hunting are my main motivation for having an SUV. Maybe I'll pick up another one when they're really cheap.
I LUV my SUV......
In the 70's and again in the early 80's this happened. Folks were "giving away" vehicles to get in line for a Honda.
I am waiting on a cheap Hummer.
Kansas City Kansas report on August 31 - $2.86 this morning and rumors it will go over $3.00 this weekend.
Regardless - The SUV remains in safe hands in my family
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