Sales of gas-guzzling SUVs sputter as fuel costs climb

[icymist]

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/173947_gasguzzlers19.html

Wednesday, May 19, 2004

Sales of gas-guzzling SUVs sputter as fuel costs climb

By M.L. LYKE
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

Before Brian Bird listed his wife's 2002 Suburban, he did some checking.

Average seller's price in the classifieds was about $33,500. Reasonable enough. So that's the price he set on the loaded, low-mileage 4x4.

That was 3 1/2 months ago -- before filling up the Suburban hit almost $60 a pop, before dealers started listing equivalent cars below $30,000, and before some car buyers began wondering if the oversized sport utility vehicle might be going the way of the supersized meal.

Today -- national "Stick It to Them Day," according to online organizers of a one-day gas-buying boycott -- the Birds' 2002 Suburban is selling at $30,500/or best offer. Bird has received one call. No call-back.

"As gas prices go up, it's like being out in the desert," the Whidbey Islander developer said.

It's a silence familiar to other sellers of large SUVs, as the price of gasoline rolls past $2 a gallon and private parties pull prices on the autos far below Blue Book values. Then wait and wait.

(more)

[kalian]

1. Oh poor little SUV drivers....

waahhhh---bwaahhhh....

:eyes:

[Wright Patman]

26. I was nearly killed

in November 2003 by a Chevrolet Suburban. I was walking along the side of a street and a lady plowed head-on into me going about 40 mph. She wasn't looking at the road; was telling her kids in the back seat to mind or something. I went flying through the air and landed in a ditch, miraculously not suffering any head injuries, just a lot of broken bones and a collapsed lung.

I left my body, had a near-death experience, etc., all of that. It confirmed my faith in God and that God is love and only love exists beyond this life. I believe it must have been angels who kept me alive for the hour I lay there before the helicopter got there to take me to a trauma unit 35 miles away.

Do I have a whole lot of sympathy for SUV drivers/owners anymore? I am trying, guys. Forgive me if it takes a while. I believe I was being taught to love better during that whole ordeal. So I love you, SUV drivers, but please consider finding something more sensible and fuel-efficient to drive, okay?

[daleo]

48. That's a nice story

I am glad things worked that way for you, and you took away something positive from a terrible experience. SUVs are notably dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists, which is just one more thing that is questionable about them.

[keithyboy]

41. Anybody hear what el- Rushbo is saying to his SUV-dittoheads?

I guess how the liberals are raising gasoline prices just to get back at him.

[LynzM]

2. Sucks for them, but...

In a way, I'm glad that it is making people more aware of the fuel economy and wastefulness that large vehicles can entail. That doesn't mean that people shouldn't have them, just that I think it's beneficial to evaluate it as a big factor in buying.

I am selling my van and bought a smaller, more fuel-efficient station wagon, partly for that reason. Van hasn't sold yet either...

[gasperc]

16. I got a rendevous with ave 20.5mpg

and almost 26mpg on my way to Florida.
its very roomy and pretty good in the snow, it was a great compromise. I hope it goes hybrid in the next few years

[sinkingfeeling]

3. Oh my, that's the saddest thing I've ever heard....NOT.

[Raster]

4. anyone who bought one of those fuckers deserves to take it in the shorts..

...don't tell me they didn't know about global warming, mideast energy dependency or depletion of resources. Most of these fucks bought the biggest and greediest they could find. The only reason they're getting off of the SUV express is the increasing cost to their wallet.

No sympathy. Not a fucking bit. I hope they bury you in your hummer. And by the way, just how small is your penis?

[Roaming]

9. Hard as it may be to believe through the veil of intense anger

I'm sensing from your post, there are people who own SUVs because of other reasons than to feel "masculine" or whatever. Some people own their own businesses and need the hauling power.

Others, like my family, would like a larger vehicle to hold all our family members and to be able to tow a camper for family vacations... you can't do that with a small gas-efficient car.

[TahitiNut]

15. Once a year?

Rent.

[Roaming]

21. I haul my sizeable family around MUCH more frequently than just once a

year, and camping is more than once a year as well (usually 2-3)... Plus, it's nice to have the extra space when hauling around furniture and other big things... And when those nasty winter snowstorms hit, it handles just about any depth of snow. Tradeoff is swallowing gas price hikes like now, but we decided for us it's well worth it.

[treepig]

36. towing a camper?

what happened to sticking a pup-tent in the back of your civic or prius?

geez, talk about planet-destroying excessive lifestyles!

[Alerter_]

47. ha ha, what a joke!

There is a business deduction for SUVs. Probably 80% of the people taking it is doctors and lawyers and other white collar professionals. What are they hauling, paperwork?

Nope, if you were selfishness enough to buy a gas guzzling, dangerous SUV - whatever your reasons - rest assured I'm snickering as gas prices go higher. No sympathy.

[Nashyra]

13. There are some reasons people own an SUV

We bought a suburban 8 years ago so that we could carry family, cargo and our 2 150lb dogs at the same tiem. It has come in handy for hauling for our rental business and it was a very safe 4x4 in the snow up here in Lake Tahoe. The drivers in our household have other more fuel effiecent vehicles now, but we still have the suburban, it is parked and gets used sparingly when needed like when we want to go somewhere together. I don't expect sympathy, don't consider myself a fuck and certainly don't have a penis and could careless how small yours must be.

[LynneSin]

18. you are in the minority for your purchase

But there are too many folks out there who jumped on the SUV craze cause they wanted some giant monster car to impress the neighbors.

They are now paying $50 week for gas and are just starting to realize what the problem is with those SUVs.

I'm not saying that SUVs should be outlawed and I believe most other folks feel the same way. My grandfather taught me to buy the most useful vehicle that can safely get me from point "a" to point "b". For my needs - my Toyota Corolla does the trick quite nicely.

For what you need - you should have your Suburban. But I think if we look around - most folks don't need one. I know the guy in the parking lot where I work in Delaware probably doesn't need that hummer

[Roaming]

23. Some people buy 3000 square foot houses for only two people...

Others buy Porsches--not exactly a "needed" item. And my neighbor just bought a riding lawnmower but could just as easily have bought a old-fashioned manual one with the rotating blades.

I guess I feel uncomfortable judging others' moral character based on the things they decide they need (or just plain want) to purchase. They're paying for their choice now--and through the nose. So in a way, "justice" is being done.

[Coventina]

35. I respectfully disagree

I think you can judge a LOT of things about a person by what they purchase and consume, including their "morals".

[catzies]

46. True, and when the housing market crashes and foreclosures

and bankruptcies soar, you can bet there'll be a lot of people who won't be sympathetic for them either.

[Skittles]

28. huh

what did we do before SUVs???

[Skittles]

27. I agree

greedy f***ing arrogance. What goes around comes around, eh? :nopity:

[rkc3]

5. Wait until....

the big 3 auto makers start to see sales of new SUVs go downhill. We'll see some real pressure on the gov't to reduce gas prices. These vehicles have been the only profit they have seen over the past 7-8 years.

When volume drops - they'll be on the horn with their legislators pushing to have talks with OPEC and the prez re: strategic oil reserves.

Or maybe they'll look more closely at the fuel efficiency of the newer models 0 but i wouldn't hold my breath.

[PartyPooper]

6. Oh dear, what will these American folks do if they can't drive a SUV?

And, yesterday I heard one guy on the radio say, "To hell with those environmentalists...we should start drilling for our own oil!"

Yep, that's the ticket.

:eyes:

[namvet73]

12. Yeah, and if they drill deep enough...

to the other side of the earth, maybe they can tap the Iraqi oil pockets from underneath!

I wonder if life will get better when this dead "dinosour juice" runs out!

[C_eh_N_eh_D_eh]

31. Not likely. You ever see "Mad Max"?

[hatrack]

30. Well, let's see - American oil production peaked in 1970 . . .

. . . and has never returned to pre-1970 numbers, even including Prudhoe Bay coming online in 1978. It never will return to pre-1970 numbers.

Global oil consumption surpassed global oil discovery in 1981, and the differential between the two continues to grow rapidly; if you plot these two trend lines on a graph it looks remarkably like the letter "X".

We now find one barrel of oil for every four we consume; total global consumption is just under 80 million bbd, and rising.

OPEC's total swing capacity amounts to about 2.5 million bbd, or about 3% of total global consumption.

In 1973 during the first Oil Shock, America imported about 28% of its oil. Last year, we imported about 63%, according to the Energy Department.

American demand for oil grew by 3.3% in 2003 alone.

China is now adding 1,000 cars per day, and the rate of growth in car sales there is rapidly rising.

But it's all the fault of the tree-hugging commies - yeah, that's the ticket!

:puke:

[denverbill]

7. I sure as hell am not shedding tears for anyone over 45.

They are old enough to remember the last 'gas crisis' and what happened to the gas guzzlers back then. I know I have long remembered it and I'd never drive a gas guzzler for just that reason.

[Skittles]

29. you and me both, denver

also I respect our soldiers too much to buy a gas guzzler.

[historian]

33. I remember those days with a certain smugness

I bought a small motorcycle and filled up once a week. since the 80's its been small toyotas for me and ive done quite thank you. No need to have a suv which is, in psychological terms, a way of increasing the size of ones penis

[mulethree]

40. 40 is old enough but what happened to the really high MPG

I seem to remember like diesel VW rabbits or such getting 50 MPG. Now it seems you need to pay extra and buy a hybrid to even get close to that.

I remember a "Gasohol" ethanol/gasoline mix too. Now it seems we need to give tax breaks and incentives to re-develop that 30-year old technology? Or worse, pour a ton of money at Hydrogen which can't use the same engines or gas-station equipment while ethanol can.

Maybe Harley Davidson will make a bike thats not a 'HOG'. Something under 300 pounds and under 450cc?

[icymist]

45. Maybe Harley Davidson can make a small car....

for those of us who can't or, as circumstances have it, ride a bike. I know that I would consider buying such a car.

[Hotler]

57. If they did...

it would be another boat anchor.

[TommyO]

56. VW still builds small diesels

Volkswagen is still building cars with diesel engines that get 49mpg. The VW Golf, Jetta (sedan and wagon) and New Beetle are available with a diesel engine that gets 49mpg (EPA) with a stick.

I bought one three years ago when I saw the future of high-gas prices written on the wall, and I'm very glad that I did. Diesel is running me around $1.64 a gallon, compared to the $1.99 for regular gas. My real-world highway mileage is running between 45 and 50mpg.

VW also just introduced a diesel Passat, sedan and wagon, automatic only, that's rated at 38mpg.

If a Mercedes suits you better, you can get a new E320D rated at 37mpg highway.

So, it's possible to get a smaller car that gets great mileage, or bigger cars that get decent mileage (and in the case of the Passat wagon, some cargo room) wtihout going the hybrid route.

[devilgrrl]

8. Oh boo fuckin' hoo...

:nopity:

[namvet73]

10. About a year ago I predicted.....

to my wife, that most first time purchasers of an SUV, who didn't really need one (wanting to be KEWEL), would not purchase another...so, not to worry, the fad would not last forever.

Buying one of these vehicles is like putting a collar around your neck and handing the leash to oil companies. Many will also be handcuffed to the finance companies they borrowed the money from, even when the value of these monsters plummets.

My gripe has always been that they block my view, the bumper is at my face level and that the increased demand on oil would raise the price for EVERYONE!

I had this feeling because I learned the lesson myself with the first surge in gasoline prices back in the 70s, I dumped my big V8 Oldsmobile Cutlass for a Toyota.

[namvet73]

11. I forgot, I am > 45, but I learned. n/t.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

14. Ring the Pavlovian bell.

Market researchers are busy scribbling down the point at which gas prices effect vehicle purchases. This information is then fed to a politician who tries to maintain the maximum bearable price. Enter proverbial schmuck.

[natrat]

19. hmmm sell a many of these pigs as

possible. Give tax breaks for the 5 mpg vehicles. Then let the price of fuel go nuts once all of america owns an suv.

[proud patriot]

17. Suckers ...

Man bush suckered SUV buyers IMHO

[Beetwasher]

20. We Have Not Even Begun To Feel the Negative Effects

of the high gas prices. It's only just beginning.

[Neshanic]

25. Agree..report here on news that lowest will be 2.75 mid summer.

SUV's at bargain basement prices. Places like Phoenix will be a nightmare.

[Coventina]

22. I predicted this several years ago.

This makes my heart smile.

Undone by their own excesses. Don't feel sorry for them ONE BIT!

[aquaman]

24. Best news I have heard today.........

This likely is one of the good consequences of high gas prices. It MAY cause people to think about the vehicle that they are driving and the waste of money it is to fuel a tank twice weekly. People usually don't care about issues unless it affects THEM. For many in our society thats the "American way."

[midnight armadillo]

32. A few thoughts

First, sales are only just being affected by prices since in the past gas prices have always decreased and efficiency is still not much of a reason to select a car.

Two, there is a lot of extra money in the economy that can cover the excess energy costs, albeit with consequences - buy a few less Starbucks lattes, rent a DVD instead of hitting the theatre, skip the baseball game at $30/seat, etc.

Third, as long as people believe that future prices will be low they won't change their habits - only the biggest SUVs are being effected right now and there is a new car fad getting popular, the 'crossover' market (Nissan FX35 type thingies) that will eat into the SUV sales.

If people decide that high prices are here to stay, the auto industry will push hard for lower prices through gov action. If people suddenly start buying more efficient cars in droves the economy will be seriously harmed - SUV sales have buoyed US car sales for years through high profit margins and pulling the rug out from it would massively undermine a lot of the US economy, so be careful what you wish for. Plus more effiecient cars==less demand==lower prices, which means SUVs get to rebound down the road.

[Tracer]

34. I have to laugh at ...

... the people who claim to need an SUV to "haul things around".

A few years ago, I owned a true dog of a car ... a Chevette. However, it got good mileage and I could stuff any amount of things in it .... including, ALL THE WOOD FOR A 10 X 16 FOOT DECK!!!! The damn thing nearly bottomed out, but I got the wood home.

I now own a paid-for Mercury Tracer wagon. Since I (luckily) work at home, I throw $10 worth of gas in it about every two weeks.

[treepig]

37. yup, you sure don't need no stinking suv to haul building supplies . . .

[Beetwasher]

42. LOL!

Too funny!

You gotta love the string they used to tie it on too! Yeah, that'll hold!

I bet they have a bumper sticker that says "Get out of my way! Jeenyus on board!"

[mulethree]

43. Yikes!!

thats got to be 2200+ pounds. Please tell me no fool sat inside that car with all that on its roof.

This is why home centers rent out trucks and deliver large orders.

[treepig]

44. oops, forgot the rest of the story

The stupidity of some people in this world never fails to amaze. This picture is real - not doctored in anyway - and was taken last week in Waldorf by a Transportation Supervisor for a company that delivers building materials for 84 Lumber. When he saw it in the parking lot of IHOP, he went and bought a camera to take pictures.

The car is still running as can be witnessed by the exhaust. A woman is either asleep or otherwise out in the front seat passenger side. The guy driving it was over jogging up and down on Rt. 925 in the background. The witnesses said their physical state was OTHER than normal and the police just shook their heads in amazement. The driver finally came back after the police were there and was getting down at the back to cut the 'twine around the load. They told him to get back until it was taken off. The materials were loaded at Home Depot. Their store manager said they had the customer sign a waiver! Both back tires are trashed. The back shocks were driven up through the floorboard. In the back seat were 10 bags, 80 lbs. each of concrete. On the roof are many 2X4s, 4X4s and sheets of OSB. They estimated the load weight at 3000 lbs. The car is a VW Jetta with FL plates (any surprise there?) and the guy said he was headed for Annapolis. JUST UNBELIEVABLE!!!!

http://www.cornertheweb.com/pickbutt/jokes/joke0036.htm

[NuttyFluffers]

54. well, that begs some questions - of these people.

what the hell were they doing? going to Annapolis to build their own house?

and why couldn't they just go to a hardware store in Annapolis?

and why the hell was he jogging randomly outside of his running car????

yes, other state of mind is right. so that's what hillbilly heroin does to someone...

heh, think of it, if rush limbaugh wasn't discovered sooner to be a doper he'd might've pulled stuff like this, hahaha.

[Coventina]

39. Very true! I had a Datsun 210

and I was able to load a VERY LARGE "Hoosier" cabinet in it.

The SO and I take frequent road trips in his Miata, we manage all the baggage just fine.

"I need to haul stuff" is largely an excuse.

[annonymous]

38. Maybe people will start buying more gas efficient vehicles.

I hope it will convince Congress to raise fuel efficiency standards, but it will be bad for automakers. Remember the 70's when the Big 3 were slow to develop fuel efficient vehicles and how the Japanese carmakers gained market share?

[latebloomer]

49. GOOD!!

I hope those monstrosities go the way of the dinosaurs.

[PfcHammer]

50. I seldom see anyone other than the driver inside these ugly tanks.

[PartyPooper]

51. Neither do I. Does each member of the family drive one of these monsters?

[cliss]

52. I'm trying to feel sorry for them, but

the tears just ain't comin.

:nopity:

It's not like they haven't heard these warnings before! They just chose not to hear it. They thought petroleum would continue to trickle out of the ground till Kingdom Come.

Ain't so.

[Seabiscuit]

53. Serves them right!

I have no sympathy for big SUV owners or, especially those wretched "Hummers".

The good news: some people right here in the "military town" of San Diego have taken to putting bumper stickers on their gas-efficient little cars which read: "Soldiers are dying in their Hummers while you play soldier in yours."

May the Hummer drivers choke on their gasoline. :puke:

- a happy Corolla driver.:headbang:

[lil-petunia]

55. My SUV

I got a used tiny one, but for my art and supplies, I needs it. I'll carry close to a thousand lbs on occas. and between the pickmeup and the SUV, those things are the only ones that can handle it. But, taint a huge gas guzzling, monstrosity.

Last week, I was almost killed by a woman driving a hummer (now what ad exec came up with that term?) She had in one hand a cell phone. In the other a cigarette and eye makeup - and she was doing her eyes are 45 mph through a stop sign. I almost wondered with she were a republican congressman, but we ain't got any in Illinois.

I am searching for a pix I've got somewhere. Someone took a full bottle of acetelyne aind laid it on its side in a small sedan. laying it on its side is a major no-no as the liquid should not touch the valving. Anyway, one side of the car is blown away from the explosion and the other side shows Mr. Acetelyne Tank poking his nose through the back door.

[roscoeroscoe]

58. check out this site on hummers~

do not pass go, i mean this site is funny. must read.
http://www.fuh2.com/index.php

by the way, i understand the hummer 2 is piled up onto a chevy tahoe chassis, that it's a fake from the wheels up? a junk pile?
my army hummer sure is a junk pile, but that's a different matter.
america started down this road when the bought into reagan's 'morning in america' delusions. here we are, 25 years later, and these people are still delusional.
:)

[RebelYell]

59. Dr. Diesel

I think this problem goes way back....wasn't it Dr. Diesel the man found floating in the English Channel the day after he exhibited his diesel engine at the Paris World's Fair running on peanut hulls? Correct me if I'm wrong. Diesel engines will run on just about anything if you can get them started.