Comments on: Automotive News: Have auto sales finally hit bottom?

By: toxicroach

toxicroach — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:10:34 +0000

The only buy used car thing always struck me as faulty logic. I mean, if no one buys new cars, where the hell are used cars coming from? That’s like saying everyone should get a vasectomy, and then adopt some kids.

There are plenty of cars where depreciation is pretty reasonable (cough Honda cough). You get the security of having a car during its most trouble free years and a warranty. And for people who can genuinely afford a nice car, why not get it? Status symbols might be ephemeral, but they get you invited to places where you wouldn’t go driving a 8 year old Aveo. That has benefits as well.

Now, not saying that these people taking out 7 year loans on an Escalade are exhibiting good sense, far from it. But somebody has to buy new, and it does have sizable advantages.

By: kazoomaloo

kazoomaloo — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:59:25 +0000

This sales disaster will continue unabated if the American public comes to their senses and realized that, unless there are outstanding circumstances,

1. You should only buy used cars, and
2. Any car you purchase should last you 8-10 years and 150,000 miles, minimum, and
3. Nobody should ever pay more than $35,000 for a car or take out a loan with terms of more than 3 years.

When times get tight like this, and it isn’t just gas prices, but when wages stagnate and jobs continue to go overseas and house values drop, fiscal responsibility comes into sharper focus for even the most carefree consumer, and the fact remains that, beyond a certain point, cars that have greater capabilities than a base Aveo are a ridiculous luxury that due to the credit crunch are difficult to afford.

Then again, gas prices are dropping and the consumer has a short memory and a hunger for status, so maybe if things keep going the way they have we might see a recovery soon.

By: thalter

thalter — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:38:54 +0000

Sorry, but toe tag sales and early lease termination specials are just creating some artificial demand by pulling ahead some sales that they would have otherwise gotten later. This is not an upturn, nor a sustainable business model. Lets see what happens when the deals end.

By: edgett

edgett — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:07:23 +0000

@mel23 “The one I’m waiting for is that the public is almost as stupid as they’re going to get.”

Thanks for an out-loud morning laugh – GREAT line!

By: Rday

Rday — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:06:31 +0000

LOL. These characters work their PR ploys and consumers seem to believe them. Our economy will take many years to recover from the losses/wounds inflicted by the subprime mess and the runup in gas prices. Even though gas is coming down, who wants to be stuck with a gashog when some world event beyond our control drives them up again. And how many americans can really afford to pay for new cars when they are in danger of losing their homes?

By: mel23

mel23 — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:39:58 +0000

It’s not just the car companies. This ~~bullshit~~ optimism is running throughout the society. The housing market is near a bottom, the banks are about to recover, etc. The one I’m waiting for is that the public is almost as stupid as they’re going to get.

By: daro31

daro31 — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:35:06 +0000

We will know sales have hit bottom, when the General announces that all incentives have been removed to move the metal. When purchasers once again brag that they were able to play 2 dealers off against each other to save $200.00 or MSRP and got them to throw in floor mats and when you have to wait 8 weeks for delivery because the factories are back ordereed. Until that time bottom is an artificial floor and is being propped up by incentives and desperation. They really don’t know how far down the bottom is.