Gas guzzlers becoming a tough sale

by Nora Gathings (hsgathings@wsbt.com)

Tools

Gas guzzlers a tough sale

Many people trying to sell their trucks, boats and SUVs have had to drastically reduce their selling prices. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: May 27, 2008 at 8:31 PM EST

Story Updated: May 31, 2008 at 9:59 PM EST

NILES — If you're thinking about selling a gas guzzler to save money, you may want to rethink that idea. Gas prices are making it harder to sell trucks, boats and RVs.

Gas prices are almost $4 a gallon in South Bend. It's costing some people $100 to fill up their SUVs and $200 to fill up their boats.

Many people are trying to sell their trucks, boats and SUVs — without much luck. Most people say there are few interested buyers, so they're having to drastically drop their prices to sell.

Even car dealers say very little is moving on or off their lots.

A weekend of boating on the lake isn't priceless.

Allen Batton says says it costs $150 to fill up his friend's ski boat so his friend's boat stayed on dry ground Memorial Day.

"The price of gas has gotten outrageous, and it is not affordable," said Batton.

The boat is now for sale and only one person has looked at it.

"He is ready to sell regardless of price, as long as it brings a fair market value," said Batton.

Even the pros are having problems selling gas guzzlers.

"Everyone wants a car that gets 40 miles per gallon," said Jason Gordon, a salesman at Tyler Automotive.

To get new cars off the lot, their dealership is guaranteeing gas at $2.99 per gallon for a certain number of miles over the next three years. But the most popular question is still, "How many miles per gallon does this get?"

Car dealerships say the only thing they are selling doesn't need gas.

"In the last two months, we have sold as many electric cars [as we sold] in all of last year," said Gordon.

But unfortunately, electricity is not as option for Batton or other boaters.

"Boating is a great pleasure. Michigan is known for it, but I think there is going to be a turnaround," he said.

The $2.99 gas deal has been extended to include sales through the end of June.

Some car dealerships won't trade in or buy trucks or SUVs. They say the best way to save money is not to use them as often and to wait until gas prices go down to sell them.

More Good Stuff

WSBT Weather

icon
Current Temp 39.5
°
More Weather

On Demand

More On Demand

Stock Quotes

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Tonight On WSBTFull Schedule

7.00
Paid Programming
7.30
Jeopardy
8.00
The Mentalist
9.00
48 Hours Mystery
10.00
48 Hours Mystery
11.00
WSBT News
11.35
CSI: NY
12.35
CSI: NY
1.35
CSI: Miami

Question of The Day

Will the new health recommendations for women change your health screening habits?

E-mail your comments. We'll pick some to read during WSBT News at 5.

  • YES
  • NO
Today's Mortgage Rates