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.
Same here tutstar. Big families need big vehicles. It is nice though to have 4wd for the mountains back in CO, and now the snow here in WI. (o:
HAHHAHAHAH You're funny... Most american's in their adult lives haver never had a paid off car... foolish, but true.
"I've switched from driving the SUV to driving the Ranger."
I have a Ranger. I only drive it twice a week. Otherwise I walk everywhere. I save on gas AND get a good chance to lose weight (looking around) you know what, looking at some of my fellow American's sizes, I think walking might be a good thing for lots of us. Maybe these gas prices have a silver lining after all.
"GREAT! I hope this trend continues. I'd LOVE to buy a full-size, gas-guzzling SUV for cheap!"
Me too, maybe I can afford to buy that HUMMER that I want.
I grew up in a small town and live in an even smaller town now. Ive walked those short trips all my life.
Dealers have always discounted from MSRP so amortizing your "savings" against fuel cost/mileage is a bit unrealistic.
Efficient, but UGLY.
How is performing a simple cost benefit analysis rationalizing?
I paid $3.09 yesterday in L.A.
Well said. I'm sick and tired of lunatics pushing "conservation." The free market itself is conservation, damnit.
"2005 Honda Insight"
Yeah it gets great gas mileage, but it is just...so, damned UGLY.
Trading them in
Who is going to buy them off the used car lot
Surprised they are even being given trade in deals
Small town myself, It's less than a mile to anywhere I really need to go.
I'm gonna drop a 427 big block in my G20 Cargo van and get rid of that puny 350.
you got that right: SIMPLE
PREDICTION: Five years from now, certainly within ten, the Japanese car dealerships aren't even going to take American-made SUV's in trade anymore.
There won't be any market for them with gas at $5-6 (or HIGHER) per gallon.
And they won't "lose potential sales" from refusing the tradeins, as folks will be beating down their doors for fuel-efficient and reliable vehicles....
- John
I've got a 2005 Honda Odyssey with a 250hp six cylinder. It shuts down three cylinders when cruising. 22 mpg in the city 28+ on the highway.
You'll buy it and you'll like it mister!! lol
If you folks think the increased gas prices are expensive, why don't you consider the price of a new car payment?
...that is, unless the car you're buying will have the same or lower payment. For me, gasoline prices would have to get up to $25/gal before it would be cheaper to buy a new car with better fuel economy. Mine are both paid for.
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