What Will Your Next Car Be if Gas Prices Stay High - And How High is Too High?

I asked a couple questions this morning regarding changes made to lifestyle as a result of gas prices being as high as they were this summer.  Economist agree that $4.00 seems to be the number at which drivers took a serious look at driving habits, and made changes.

I told you about my sister who along with her husband took to riding scooters as a way to save money on fuel.  I asked you the reader what (if any) changes did you make to your lifestyle to adjust to the extra money expended on gas.

I normally write the article the night before and this mornings top story was no exception, however when I woke this morning I realized that perhaps I missed the mark in the question I asked.  Not everyone on here has the ability to simply go out and change their method of transportation.  Face it, you may be driving a big SUV or truck right now, and as Agent001 and others have pointed out, the resale values of those vehicles is falling almost daily to levels before unseen.  The rapid decline in resale values led Chrysler to suspend leasing of new cars and trucks, and other brands have stated that changes were in the works to promotional leasing programs.  As such you probably can't just trade in a your current ride for a new more economical car.  However at some point you will need to get something new or newer.

The question that I should have asked is this, going on the assumption that gas prices stay around the $4.00 mark, what car will you be buying the next time you need a new car or truck.  Sure, it is easy to say that a small Toyota Yaris or Mini Cooper would suffice, but if you routinely transport clients or are in a job that requires hauling equipment of towing heavy machinery, we both know a small car just won't do.

So give the question some thought, and see what options you would look at if gas prices stay at or around $4.00 a gallon.

Lecsucks - 8/3/2008 12:02:12 PM

-4 Boost

MAN........How many BS articles like this one are we going to get?

MadibaP - 8/4/2008 5:33:16 AM

-2 Boost

Actually there is no point as relevant as this on to our lives economically speaking. Here is the real question:

How long will it be until "gas" (its a liquid!) is $40 a gallon?

gooch - 8/5/2008 1:33:00 PM

0 Boost

MadibaP, seriously. I'm sure you're joking.
Gas -- short for gasoline.
My next car will be an E46 M3.

jayr1 - 8/3/2008 12:08:11 PM

-1 Boost

My next car will most likely be a hybrid with contingencies: Those are providing that manufacturers design them fun to drive, beautiful and/or sporty to look at and above all with soul. All of the preceding qualities do not apply to any of the hybrids that are currently on the market. And for the record can we just agree that the new "hybrid" Tahoe and Suburban or even the Cadillac Mistakelade are not fuel efficient vehicles. I mean really does GM really think people are stupid enough to pay 100% more dollars for a 25% improvement in fuel economy?

bmwdrvr - 8/3/2008 12:55:37 PM

-4 Boost

100% more money, since when was the hybrid escalade a 140 grand???

bigTYME - 8/3/2008 1:19:19 PM

-1 Boost

For something that big and powerful it can still get the same fuel efficiency as my CTS. That is impressive to me. Not to mention the current rebates on the Hybrid Tahoe/Yukon, it's looking like a bargain to me. A lot more people can afford to drive at the rate of 20 mpg, than at 14 mpg.

hao420 - 8/3/2008 8:43:47 PM

-2 Boost

Still.....Lexus hybird

nozferatu - 8/4/2008 2:35:29 AM

-1 Boost

bmwdrvr...

Yeah i guess it would be impressive if the CTS was anything to boast about...but since it isn't, the other one is crap too.

bmwdrvr - 8/4/2008 9:26:57 PM

0 Boost

lol are so many idiots here.....lol so people honestly think that the escalade hybrid is 100% more expensive than the regular version.......you guys are kidding right no one can be that ignorrant.......i hope not....and the CTS is an excellent car certainly something to boast about

nozferatu - 8/6/2008 1:14:30 PM

0 Boost

Uhh....if you think so....your standards are pretty damned low then.

CliffPettigrew - 8/7/2008 5:12:15 PM

+1 Boost

jayr1, the hybrid option on a tahoe is $2000. And they get very good mileage.

icedogsvl - 8/3/2008 12:22:32 PM

-2 Boost

Fortunately, my lease ends in late September...I will be replacing my FX with a Mini Clubman S.

bmwdrvr - 8/3/2008 12:55:07 PM

-2 Boost

i saw my first mini clubman a red one the other day, good looking little cars

icedogsvl - 8/4/2008 10:19:53 AM

+1 Boost

Ordered it 3 weeks ago...build week is 1st week in September...should see it a month later...it'll be a 2009

Fluxx - 8/3/2008 1:19:28 PM

+2 Boost

Fuel economy won't play a part in my next vehicle purchase. I won't buy a hybrid because too many pricks own them (being that 4 out of 5 times I get cut off its an asshat in a Prius.) I'm still going to buy what appeals to me based on styling, performance and all around driving experience.

nozferatu - 8/4/2008 2:36:34 AM

-1 Boost

Well...that's good...at least we now know there'll be one less prick who owns one.

What a retarded, stupid mentality.

gooch - 8/5/2008 1:36:57 PM

-1 Boost

I agree with Fluxx. Too many times have I been cut off or impeded by some jackass in a Prius trying to get the best fuel economy or just driving slow because well, 'I'm saving the environment.'
Hell naw. FAIL.

nozferatu - 8/6/2008 1:16:38 PM

0 Boost

Hmmm..and all the douchebags in Beemers, Benzes, and Audi's over taking others from the right side, slow lane don't affect people huh?

Awww....too bad they are driving slow...how about you slow down?

eric452 - 8/3/2008 3:45:39 PM

+4 Boost

335D!

gooch - 8/5/2008 1:38:07 PM

0 Boost

After the E46 M3, this would be my second choice,

AgentOrange - 8/3/2008 6:09:10 PM

+3 Boost

123d

Bmw8ter - 8/3/2008 6:49:58 PM

+1 Boost

I wish we had the 123d in the states because I'd scoop one up with no questions asked.

sholemon - 8/3/2008 6:17:01 PM

0 Boost

I'm still looking at a G37 sedan. Obviously I like to see mpg going up with each model year, but it's not a big deal.

M35er - 8/3/2008 6:27:16 PM

+1 Boost

thinking about the new A4 2.0 TDI. Also, the new Acura TSX actually looks pretty good in person (sans grill) and I believe that gets pretty good mileage. Another option is just buying my car out after the lease, having a relatively low payment to offset poor mileage with the M.

PrancingHorse - 8/3/2008 6:35:36 PM

-1 Boost

Next car is going to be any high performance high output,gas guzzling car i want.I dont care if gas goes to $10 a gallon i will buy what appeals to me, not to fit into the brainwashed masses who drive around in little tin cans to fit in.

nozferatu - 8/4/2008 2:37:52 AM

0 Boost

No only the brainwashed asshats who think driving in a big, stupid overweight POS is the way to go....no brainwashing there.

MadibaP - 8/4/2008 5:48:13 AM

+1 Boost

See, this is a fine example of an ignorant mind!

Here is someone who things that the only thing high gas prices influences is his gas bill. His mind can not conceive that the price of oil and the world economy just might be linked! So all will remain exactly the same but the number of dollars it takes to fill his own tank of gas.

Wow! Talk about ignorance!

Bored - 8/3/2008 7:12:34 PM

-1 Boost

Looking for a new or used vehicle to replace my '93 Grand Cherokee Laredo V8 (my daily driver -- yikes!, 13 city 18 hwy). I don't have a need for haul crap around any longer. But I would like to wait until I start a new job as opposed to tapping into my savings.
Here's my short list:
1)VW Jetta TDI/CleanDiesel TDI
2)Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe
3)Honda Fit
4)Honda Civic/Civic Hybrid
5)Toyota Prius (but only if I become desperate)

85bmw745i - 8/4/2008 3:58:49 AM

0 Boost

I drove the Jette TDI and it is a great car. Lots of power, much more than would be expected from a 2.0l diesel. tons of torque. I was impressed. It's not a race car, but acceleration is more than adequate.

truckmen - 8/4/2008 4:53:50 AM

0 Boost

The Matrix and Vibe are bad on fuel, they are almost comparable to a full size chev 2 wheel drive truck!

Bmw8ter - 8/3/2008 8:22:25 PM

+7 Boost

For such a "rich" person, you would think you'd choose a more exclusive auto.

MadibaP - 8/4/2008 5:42:25 AM

+1 Boost

Stupid is forever!

Buddhabrown - 8/4/2008 1:55:14 PM

+3 Boost

You'd think a wealthy guy such as amazinbimmer could punctuate and spell. Those you have it, don't talk about it, those who do, don't. (Wonder if he'll figure that one out)

Audiphile - 8/5/2008 1:30:26 AM

+1 Boost

It was for "rich" people like you that the guillotine was invented!

SisterOf00J - 8/3/2008 7:57:42 PM

+1 Boost

Oh gosh, if we had to downsize (the Element, not the scooters), we'd probably go with the Honda FIT. My MIL has one, and we all like it.

You know, since I'm not rich like amazinBimmer!

Plus, we're kinda a Honda family (Element, FIT, Ruckus, Metropolitan).

dtrotter54 - 8/3/2008 8:18:04 PM

-1 Boost

This is the question that everyone is asking in the market place today. The manufacturers have been caught off guard. There doesn't really seem to be a solution long term.

silver1 - 8/3/2008 9:03:48 PM

+1 Boost

I have a Mercedes Smart For Two convertible on order.

silver1 - 8/3/2008 9:03:48 PM

+1 Boost

I have a Mercedes Smart For Two convertible on order.

silver1 - 8/3/2008 9:07:11 PM

0 Boost

2duplicate post at the same time. Agent00J, helpme, cause I'm sure it wasn't my iphone2

Agent00J - 8/3/2008 10:02:03 PM

-4 Boost

I don't know, I have commented from my iPhone without it duplicating (iPhone 3G).

Agent004 is the technical guy, perhaps he knows why it is happening.

-00J

Cadgeek - 8/3/2008 10:11:27 PM

0 Boost

I'm buying a new 350Z. Gas is gas, I want to drive what I want.

Bmw8ter - 8/3/2008 10:54:11 PM

-1 Boost

Give me a gas guzzler. I'll be frugal when I need to, and have fun when I want.

KZ258 - 8/4/2008 3:40:24 AM

-3 Boost

buying up, way up. I own(paid off) my 05 maxima and will go up to a 335i 6 speed coupe when the refresh face lift comes out and modifying the hell out of it. the maxima will still be with me btw. Next car is the GT-R if all goes well(thankfully i am not relying on my wife/girlfriend or anyone for these purchases or it would be quite impossible to do so). the day I a buy car to save money from gas or whatever will probably never take place. like 90% of my paycheck would have to go to my current car for me to significantly downsize

mwrmmg - 8/4/2008 4:24:12 AM

+2 Boost

for performance car, it has to be light, Lotus or Honda Type-R

Audiphile - 8/4/2008 9:42:43 AM

0 Boost

Look at the comment below yours. It's meant for you, dude!

SisterOf00J - 8/4/2008 1:14:53 PM

+1 Boost

I'll be sure not to offer you a ride then, eh? :)

Audiphile - 8/4/2008 9:41:54 AM

+1 Boost

You poor sick soul! I have just the doctor for you - Dr. Gregory House, in one of his experimental moods!

If House can't cure you, I suggest you contact the Vatican and arrange for an exorcism!

2ndbimmer - 8/4/2008 11:31:59 AM

0 Boost

hybrids are bringing too much money where it would take forever for me to reep the benefit. so why not buy a car that is fun to drive and still gets decent gas mileage? I will stay in my 335i sedan at 24mpg.

no1listensanyway - 8/4/2008 12:42:41 PM

+2 Boost

Im not really into hybrids, I think I will saddle up with a G35x or G37x when it comes out.

quizz - 8/4/2008 5:13:21 PM

+2 Boost

A Prius/Lexus "minivan" to replace my current mini-van and an Audi Q5 diesel (or X3 diesel) to replace my current SUV.

volnedan - 8/4/2008 10:21:57 PM

-1 Boost

Currently getting 22mpg in my G37 coupe, so not too worried about the gas. However, with premium being well over $4/gallon, I am considering a Honda Accord coupe V6 (19/28) with the active cylinder management.

Test drove both the manual and auto the other day, wish Honda would put more feeling in the car. No exhaust note whatsoever, and steering just feels *blah* :-(

bmwdrvr - 8/5/2008 10:44:54 PM

0 Boost

well it does have its positives like it has a nicer interior than the G37................

rhp1462 - 8/5/2008 12:47:20 PM

+1 Boost

i will be proudly buying a yukon denali as my commute is less than a mile and i only put 350 miles on my car a month.

weaponX - 8/6/2008 8:01:31 AM

+1 Boost

V10 twin-turbo M5. Nuff said.

Tonee - 8/6/2008 8:53:58 AM

0 Boost

People who can afford to drive an SUV or sports cars don't really care about gas. The luxury SUV market is doing far better than non-luxury SUV's. This is because people who buy these luxury SUV's can afford the gas that comes with it. If you spend $50 grand or more on your SUV you better bet that the buyer has already thought about the gas before hand and they have no problem with a vehicle that gets less than 18 miles
per gallon.

thstone - 8/6/2008 4:12:35 PM

+1 Boost

Next car is a BMW X6 as soon as my high school kids go to college and I can trade in the X5. Could care less about gas prices.

pchera01 - 8/6/2008 10:34:01 PM

+1 Boost

Next generation 5 series or next infiniti M50

nyrogrl - 8/7/2008 10:43:37 PM

+1 Boost

this topic really took off. I am a treehuggin old hippy chic, who loves cars. I own a MiniCoopS, a Miata and a 68 Scout 800. Talk about burning some gas...but its beautiful. I love it. Had it 40 years. Red rocks babe.

My next car, as I lease my Miata, after my Audi TT Quat Roadster got smashed up on the 5 going to San Diego (too many tears to count) is going to be the 2009 VW Cabrio Mark . I totally love it. I am a looksist.