Would you take advantage of a one-time massive auto incentive?

[LordLovesAWorkingMan]

Another post got me to thinking about personal finance and notions of ecological responsibility. My question is simple: If a one-time 50% discount were applied to American gas-burning new vehicles, would you buy one?

[flpoljunkie]

1. NO! I want to buy a hybrid or fully electric car!

Everyone in this country ought to see the movie WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR. Here is a link to their website which has a trailer narrated by Martin Sheen. You will be outraged at the behavior of General Motors.

These cars are a far better alternative than hydrogen fuel cars--particular with the better batteries now available. Hybrids can also benefit with even better batteries which are in the works, according to the movie.

Edited to add the link to WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR: http://www.sonyclassics.com/whokilledtheelectriccar/

[MadHound]

2. Depends on what you mean by

"American gas-burning new vehicles". If that is gasoline only vehicle, then no, I would be opting for a hybrid, or electric vehicle. If however you threw diesel burning trucks into the mix, then yes I would. Because I live on a farm, I have need for a pickup truck, and the next one I get is going to be diesel powered, since I can make my own biodiesel cheaply(eighty cents for a gallon tops), and biodiesel is much easier on the enviroment than either gas or dino-diesel. Waste products from making biodiesel or glycerin, which can be used to make soap, and water. The tailpipe emissions are also about 90 percent less than a gas powered engine, which is also approaching hybrid cleanliness standards.

[madrchsod]

3. what you should have said is

would you buy a car -assembled- in the united states. most of the parts in american assembled cars are from different parts of the world. the parts we make that go on many car brands from us and europe come from every part of the world---india,korea,mexico,and with only a few parts from the usa.

[noonwitch]

4. I bought a new Focus last year

I like it, too. I got a very good deal, my uncle gave me an X plan and it was near the end of the 2005 model year, so the dealership also had a deal going. The dealership also donated $200 to my church-they do for any member who buys or leases a new car.

My Focus has an auto trans, so it gets about 20-25 mph city and 35 on the highway-it really gets good mileage on long trips.

If you get a standard trans, the mileage is even better.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

9. I had a conversation with a Ford sales person a couple of weeks ago

They said that the Focus was their #1 seller at his dealership. I guess you're not the only one that found it to be a nice vehicle for the price. :toast:

[sinkingfeeling]

5. I voted 'other'. The answer is just 'No'. There is nothing that would

get me to buy a 'new' car.

[jdlh8894]

7. I agree

Why purchase a new car? Status? Keeping up w/the Jones'? My wife drives a 88' Acura that is in perfect shape(interior and exterior). I drive a 95' Geo Metro. 188K on Acura and 166k in Metro(3 cyl.) Just had emmissions done here in GA. Both passed w/flying colors.(Actualy, the 88 was better)

[qwlauren35]

6. Maybe

I would consider an American car, based on price, reliability and economy. If there was a car that met my baseline standard, such as one of the smaller Chevrolet or Ford cars, then I would consider it, at half-price.

However... in doing further research, I don't think the American cars come close. My Honda gets 37/44mpg. Most American compact cars (Ford Focus, Saturn Ion, Chevy Cobalt or Chevy Aveo) can beat 26/35mpg; The Pontiac Vibe is closer at 30/36, but sheesh, it's an ugly car (in my view). It's probably the only one that I would consider. I wish I knew why American car makers won't make economy a priority... but obviously, they aren't catering to me.

[Samurai_Writer]

8. I will never buy a new car ever again

Right now I'm driving an 1984 Ford Bronco II. It gets about 25mpg and is 4WD, which is needed where I live. I paid $500 for it a month ago. It runs and didn't have any major problems -- just replaced the rear brakes and the rear u-joint, and it was good to go. Doing just regular maintenance on it now.

I got sucked into the 'must have a new car' mode for a while as a young adult. It's just money down the drain, especially when the value lessens by thousands of dollars just from driving it off the car lot.

I will get a hybrid eventually, when it's offered in 4WD. And I'm saving up so I can pay cash for a good used one.