New Car Sales

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
May 5, 2018
Messages
27,895
Did new car sales tank in 2018?
Looking at the car review websites it seems like the 2018's aren't out yet. ( 2019's are here)
Very few if any reviews and I'm seeing a bunch of 2016-2017 vehicles on the lots still.


I've been looking hard for a few weeks and not excited over anything yet.

Newcars.com is a website for owner reviews and 18 reviews are dismal- hardly any.
 
I usually weigh the professional reviews heavier than the consumer sites just due the fact that I can derive things through multiple professional reviews versus a consumer site where the reviews tend to gush or gripe about a nit that many wouldn't care about.

Supposedly, car sales are at a 60 year low and light trucks outsold cars over 2 to 1 in May...so I'd guess that might have something to do with it. Sites like Edmunds have all kinds of 2018 and 2019 professional reviews.
 
The last time I bought new was in 2008 with the Corolla, it was at the height of the downturn and gas prices were very high. In my region a used compact car 3-4 years old was within $1000-1500 of new...so I went for new.

Fast forward to today and I am looking at passing the Corolla on to family member. For fun I took a look and new car prices are ridiculous. So I bought a 43K mile 2013 Civic SI for a song which confirmed to me that used is still the best bargain.
 
Last edited:
If you are looking for high horsepower and high performance the choices are dizzying.


Like who knew about the 400 HP Infinity red sport 400?

Imight have to get a truck as I am about to start fixin up my log cabin and having to buy lots of lumber and drywall.. Maybe I should just get a yard truck. No room for an extra vehicle come winter though.
 
Originally Posted By: Smokescreen
Fast forward to today and I am looking at passing the Corolla on to family member. For fun I took a look and new car prices are ridiculous. So I bought a 43K mile 2013 Civic SI for a song which confirmed to me that used is still the best bargain.

I had a 2008 Civic Si. While not the same as your 2.4, I had the 2.0. I'd say you made the right call. I test drove I new turbocharged Si a couple months ago and it just doesn't have the same spirit has the NA cars did.

On the topic of sales, from some outlets I've seen they say the sales are mostly strong this year. Cars are getting more expensive but people are just taking out longer loans, or leasing.
 
Originally Posted By: JohnnyJohnson
They want to sell cars? Remove all CAFE requirement on cars that will deliver 60 + MPG and watch things change.


Is that true? I mean: look at truck/SUV/CUV sales. Sedans (generally) beat their mpg yet don't sell. People don't want cars, and I don't think it has anything to do with mpg.

Now, remove CAFE and EPA so that my MegaXursion can get 30mpg while able to drive over econoboxes...

*

Seems like once in a while we discuss this, and usually can look at old car ads and use the inflation calculator to find that cars haven't gotten that much more expensive. Trucks and SUV's, sure those have. Fully loaded cars, probably so. People keep buying them though. And when people decide otherwise (*cough* millenials *cough*) we mock them for not buying.
 
My wife, who works at a GM office said "All" N/A car builders are suffering when it comes to car sales. The data/info proves people have gone truck and SUV crazy and that is the majority of what is being manufactured as a result.

I am not sure the reasoning behind it and why all of a sudden truck and SUVs have become so popular, but it is a sign of our times currently.
 
With Iranian disruptions to petroleum supply and tariff disruptions to almost everyone's supply chains--cars and trucks. I'd expect '19 vehicle sales to be horrible. Recently saw an interview with the whining mayor of West Point Georgia talking about bad days ahead-- Hmm-- ya think?
 
Originally Posted By: csandste
With Iranian disruptions to petroleum supply and tariff disruptions to almost everyone's supply chains--cars and trucks. I'd expect '19 vehicle sales to be horrible. Recently saw an interview with the whining mayor of West Point Georgia talking about bad days ahead-- Hmm-- ya think?


It will be interesting to see the effect of higher steel/aluminum prices on vehicle production. My guess is that cost will be passed off on the consumer. Trade wars are easy though
whistle.gif
 
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite


Imight have to get a truck as I am about to start fixin up my log cabin and having to buy lots of lumber and drywall.. Maybe I should just get a yard truck. No room for an extra vehicle come winter though.


Could probably rent a trailer a few times and use the hitch for a bike carrier or something in the future.
 
Originally Posted By: Rand
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite


Imight have to get a truck as I am about to start fixin up my log cabin and having to buy lots of lumber and drywall.. Maybe I should just get a yard truck. No room for an extra vehicle come winter though.


Could probably rent a trailer a few times and use the hitch for a bike carrier or something in the future.


Store truck at camp?

Buy trailer and store it at camp. Use it as a shed when done, or sell when done.

I guess it depends on how far camp is from home. Buying used trucks is a pain ($$$) up here.
 
Used Camry prices right now are approximately $1.5K more at this time this year versus last year for a comparable car. There isn't a big explanation. The 18s you can't touch for around $2k less at most versus new. If I could afford a new one I would have it because of the killer sales out now.
 
The US has an aging population that is getting very top heavy with seniors. All the seniors I know are dumping their sedans for SUV's because they can't physically get in and out of sedans anymore.
 
Originally Posted By: Vuflanovsky
I usually weigh the professional reviews heavier than the consumer sites just due the fact that I can derive things through multiple professional reviews versus a consumer site where the reviews tend to gush or gripe about a nit that many wouldn't care about.

Supposedly, car sales are at a 60 year low and light trucks outsold cars over 2 to 1 in May...so I'd guess that might have something to do with it. Sites like Edmunds have all kinds of 2018 and 2019 professional reviews.


I like the entertainment factor of the non pro reviewers.
Honestly the only review that concerns me is my own. I have to put down the $$$ and live with it.
But I do agree with what you said. I can't stand the reviews where they are praising the salesperson and dealer.
We know what that is about
smile.gif
 
For some reason all new cars to me are starting to blend as one.
Nothing is a standout. It seems every car maker is using the same suppliers for everything.
I guess I have owned too many new cars and I'm no longer excited.

In the end I do like my mpg's and will always have a hybrid around for daily duty.

As far as PU trucks I have always bought Fords. I respect GM trucks as I know several owners that beat them
to death and they hold up. Plus they tend to be less ungainly driving it the city or back roads than a Ford

That said I would be killed by my family but I like the look of the new Ram 1500's- the front end.
I always buy 250-350's but the Ram 1500 seems to be a Luxury cruiser and a work truck when you need it.
 
Originally Posted By: RedOakRanch
The US has an aging population that is getting very top heavy with seniors. All the seniors I know are dumping their sedans for SUV's because they can't physically get in and out of sedans anymore.


LOL yah they just carry a stool or ladder with them so they can get into their lifted PU/SUV.
 
Even normal cars ground clearance are decreasing. Seems like they all dropped a couple inches closer to the ground for better areo and mpgs
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom