Green News

The Chevy Volt and other electric, hybrid, or alternative fuel vehicles need high gas prices.  Without the threat looming of $4 per gallon gasoline it makes it difficult to stomach a $40,000 investment, in some cases.  Obviously the higher the fuel prices the shorter time it takes to break even and to have the electric car start actually saving you money.

Looking at it this way makes me look like I hate the environment, but that's not the case.  I'm all for doing my part to keep the Earth green and blue, but not at the cost of being in debt up to my eye balls without any return.  There must be a breaking point, where investment shows return, even when talking about green technology.  So, I guess this idea only applies to those who aren't independently wealthy green freaks.

No doubt if fuel prices remain relatively low it will devastate the huge investment companies like Chevrolet have made with the Volt.  Everyone was able to jump on board the research and development when gas prices were high, but what will happen financially to the company now that sales will be directly effected by the fuel prices?  Surely there will be more financial incentive to buy a new all electric car or at least lower the expected price all across the board.

I hope that we will see falling vehicle prices on all cars, trucks, suv's, and not just the special niche green market.  The idea that a vehicle should cost 1/2 as much as most peoples homes is getting to be a little bit ridiculous.  Let's start by slashing that all electric Chevy Volt price.

Used truck prices can very a lot, just like any vehicle, depending on which part of the country you live in. For some reason, in the Midwest I've found that used truck prices are extremely high and damn near equal the same as a new truck. A domestic used truck price will usually hold it's value, as long as it's taken care of, free of rust, and has a strong motor.

Normal wear and tear doesn't bother potential used truck buyers, because they are buying a truck for a purpose, not a luxury. Having a used truck for sale with general wear and tear, like scratches, and dents just adds character to a dependable investment. As mentioned, buying a used truck for a purpose means that the truck will be used for work and be more susceptible to these imperfections by the new owner anyway.

Small pick up trucks experience a little bit more depreciation on the market when comparing used truck prices.  This is due to the fact that a typical small truck will not have the durability or longevity of a heavy duty full size pickup truck.  Furthermore the uses for a full size pickup far outweigh what can be done with a small size, like a Ford Ranger or Chevy Colorado.

New Truck Buyers

The good news for those looking to buy a brand new pick up truck is that you could expect the resale value to hold.  The less depreciation you expect when driving off the lot, the better and the more likely you will be able to resell in a few years and recoop some of the original buying price.  There is always a market for used trucks that are priced right, because you just can't haul a mattress or tow a trailer with a gas saving small car.  Everyone needs a friend with a truck to help them move...right?

Used Trucks on eBay

Dodge Dakota 1993 Dodge Dakota Used Pickup Truck FL    US $733.00

Chevrolet C K Pickup 3500 dump used red dumpbed truck    US $810.00

GMC 1988 GMC Cargo Truck Used    US $1,000.00

BMW announced yesterday that there will be a price incrase on their 750i and 750li model cars.  From 08 to 09 there will be a $3,500 price in crease on their 750i and $4,300 price increase on their 750li models.  In a time when most auto manufacturers are posting lost sales and driving prices down, BMW says they saw a 15.3 percent increase in sales since 07, confident their increase won't hurt sales.

It's not surprising that luxury vehicles will be going up in price, since their sales are not nearly effected as much as standard vehicles.  Standard vehicles being bought and sold by common Americans start feeling the pinch anytime the economy takes a dip, but luxury vehicles have a history of remaining unchanged during tough times.  One of the oldest examples of constant sales in automobiles is of the Chevy Corvette.  Even during tough times in US history, Corvette sales remained unchanged.  A different class of people buying a different class of cars...the minority.

Meanwhile in the real world, I'll keep my 97 F150 chugging along.