With the gov program trade-in of clunkers will probably go down, carrying asking prices with it — “if you’re getting $4.5 K, why do you need more?” say the dealers.. Lower mid range used cars, selling privately in the $4.5 K range will probably stay relatively stable… Used cars selling in the teens might go lower since there’s less reason to buy used instead of new, plus the bargain syndrome of the gov check will prompt many into buying something they can’t afford — psychologically they buy into the deal & discount more than the vehicle. Who knows — might even create it’s own bubble of sorts.

Anyway now’s not the time to buy GM or Chry… Tech’s paid flat-rate barely break even on warranty repairs – remaining dealers can either turn away warranty from those that closed, or take it in, with no man-hours left for paying work, so good techs leave. Either way warranty quality drops, satisfaction plummets, & those cars are avoided like the plague. At the same time fewer parts departments competing means increased prices on body parts means increased insurance rates.

I hear BO saying that the only way to get us out of the problems caused by over borrowing and over spending is to over borrow and over spend even more – maybe even by a factor of 4! YABBADABBADO! I think the best way to cash in on that deal is to take advantage of the housing and car tax credits and then get a 105% loan backed by the government! WOWIE – that gal was right “if I help BO he’ll help me” new car, new house, free government loan! SWEET.

If you can’t beat them, might as well join the party – right? I meant that is what you were suggesting – right?

Speaking of fairness – I’d go with a flat tax with no deductions 1 page tax form. Everyone uses the basic services provided by government, (military, etc) except that those of use that currently PAY the majority of taxes use most social services the LEAST. What’s fair about that?

Or are you saying this commentary to get a rise out of people like myself.

age 60 worked since i was 9 income 150k a year,,,,,,,,,,,and I pay for everything I have
I took the risks and you think I should give the rewards to people that sit on their ass and complain that the mommy goverment is not doing enough for them, both my sons put themselves thru college working 3 jobs, now that they are making decent money
70 to 90k…….my sons the do somethings should continue the tradition of giving to the do nothings!!!!!!!! Cody wake up and write something intelligent, or get a new career.

I guess we’re now just saying you don’t have to trade in a car to get the $4500, so what happens to the nearly-new used car market? Is it now going to be the case that a 3 month old car with 2K miles is of a higher cost to buy than a brand new car off the lot? Isn’t that just going to mean the entire car market ends up getting artificially pushed down by this government credit (hurting those looking to sell a slightly used vehicle)? If so, when does it end? Much like this $8000 first-time home buyer credit, who it hurts most is the people on the edges looking in. Now people that bought two months to early or late payed more for the house or car than others (again this really would hurt in resale). All only because of some political whim intended to prop up a bubble or a failing auto company. This erodes consumer confidence and causes people to shelter their money in fear or hope that the government brings a long a new different plan to suit them better….