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Aug 1, 2009 - Ask Dub Schwartz!

Dear Dub,
What do you think I should do? I have a car that just qualifies for the cash for clunkers program. I really don't need a car payment right now, but $4,500 seems like a deal that's too good to pass up.
Undecided

Why don't you listen to yourself? You said it. You don't NEED a car payment right now. That ought to be the end fo your quandry right there.

There's a big difference between wanting to buy a new car and needing to buy one, and I think a majority of the people who rushed out to buy a car under C4C really aren't thinking beyond, "Wow, what a deal I'm getting."

If you have reliable transportation that you can afford and a new car payment (and the increased insurance costs you aren't thinking about either) is something you don't need, you'd be crazy to buy. Wish lists can be dangerous things to jump into.

I have my own wish list regarding the program and the people rushing to take advantage of the "deal"...

I don't want to hear ANYONE complaining about the car payment they just decided to take on, or about being "upside down" on their loans. YOU made the choice to purchase, YOU have to pay. Don't expect me to bail you out of your own stupidity.

NOBODY should be surprised when car sales don't continue at the same pace for the rest of the year. And I don't want to hear anything about the car companies needing more help because sales are dropping off. You're selling next year's cars now, don't whine when you realize these sales came at the expense of next year's demand.

And this was supposed to be a "jump start" for auto sales, not a never ending entitlement. Funny how a $1 billion program TRIPLED in size in the blink of an eye. When the sale is over, it's over. If someone misses out, well, gee isn't life tough. 

3:44 am | Categories: ask dub schwartz, commentary Permalink | Alert Administrator

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