hybrid

Today’s Unwanted SUVs Tomorrow’s Collectibles?

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Take a ride down the stretch of highway past your local auto dealers and you’re bound to see rows of unwanted new and used SUVs clogging the lots. Yesterday’s darlings of automotive indulgence are today’s pariah. But could they be tomorrow’s hotly sought after collectibles?

Dealers are slashing prices to move SUV inventory, and there’s been an unprecedented drop in value. While a good number of Americans still love their big SUVs, the sheer cost of filling the tank has eroded the enthusiasm of many.

For some folks, however, the drop in SUV prices has created a buying opportunity. For those with financial resources, the cost of gasoline is a minor expense and the current fire sale represents a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Carpe diem. It’s time to stock up and save.

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Toyota Highlander Hybrid MPG Review

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Toyota Highlander Hybrid MPG-o-Matic Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review Summary: The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a seven seat SUV that plays a trump card in the sport utility market, by delivering the best gas mileage in its class.

Equipped with Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy drive system and a 3.3 liter V6 engine, the Highlander Hybrid produces a total of 209 horsepower and 212 foot pounds of torque.

The official gas mileage estimates for the four wheel drive Highlander Hybrid Limited are 27 city / 25 highway miles per gallon (MPG). (Overall, the Highlander Hybrid’s numbers represent a significant step above the conventional Highlander’s 18/24 rating.)

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SUV Mileage

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Although the gleam is long off the apple, America hasn’t given up on the sport utility vehicle (SUV) just yet. While sales of conventional SUVs have dropped dramatically, hybrid SUV models are selling quite well … and for good reason. Hybrid SUV mileage ratings are substantially higher than their conventional counterparts. With that in mind, we spent a good part of this past year testing SUV mileage, with a big focus on the most fuel-efficient hybrid SUVs.

Although some of the choices can be quite pricey, there’s little question that the best SUV mileage results are found in the hybrid models. This has lead to remarkable bursts of popularity within more affluent and progressive segments of the car-buying public.

Here’s a case in point …

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The False Hope of Increased Offshore Drilling

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We are witnessing the beginning of the end of the grip of Big Oil … and Big Oil is Angry. Gasoline, diesel, and fuel oil prices are high because Big Oil can see its demise on the horizon. History will mark these words. This is their last gasp. Once the power of market control slips from Big Oil’s hands, their product will become as worthless as salt. Developed as well as developing nations will spurn its use.

Make no mistake about it. Increased offshore drilling will not lower the cost of our daily commutes any time in the near future, if ever. It will not fuel our trucks and trains this decade. It will not turn this economy around. It will not put masses of Americans to work.

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New Car Sales Chart

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If you’ve ventured into a car showroom more than once, you’ve probably heard the line, “What will it take to get you to leave with a new car today?” Car dealers are more desperate than ever to make a sale, and the ranks of those who sign on the dotted line to buy a new car have thinned to the smallest numbers in years. Sales at the Big Three US automakers – GM, Ford, and Chrysler – have fallen off a cliff, simply because they are not offering the vehicles that Americans are willing to buy.

This chart of new car registrations in the State of Maryland sums things up fairly well …

new car registrations 2003-2008

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