LJ: credit crunch affecting consumers yet?

[Minx]

The bottom has fallen out of the big car market in Australia too. 4WD's and the thirsty cars are just not selling.

Where this IS going to be good, is that we should see a greater development of the hybrids - and with bigger sales, hopefully a more affordable price

[xoxoxoBruce]

But I keep getting tons of unsolicited credit card and remortgage offers in the mail. I was hoping they would dry up.

[ZenGum]

Originally Posted by Minx

The bottom has fallen out of the big car market in Australia too. 4WD's and the thirsty cars are just not selling.

Where this IS going to be good, is that we should see a greater development of the hybrids - and with bigger sales, hopefully a more affordable price

Hi there Minx you hardcore lurker!

I live in Adelaide too.

A mate of mine in Eden Hills is converting Hyundai Getzs to pure electric. They have about the same performance as a regular Getz, about 100 km range and cost about $38,000 to buy, but less that $1 per 100 km to run!!!!!

[DucksNuts]

Originally Posted by Minx

The bottom has fallen out of the big car market in Australia too. 4WD's and the thirsty cars are just not selling.

Where this IS going to be good, is that we should see a greater development of the hybrids - and with bigger sales, hopefully a more affordable price

Not entirely true.

In the last 4 weeks, the car market has suffered across the board, large cars and 4WDs are not reducing at a more rapid pace. In fact, muscle car and large car sales are doing better now than they have for the last few years.

Ford Territory and Holden Captiva...being HUGE fuel hogs are selling really well and even with diesel being soooo expensive, 4WD sales are up.

Used car sales are a lot harder than they have been, because the franchises arent making target, so they are offering great deals.

Lenders are strictly by the book and sticking to their guidelines, whereas previously you could get them to bend. The high risk lenders arent taking on clients that they would usually take on without any hesitation.