by Tony Jones

Created on: July 03, 2008

Absolutely! Despite the promises of better fuel efficiency and less pollution, many will attempt to keep their old gas guzzlers until the market bottoms out. The irony of all of this is the fact that we are actually starting to decrease the number of vehicles on the road. Rising gasoline prices has managed to accomplish what environmentalists have been begging for and few politicians have managed to deliver: less pollution. And that's just the good news!

The bad news is that many workers (especially those ber commuters) will no longer be able to afford to drive to work. Already we are seeing situations where suburbanites are returning to the city. Public transportation figures are up, but intercity parking in large cities is still a nightmare. Driving to the mall for a package of cigarettes has now become more expensive that it's actually worth. Family vacations are also in jeopardy because we can no longer rely on road trips being an affordable option.

Another irony is the simple fact that transport and handling costs for new cars have actually increased despite rebates promised by manufacturers. How much longer can truckers afford to earn a living in an environment of spirally costs?

Consequently, buying a new car must now be considered in a new light. Many will, elect to purchase a pre-owned car instead of the latest model. Why because of the initial investment involved. For example, car insurance which must be considered before the car takes to the road. Let's face it - until car manufacturers can deliver on green promises that were made decades ago, modern consumers will keep their green in their pockets.

If we want greater engine performance and extended mileage we must be prepared to pay for it. To date the average waiting time for a hybrid car is 10 months. Fuel prices have already increased by 30 percent in the last four months. Where will that figure be by year's end? Note the operative word here is "fuel" and no longer gasoline. Any housewife will remind you that heating oil, natural gas and electricity costs have also jumped. Soon many middle class families will have to make a choice between heating and purchasing a new car. I know what I would choose. Do you?

Over the years we have forgotten the true intent of purchasing a car. Instead of basing our purchase decision on necessity; we have determined it to be a right of passage. Now the rising costs of ownership has become are a cold slap in the face. Now we must explain to our children (and their) how our selfish determination to purchase a new vehicle justifies a debt that they must pay.

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