"Car philosophy question. Let's assume gas prices keep going up, and
up, and up. At some point some of us won't be able to afford to drive.
We'll sell our cars. As more people stop driving, more cars will be
for sale and fewer used cars will be bought. If we can't retrofit all
of the current vehicles out there, we could have piles and piles of un-
driveable cars. Do you think this could happen, if it does when I
should I try to sell the car, and what could we do with lots of cars
that we can't afford to drive?"
Well that's an interesting scenario. I've been reminded recently of the movie Mad Max, with Mel Gibson,and how there was hardly any gasoline left. There were more motorcycles on the road than cars.
And I think that may happen before we get to the point of people of not driving. I know that the resale value of SUV's has really dropped and if your looking for a small car to commute with,good luck,and be ready to pay.
This current trend will force people to think about their fuel consumption and look for ways to conserve. I believe it will also force manufacturers to produce fuel mizers again like the last squeeze did.
Since this question came up I'll show you a link of what we might be seeing more of on the roads. I've heard of one so far from a co-worker that has seen this on his morning commute. It's called a spider. I think this thing is cool.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GLSTyvONNc&feature=related
We may see very small vehicles coming as commuter cars as well. Motorcycles will be used longer into the cold weather. I remember years ago, seeing a guy in Brattleboro, riding a BMW motorcycle when it was snowing.
As far as when you should sell your car? Whats it get for mileage? If it's in the 20's I'd probably hang on to it until you can afford a more efficient car. Right now people are looking for the magic # of 30 mpg on window stickers. If you've got something that gets in the teens? I'd seriously think about putting that "For Sale" sign on it now while you can find a buyer. Otherwise you may be stuck with it.
Finally, all those "Road Warriors" that are sitting in yards That can't be driven anymore? They can be recycled. Right now you can get anywhere from $150 -$250 for a car for scrap. Just make sure you grab that "Liquid Gold" out of the tank before letting it go to the processor.
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