Isn't this the way it's supposed to work?

[dicklaurey]

But the major percentage of profit goes back to the "old country".

[Clipper]

That is a point to ponder Dick, but at least we have American jobs and American's earning the income to spend here in the US economy. the dealers employ Americans and the maintenance costs are infused into the American economy through patronizing tire dealers, battery manufacturers, carwashes, quick change oil change shops, etc.

If we buy "American" we end up with a vehicle that has most of it's manufacture taking place in Canada or Mexico, and the parts vendors shipping in the parts from overseas. At least with Japanese cars there are places here in the US that make seats, body parts, glass, etc. for the "foreign" cars. It won't be long until more of the foreign car is actually made in the USA, than what is manufactured under the name of "American car."

Kathy and I both drive Dodge products, but I guess they are actually "foreign" considering the fact that the Corporation that owns Chrysler has been European based since before either of us made our purchase.

I guess no matter what brand of auto we purchase, the profit for the dealer, the service facilities, and the salary of the people who sell and support the maintenance of the vehicle, is still funneled into the US economy.

For those of us that have V-8 vehicles and need them for a particular application, such as pulling our fifth wheel trailer, the cash for clunkers is simply knocking down the value of our vehicles when we trade them in. It is strange how even with the Cash for Clunkers program, the Hemi truck is still over 35K but the trade in value of my 05 has dropped considerably because the high performance V-8's are "not in demand." I recently explored the possibility of trading my truck for the 2010 model. A truck with the same accessories as the 05 that I now have was 38K. They will take 10K off of that. Big deal. They did the same thing in 05. My truck was 32K and I bought it for 23K.

Government interference into such issues as fuel economy are a rip off. People that need the power and want to pay the price will do so. There are plenty of people that don't need the power, and will opt for the fuel economy. Obama doesn't need to tell me what to drive. I have a v-8, but it is an 05 and I have only put 34,000 miles on it in 4 years. We drive our fuel efficient vehicle when possible. It only makes good sense. Duh!

I will get rid of my truck when Obama starts riding in his four cylinder Ford Focus Limo and the secret service is riding in 4 cylinder minivans. Hey maybe they can trade Air Force One and buy him an ultra lite with a snowmobile engine on it.

[Ralph]

So my 1994 Aerostar extended van that is slowly rotting to death with 148k miles on it isn't a clunker?

Wow.....I didn't realize how lucky I was!!!

[Clipper]

If cars could talk, you van would have many tales to tell Ralph. It has been the veteran of many campaigns over the years that you have had it. Especially during the Weed and Seed days.

Your van has a personality of it's own. To retire it would be more honorable than to "junk" it in the cash for clunkers program. There should be a home for "faithful but tired" vehicles that have served their masters well.


What the hell, if you were to buy some non-descript sedan and forfeit the light bar, nobody would know your vehicle any more. Not to mention that a birdcage or a walker will not fit very well into most late model cars. You would have to rent a Uhaul to do your bird rescues.

[Ralph]

Yeah.....it would have some good tales to tell Clipper!!

Despite the mileage and the trepidation that comes from driving anything of that age, it has been a faithful steed. I could not have asked and then received any more from any vehicle that I have owned over the years.

Other than the regular exhaust, tires and brake jobs, I have only had to replace a fuel injector on it in the nine years I have had it.
Sadly it has seen its better days and now the little things are starting to go. Only a matter of time before the bigger and more expensive systems start to erode.

It has stealthily crawled through city streets and hauled ass on road trips across the country without a complaint, shined through parades and guided me through my campaign days. If I could find another one just like it in mint condition I would snatch it up without question.

It will be a sad day indeed when I finally have to let it go to the big parking lot in the sky.

[clarencebunsen]

Now that "Cash for Clunkers" has ended perhaps more dealers will sign on to "Guns for Clunkers"

www.tngunowners.com/forums/newsworthy-reports/24388-cnn-interview-goes-wrong-truck-dealer-muller-lets-them-have.html#post322479

[dgriffin]

That link appears to be broken, but here it is from Youtube: