Story Comments

...But I bet your salary (or pay) is more than it was 20 years ago. Are you conning the con or maybe the corporations throughout America have seen the need to make salaries commensurate to the economy's rising costs and even though your work performance hasn't been any better than it was previously, it's cheaper to pay you more than to train the new guy and start him out at less...although LESS will still be MORE than when you first took the position. Think about it!

...Or take a 36 month loan, a higher payment, keep your driving at 12000 miles a year and then trade or purchase again when features, technology, and life span of the newer vehicles exceed what you currently have. This is the pattern you probably follow. Unless, you are a minimalist (most of America is NOT) and to even own a car would be hypocritical of you. But, if you desire, that 15' wheel, no heated seat or GPS system vehicle you spoke of- go buy a Dodge Caliber- You will still have a LIFETIME powertrain warranty from Chrysler, lower gas mileage (true rated) than many other vehicles including imports, and you can also get roll down windows, no cruise control and no A/C if those are also luxuries that you feel you are being conned into taking needlessly. Wake up- Check the packaging on your favorite breakfast cereal, the serving size today versus when you were a kid and how many servings do you get in the package today versus then.

cont'd response- & with all of that being said, with 20,000 miles a year driving do YOU opt to protect your investment w/ an additional extended service agreement to keep your ownership expenses down to minimum or are you one that 'don't need any of that 'extra' stuff that don't cover nothing' - If so you are doing yourself more of a disservice than being 'smartmoney savvy' But I am sure you have the best auto insurance available with the best coverages and pay your yearly premiums without a hitch. Have you ever made a claim? How many times? & How much over your driving life have you spent on insurance for your car to be protected on the outside? Have you been conned? Protect yourself but protect your investment as well- Makes no sense to spend any amount on a vehicle or anything else and not get added protection so that vehicle can indeed last you through at least the length of the loan.

In response to DKP50- Yes! Except that when a person shops for a car now they are looking to get the most features and expect to keep the same payment they had on their... '6 years ago purchased with no money down AND a trade that was worth 40% of what they owed on it' vehicle. Model trims have changed, pricing has changed, peoples needs and wants have changed AND rates have changed! So, in order to give the most for less, Chrysler's programs far exceed what any other automaker have been doing. & Yes!! On a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep you will also get a LIFETIME manufacturer powertrain warranty (excluding SRT trim vehicles & diesels) This is on top of all other incentives available.

Dimple Solution to Increase Auto Sales? Just Go back to putting 15' Wheels and Tires( cost 50% less), No Heated Seats, No GPS, No Fancy Stereo's with Expensive Speakers,No Fancy Headlights that Blind People and No Fancy Wheels. Simple Old Hubcaps ... That should reduce the cars price to $15k from $30k! LOL
Since when does a Compact to Mid Size car need 17' Wheels and $150 tires! Baloney! Our Limo's (with 15' wheels & Tires )got 30% Better Tire Mileage..vs being forced to have 17' on them now.. We're getting Conned People!

Dealer pays me for Gas? Well the way I figure it? To buy a Car that gets 5 mpg less than competitor? Using 20,000 miles yr x 5 yrs = 100,000 miles at $3.75 gal.to buy a car that get 5mpg less? thus they'd have to pay me $6,250!
And for $30,000+ Car? It better come with a 100,000 mi Warranty too! Before I will Pay that kind of money for a car. We've been ripped off long enough by Auto makers!