Gas guzzlers becoming a tough sale

by Nora Gathings (hsgathings@wsbt.com)

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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

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.

Thursday, May 29 at 5:10 PM anonymous wrote ...

why does't the media quit the doom and gloom. it's been worse, it will get better. the media is driving the insecurity in this country.if every dealer,boat,car,rv would quit advertising until the media quit making things look like there is no hope, maybe they would wake up.

Thursday, May 29 at 9:27 AM people wrote ...

When a team is loosing, who usually get fired, the coach. Our coach/pres. sucks. Maybe he is not completely responsible for oil prices, but he is the president. If he and his henchlings can create false pretences to send our citizens, your sons and daughters to die, then why cant he do something about this. The oil companies seem to be a bigger threat to our nation than Sadamm ever was. Again no WMD's but a war, high oil costs, oops, more profit for Bush and his peole. They own oil stock.

Thursday, May 29 at 9:01 AM all Bush's fault wrote ...

These are all Bush's fault: 1. Chinese earthquake 2. Tornadoes in midwest 3. Gas Prices 4. My Psoriasis 5. Crime 6. Locusts, Lice, Boils & Frogs 7. Rwanda 8. Darfur 9. My Divorce There I beat you to it....LOL!

Thursday, May 29 at 8:56 AM Hey Bill wrote ...

If you want your "Socialism" and not a free market then save us all of your moronic economics and move to europe. Go ahead and become a "subject" instead of a free man. You sound like you would enjoy someone holding your head above water....sad.

Wednesday, May 28 at 9:22 PM Martin, Sawyer, MI wrote ...

If you are looking for the cause of the high fuel prices just look at George W. Bush. This is what happens when a Republican is president. Thank you Bush for running this country and its economy into the ground. Hopefully we can have a Democrate or Independant as President from now on and with any luck no more Republicans in office as president for years to come.

Wednesday, May 28 at 2:52 PM Anonymous wrote ...

The solution to this problem will not be found in quick fixes or easy answers,but that's what people long for. They don't beleive they can hold out very long against soaring prices, and many of them can't. But if anyone is to come out of this and STAY out of it, it's time to start making the tough decisions. People will scream their rights are being violated and it might be argued that they are, but we're talking survival, it means cutting back, getting mean and running lean. It's conservation!

Wednesday, May 28 at 1:14 PM Bill wrote ...

In response to "stupid people", why is that that European nations have higher taxes but are currently more productive, have better health care, more stable currency, lower crime... oh, unemployment you ask? Technically, our is about the same as theirs if not worse (your government just doesn't choose to measure it the same). Any more lessons for you, genius?

Wednesday, May 28 at 12:38 PM It's a small boat and we're all in it together wrote ...

Anybody who didn't see this coming is blind. From now on, there will be no workable solution, the distinction between rich and poor will become clearer and clearer. GOOD-BYE middle class. People are already resorting to things they can't believe they would ever do. There is precious little to be done to combat the end result which is inevitable but the first thing people have got to do is STAY THE HELL OUT OF CASH FOR CHECK LOAN PLACES! Tough it out. 3 things NOT to do, panic, spend or give up!

Wednesday, May 28 at 12:28 PM response to stupid wrote ...

Are you not aware that Bush and his buddies/ family owns mad stock in the oil companies. Why do you think the current administration isn't doing much. Open a history book, according to findings by a Brittish/US advisors after WWII, they considered the greatest prize known to man is sitting under Iraq. All that oil that is there, both the US and UK want it. Planning for the future are we? Bad foriegn policies, not simple economics. Hurling personal insults shows a lack of intelligence.

Wednesday, May 28 at 11:59 AM jake w wrote ...

do what i do . ride a motorcycle the one i got get 34/36 miles per gallon

Wednesday, May 28 at 11:23 AM Mike wrote ...

Another point Jerry made is true - the dealers don't want trade ins, so they'll find any excuse to turn one down. You drive up in a big SUV looking at economy cars, that screams 'panicked over gas prices' so they'll use that leverage against you. 'No, we won't take your gas guzzler' helps reaffirm your fear of high gas prices, adding a sense of urgency to your purchase, and it cuts them free from the hassle of a trade in. It's all win for them, they'd be foolish not to play that card.

Wednesday, May 28 at 11:06 AM stupid people wrote ...

For all of the unintelligent: Gas costs $10 in the UK because the government controls the oil companies, unlike the US where there is competition. Remember that when the government controls everything, everything costs more. Take a night class in "economics 101."

Wednesday, May 28 at 10:54 AM TO 400HP wrote ...

Your making out that you have a lot of money to buy gas with shair some of that with others that cant afford it.

Wednesday, May 28 at 10:31 AM Myrt wrote ...

Don't forget in UK the price includes higher taxes which pays for their medical care - at least they get something in return for the $8-$10 per gallon price.

Wednesday, May 28 at 9:19 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Maybe this is too idealistic but here goes; Ration Gas, that much, that's IT! Cap what can be paid for oil coming in. If they don't reduce the price we break into our reserves, and scrammb;e harder and faster to find an alternative. One day a week. NO flights in, no flights out, NO where, except medical emegencies. Fill the planes we have in the air. Ou renviornment could use a break as well. Fuel tax goes to pay for public transportation, workers who use it ride for free. Got a better idea

Wednesday, May 28 at 7:51 AM dont feel so bad wrote ...

In the UK they are paying anywhere from $8-10 a gallon. You got to love the American mindset though right? People willing to keep driving gas guzzlers b/c of self esteem/confidence issues. You don't want other people thinking that your trying to be conscious with our depleting resources. I agree with Jerry, people own these vehicles b/c the Jones' have 1. Now many are paying for these unnecessary vehicles but are too proud to admit they are not economical. Grow up kiddies, seriously.

Wednesday, May 28 at 7:26 AM 400HP wrote ...

Forgetit. i refuse to drive one of those girlie cars. I will drive what I want and don't care what antone says or does. $10 a gallon? Bring it on!!

Tuesday, May 27 at 10:44 PM Just a thought wrote ...

They could donate those boats, trucks and gas guzzilers to Salvation Army or Goodwill.

Tuesday, May 27 at 10:15 PM Jerry wrote ...

You need to do the math. There are a lot of SUV's and trucks out there that were bought just because. If you regularly NEED the utility of a truck or SUV, you're probably better off biting the bullet than wasting your money on a second car. Plates, payments and insurance will eat up any gains at the pump and then some. But then, dealers hate trade ins anyway, and will do what they can to sell you a car regardless whether it costs you more in the long run.

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