vader1

Yes there have been the threads about what would you do if gas hits $3 a gallon, and when it hits $4 a gallon etc.

Many people respond that they will do nothing different, but that extra money you spend on gas has to come from somewhere. Perhaps eating out, movies, savings whatever. I saw a news story the other day that the high gas prices are killing restaurants because people are eating out less.

But here is a round about way at getting to my question. I work in a position where I follow car sales trands in my state. Not by model, but just overall sales figures. The sales of cars in my state is down 10% from three years ago in terms of total dollars. This includes new and used sales even private seller transactions.

So my question: For those that say they will drive just as much, and not care about fuel efficency when they purchase, are you holding onto cars longer? Meaning is the money you lose on gas made up for by delaying a vehicle purchase and maximizing your return on the car you currently own?

I am just curious if those that might be spending an extra $50-$100 a month on gas might be making up for it by keeping a car for an extra, say, year or so when the payments end, rather than trading it in right away for a shiny new one.

aklucsarits

Or perhaps the $50-100 more in fuel costs every month combined with rising automobile prices make switching cars simply unaffordable to some consumers who are constantly living at the edge of or beyond their means.

Andrew

vinsanity

by the time I buy a new car, hopefully I'll be rich enough not to care about gas prices

rai

I picked: may delay new car purchase and effect car choice.

The reason is not so much b/c I can't afford a car, but maybe I want to hold out to see what gas priced do. Probably they will stay about the same as they are now. But if they trend up to $4/gal than maybe I look at a better fuel econ car.

Another thing is I was looking at AWD sedan for the wife such as RL or M35 or A6 but if they get 20% worse mileage than maybe I'd get a FWD car like the ES350 or Camry/Accord etc.. as well as getting better mileage the fwd cars are cheaper to buy.

rai

another point the longer I wait the more chance to see if some grounbreaking car is going to come out. I read the next Prius could get 70 mpg that may make it worth while.

I am reading C&D they have the BMW 330d which had a turbo diesel which has 228hp and 369-TQ ( ) that thing gets to 60 in a mildly fast 6.0 seconds 1/4 mile 14.5s @97 mph (that's not bad).

All while it's rated at 44 mpg (combined european city/hw) and C&D observed 38 mpg.

38 mpg is pretty good (IMO) for that type of car. MAYBE BMW should t over.

mav

I choose... Have no effect on driving and buying habits.

I refuse to be restricted by the oil businesses, who are making record profits currently at our expense. Screw them. It won't change how I drive or what car I buy next or when I will buy it.

However, that said, you do have a point. The extra $50/$100 must come from somewhere? For me, its $50 to $100 less disposal income for my toys.

gomarlins3

Won't effect me at all. I will pay it no matter what they charge.

vader1

Was that euro only or going to be clean enough to be sold in the US?


I would also say that is not bad at all for speed. Go drive a car with torque and a 5 spd that does 60 in seven seconds. It will not be a drag strip king but they still "feel" fun to drive. Six seconds is what my MR2 turbo did stock and that car was a hoot.

allkingz

I also average about 8000 miles a year, so gas prices don't have a significant effect on me.

pbm317

I chose no effect. I just bought a Honda Ridgeline! I hope to trade my 330i in on perhaps the new G35 coupe, BMW 335i coupe, or maybe a used M3.