It's a Truck Buyers' Market

Frank Williams
by Frank Williams

It sucks to be a Chrysler brand franchisee right now. Trucks and SUVs are piling up on lots as dealers try to come up with ways to clear the inventory before the '09 models start rolling in. They have their work cut out for them. At the start of July, Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep dealers had a 160-day supply of Rams gathering dust. If that weren't bad enough, the stores have enough Nitros to last 143 days and enough Aspens to last a lifetime. I mean, 218 days. The Jeep Wranglers they couldn't keep on the lot just a year ago are now piled up 129 days deep. With an average of only 16 truck sales per Dodge franchise, 10 per Jeep franchise and four per Chrysler franchise in June, it may take them a while to dig their way out. But, as they say, misery loves company. Honda dealers are sitting on a 160-day supply of Ridgelines and Mitsubishi dealers are dealing with a 222-day supply of Endeavors. Nissan blows them all out of the water, though. If a 215-day supply of Xterras, a 229-day supply of Armadas and a 247-day supply of Pathfinders aren't enough, the "Lot Queen" crown goes to Titan: there's a four hundred eighty-nine (yes, 489) day supply of the Mississippi-made haulers sitting around. Blow-out clearance sales can't be far behind.

Frank Williams
Frank Williams

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  • Golden2husky Golden2husky on Jul 22, 2008

    If you don't mind buying something well maintained that is six or seven years old you can get an amazing bargain. Even better, just think how many trucks that will be scrapped when they need a transmission or transfer case. Those of us who consider a toolbox full of well used tools a source of pride will be able to score one of these for pennies per pound. Basically, it will be possible to drive a vehicle with the cost of gas being the only expense other than an occasional part.

  • Kjc117 Kjc117 on Jul 22, 2008

    I saw a really nice 45K Tundra Crew on the lot this weekend. How much will the reduce it?

  • Davey49 Davey49 on Jul 22, 2008

    "I’d consider a truck, except that I NEVER want to have trouble selling any of my vehicles. I want my divestiture of any automobile to be almost as fast as throwing away an old pair of socks." Just keep your car until it's completely worthless and undriveable. Unfortunately for me by the time I make enough money to afford a nice truck they'll be hot again and I'll end up paying MSRP or maybe a $500 discount. I'd buy any truck tomorrow if I had the money for the payments. Don't care about gas prices I drive less than 9000 miles per year. BKW- the problem with the Titan is there is no Regular cab base version nor HD version.

  • R H R H on Jul 23, 2008

    Macarose> I mailed you. If I am charged a $500 fee to find a car at the price I want, the new OTD is going to be $9500. Thanks! Rob

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