Incentives luring buyers back to pickups, SUVs

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Incentives luring buyers back to pickups, SUVs Wednesday, October 15, 2008
msnbc -- Is history repeating itself in the automobile industry? The latest data on vehicle sales suggest that it might be. Auto sales hit the skids in September, sinking to their lowest level in more than 15 years, as the faltering economy and credit crunch combined to squeeze the business. But amid the carnage, sales of large pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles held their own, according to Edmunds.com. Yes, you read that correctly: trucks and SUVs, the very same gas-swigging monsters that Americans have stampeded away from this year as gasoline prices rose to record levels.
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JT Moderator	Message Posted: 10/15/2008 10:57:30 AM	Ignore JT Report Abuse
	Wednesday, October 15, 2008 msnbc -- Is history repeating itself in the automobile industry? The latest data on vehicle sales suggest that it might be. Auto sales hit the skids in September, sinking to their lowest level in more than 15 years, as the faltering economy and credit crunch combined to squeeze the business. But amid the carnage, sales of large pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles held their own, according to Edmunds.com. Yes, you read that correctly: trucks and SUVs, the very same gas-swigging monsters that Americans have stampeded away from this year as gasoline prices rose to record levels. Visit msnbc for full article

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RLGL123 Sophomore Author New York Posts:112 Points:26,380 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: 11/11/2008 1:25:52 AM	Ignore RLGL123 Report Abuse
	Do you think the George W Oil friends are freaking since he's leaving office and Obama is taking over. Not a cowboy boot kind of guy.
dmina425 Rookie Author Georgia Posts:41 Points:13,200 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: 10/22/2008 7:17:10 PM	Ignore dmina425 Report Abuse
	Oil companies want us to think we're doing ok now...watch out for the rope-a-dope...
STEVE853 Champion Author Florida Posts:1,231 Points:315,065 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: 10/22/2008 6:29:30 PM	Ignore STEVE853 Report Abuse
	Old News!!!!!!!!
ramfreak2003 Rookie Author Houston Posts:3 Points:3,310 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: 10/22/2008 5:17:09 PM	Ignore ramfreak2003 Report Abuse
	Id never go back from owning a truck. Cars are worthless. Unless its a Bad Ass Muscle Car.
STEVE853 Champion Author Florida Posts:1,231 Points:315,065 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: 10/18/2008 9:10:47 AM	Ignore STEVE853 Report Abuse
	Buy American made cars & trucks.
trucker090 Rookie Author Cleveland Posts:80 Points:61,030 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 10/18/2008 8:16:01 AM	Ignore trucker090 Report Abuse
	Its a false sence of security. The prices will rise again and they will be in the same bind they were before.
magnumCA Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:1,339 Points:260,950 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: 10/17/2008 8:27:51 PM	Ignore magnumCA Report Abuse
	ok
GeoTheo All-Star Author Georgia Posts:807 Points:169,085 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 10/17/2008 7:35:08 PM	Ignore GeoTheo Report Abuse
	Pickups meet a specific need incentives alone will not validate the fuel inefficiency especially after the wounds received over the past year.
91Acclaim Veteran Author Maryland Posts:355 Points:73,885 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 12:58:33 PM	Ignore 91Acclaim Report Abuse
	Gasoline is a constant expense that grabs our collective attention. If I considered a pickup or SUV, dealer incentives would be one factor I'd use. Insurance, routine maintenance, average repairs, resale value are tangible points of comparison. Comfort, safety, convenience, necessity are intangible points of comparison. Yes, gasoline price is important (and STILL too high), but not the overriding cost to the exclusion of all other factors.
trucker090 Rookie Author Cleveland Posts:80 Points:61,030 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 12:24:45 PM	Ignore trucker090 Report Abuse
	They will never get all the drivers back.. Maybe 5% at most. People are to smart.
hank1326 All-Star Author Los Angeles Posts:505 Points:126,730 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 12:16:54 PM	Ignore hank1326 Report Abuse
	Great point by hawkmom81. Its all about practical and real needs.
HAWKMOM81 Sophomore Author Maryland Posts:110 Points:16,105 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 12:08:41 PM	Ignore HAWKMOM81 Report Abuse
	Amen to ljwp53. If you don't need it don't buy it.
ljwp53 Rookie Author Boston Posts:5 Points:20,150 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 11:48:15 AM	Ignore ljwp53 Report Abuse
	I totally understand Hawkmom81’s need for the type of vehicle she drives for her family's needs. I had a Jeep Grand Cherokee that was well used for the same purpose until it needed a new transmission that I simply couldn’t afford and I had to let it go, replacing it with a Taurus Sedan. Did I suffer from space shock! There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t long for my Jeep. It was a functional and yes fun car, albeit a gas-guzzler. My present car isn’t much better as far as mpg. My concern in my previous post was that people may be lulled into a false sense of security as the gas prices at the tanks fall and run right out to buy the bigger vehicles out of “desire” rather than “necessity” with the crisis we’re facing in today’s economy.
hank1326 All-Star Author Los Angeles Posts:505 Points:126,730 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 11:26:32 AM	Ignore hank1326 Report Abuse
	Great discussions. Hope the automakers are paying attention to this!!
C4U All-Star Author Salt Lake City Posts:965 Points:171,455 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 11:19:53 AM	Ignore C4U Report Abuse
	Great for a second vehicle but for an everyday commuter I will stick with my hybrid
MajorSteve All-Star Author Oklahoma City Posts:500 Points:237,595 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 11:10:27 AM	Ignore MajorSteve Report Abuse
	Perhaps a balance of efficient vehicles and an SUV/truck when required by the family or business unit.
HAWKMOM81 Sophomore Author Maryland Posts:110 Points:16,105 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 11:05:35 AM	Ignore HAWKMOM81 Report Abuse
	As I will say again my mini van gets almost the same mileage as my truck where is the savings we need to get a safe family vehicle that gets good gas mileage. I need the space to carry my kids and their stuff. Don't be too quick to judge what kind of vehicle other people need just because when you see them speeding down the highway with no one in the vehicle but them maybe they can only afford one vehicle and the SUV / truck /mini van serves multiple uses. Today my mini-van is loaded down with 3 coolers of gatorade and a dolly to carry them on when I get to the High School for the pasta party for the football team. Couldn't have gotten everything in a small car no way. I would have taken the 4 x 4 truck but I am trying to save some gas. My husband needs it to get the other son and his friends to practice tonight.
ljwp53 Rookie Author Boston Posts:5 Points:20,150 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 11:03:22 AM	Ignore ljwp53 Report Abuse
	Considering all the other financial burdens facing us, why would we knowingly put ourselves into vehicles that historically require larger amounts of gas? With todays economic climate, it appears the majority of us will have more significant places to put the money that we’d spend on filling the larger tanks of SUV’s and trucks.
mrgots2000 Veteran Author New York Posts:428 Points:46,095 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:52:53 AM	Ignore mrgots2000 Report Abuse
	and now they(auto manufacturers) are asking for handouts(25billion for top 3 auto already) from the Federal government, so you just keep on buying those SUVs, you're paying for those incentives anyway (correction, we are all paying for those incentives) need an SUV, buy a used one, it's time to tell Detroit we need more fuel efficient vehicles, if they wont build them, let them go the way of the dinosaur. Don't buy New SUVs, buying new ones will just encourage Detroit to continue to supply us the drugs we're addicted to. BUY use if you need one. Toyota has promised to fit their Synergy Hybrid Technology on all their vehicles within 10 years, toyota is a auto manufacturer that knows what the consumer needs. Take heed Detroit, ADAPT or DIE!!!!! [Edited by: mrgots2000 at 10/16/2008 10:56:19 AM EST]
fairchildd All-Star Author Kansas City Posts:862 Points:362,990 Joined:Aug 2007	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:48:47 AM	Ignore fairchildd Report Abuse
	some people never learn
ramshot412 Champion Author Riverside Posts:11,938 Points:1,195,960 Joined:Apr 2004	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:48:36 AM	Ignore ramshot412 Report Abuse
	"Take heed Detroit, ADAPT or DIE!!!!!"
KrazyDawg Champion Author California Posts:1,802 Points:304,620 Joined:Aug 2007	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:47:15 AM	Ignore KrazyDawg Report Abuse
	I wouldn't take it if it was free. It's just a paper weight.
Lizzylou Champion Author Stockton Posts:1,447 Points:883,795 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:46:45 AM	Ignore Lizzylou Report Abuse
	I don't know if the "incentives" are even working?? This is the first year in a long time that I have seen so few new autos on the road.
Jacks45 Champion Author Michigan Posts:2,168 Points:437,025 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:46:22 AM	Ignore Jacks45 Report Abuse
	people just love them big trucks and cars no matter what it cost.
The_WaTchR Champion Author Georgia Posts:1,060 Points:449,950 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:44:27 AM	Ignore The_WaTchR Report Abuse
	I have the incentive but, I just don't have the money.
gordonfan05 Rookie Author Illinois Posts:84 Points:170,870 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:42:08 AM	Ignore gordonfan05 Report Abuse
	Toyota made huge profits on small cars and small trucks. They just recently got into big trucksto get into bigger margins and got burned.Its their only mistake but they never got away from smaller vehicles. Ditto Honda.
NavyEOD Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:1,961 Points:431,390 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:37:43 AM	Ignore NavyEOD Report Abuse
	Only if it's a Hybrid.
hank1326 All-Star Author Los Angeles Posts:505 Points:126,730 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:37:32 AM	Ignore hank1326 Report Abuse
	We should receive incentives (such as lower registration fees, toll charges)if you buy a car with energy efficient vehicles. I was in Japan for three years, they have a K-Car class for vehicles with less than 500 cc engine displacement. These K-cars pay half of annual registration fees, insurance and toll charges.
hank1326 All-Star Author Los Angeles Posts:505 Points:126,730 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:32:33 AM	Ignore hank1326 Report Abuse
	Ditto to ElCap. We need much more energy efficient vehicles options and Detroit needs to get the message now.
ElCap Veteran Author El Paso Posts:368 Points:316,645 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:31:05 AM	Ignore ElCap Report Abuse
	Stupid consumers! We will be back in the same dilemma with high prices again. We are all going to end up buying foreign cars again as the big 3 refuse to build economical cars.
AnObserver Champion Author New Jersey Posts:1,609 Points:859,315 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:29:52 AM	Ignore AnObserver Report Abuse
	We must get away from inefficient uses of energy like large pickup trucks and SUVs if we are to achieve energy independentness
w4kh Champion Author Riverside Posts:3,660 Points:640,945 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:29:28 AM	Ignore w4kh Report Abuse
	The ADDICTION to oil persists in making people act against their own long-term benefit... Granted, there are some who need a pickup truck for work, but the 4x4 crew cab guys who blow by me at 80 commuting in a spotless truck that has NEVER seen mud, probably can spell "need" let alone give you solid reasons for owning the monster. I have seen too much resumption of older habits now that the price is down, and it is guaranteed that these monster gas-guzzler drivers will be the first and loudest howls when the price goes back up, as it surely will if we ALL do not change our habits...
hank1326 All-Star Author Los Angeles Posts:505 Points:126,730 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:29:26 AM	Ignore hank1326 Report Abuse
	Ditto to mrgots2000. SUVs are just a big waste of gas and they are dangerous. Most of SUVs are not carrying passengers nor cargo when they are on the road.
FastAndy Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:1,816 Points:490,925 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:27:19 AM	Ignore FastAndy Report Abuse
	The dumb auto companies that refuse to build the cars we want, hope they can find enough dumb people with short memories to entice into buying their junk.
GaryG7 Champion Author New Jersey Posts:5,533 Points:1,089,825 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:27:02 AM	Ignore GaryG7 Report Abuse
	The buyers will probably be the first people to complain when prices go up.
tigeriz Veteran Author Maine Posts:302 Points:73,145 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:26:50 AM	Ignore tigeriz Report Abuse
	In this day and age, the only ones who truly need the pickups are indutrial companies for business needs. SUVs are not even a worthwhile option for businesses much less consumers.
mrgots2000 Veteran Author New York Posts:428 Points:46,095 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:25:05 AM	Ignore mrgots2000 Report Abuse
	need an SUV, buy a used one, it's time to tell Detroit we need more fuel efficient vehicles, if they wont build them, let them go the way of the dinosaur. Don't buy New SUVs, buying new ones will just encourage Detroit to continue to supply us the drugs we're addicted to. BUY use if you need one. Toyota has promised to fit their Synergy Hybrid Technology on all their vehicles within 10 years, toyota is a auto manufacturer that knows what the consumer needs. Take heed Detroit, ADAPT or DIE!!!!!
pug07rb Sophomore Author Alabama Posts:110 Points:60,185 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:24:47 AM	Ignore pug07rb Report Abuse
	For the people who really need them great, for the others yea, it's a great deal for awhile. Why can't people think in the long term anymore?
nstrdnvstr Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:24,267 Points:2,383,900 Joined:May 2001	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:23:30 AM	Ignore nstrdnvstr Report Abuse
	hank, "Buy trucks only if you really need it. I believe we need to have a new generation of gas efficient and safer SUVs." Who is going to determine if "you really need one"?
scrounger Champion Author Vancouver Posts:6,266 Points:1,682,620 Joined:Mar 2003	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:23:20 AM	Ignore scrounger Report Abuse
	what? no free gas for life incentive?
e_jeepin Champion Author Michigan Posts:1,365 Points:70,075 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:21:48 AM	Ignore e_jeepin Report Abuse
	There are some clueless posters on this thread! Who dumps steel into a landfill? There is no "glut" of SUV inventory (GM big trucks about 50 day supply which is nothing) People don't "need" plasma TV's either but if they want one, go for it! There will always be SUV buyers, just never like it was before. A Suburban is a 20 MPG super hauler and loaded up with people / stuff is a bargain to drive. If a Mom wants to drive one, let her buy it without asking the permission of some MPG special interest group.
hank1326 All-Star Author Los Angeles Posts:505 Points:126,730 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:20:27 AM	Ignore hank1326 Report Abuse
	Buy trucks only if you really need it. I believe we need to have a new generation of gas efficient and safer SUVs.
jadeusa All-Star Author Dallas Posts:922 Points:230,275 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:19:30 AM	Ignore jadeusa Report Abuse
	Hard to believe that some have such a short memory. Of course thinking might be if you make it cheaper than cheap, then high fuel costs take forever to be offset.
REVLAW Champion Author San Antonio Posts:2,104 Points:396,010 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:15:23 AM	Ignore REVLAW Report Abuse
	My son bought a Dodge Ram 1500 extended cab pickup a couple of months ago for half the MSRP (MSRP of $34K; purchased for $17K) plus lifetime powertrain warranty, lifetime free oil changes, and all the recommended factory maintenance for free for the first seven years or 100K miles. You can buy a lot of gasoline for $17K below MSRP even at inflated prices.
Egaser Veteran Author Atlanta Posts:409 Points:162,765 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:15:04 AM	Ignore Egaser Report Abuse
	It is always nice to have a truck around the house,but it does not need to be a full sized one.
SeerLV All-Star Author Las Vegas Posts:537 Points:132,015 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:14:22 AM	Ignore SeerLV Report Abuse
	Short memories
gasguy555 All-Star Author Gary Posts:569 Points:108,120 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:13:24 AM	Ignore gasguy555 Report Abuse
	BAD IDEA.
china211 Veteran Author Long Island Posts:497 Points:84,400 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:11:05 AM	Ignore china211 Report Abuse
	SAY NO TO SUV'S!!! SAY YES TO OFFSHORE DRILLING AND FINDING BETTER THINGS TO RUN OUR CARS ON!!!!!!
frede2 Champion Author Texas Posts:3,515 Points:766,385 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:09:03 AM	Ignore frede2 Report Abuse
	my bicycle does good too
sta135 Champion Author New York Posts:1,933 Points:136,235 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 10:08:57 AM	Ignore sta135 Report Abuse
	Many of my neighbors are snatching up the bargains, trading their trucks earlier than they might have. Can't tow a horse trailer with a Prius. :)