Clever, clever

Just saw an ad extoling the virtues of a Ford or Chrysler pickup truck.

They were saying that this pickup was better than the Toyota Tundra and one of their claims was "highest predicted resale value."

I buy that claim. I'm sure people trading in those pickups DO get better resale value, but this is for a few reasons:

1. The most likely people to have bought this pickup truck are probably some of the same people who are really hurting financially right now, and have traded in a pickup that's only a few years old, with only ten thousand miles or so on them, for a newer and more fuel-efficient car. Those who probably bought the slightly more expensive Tundra, given there were no "deals" (harken back to those big deals the American auto-makers were extending in desperation to get people to buy cars a few years ago), had the disposable income that they could afford the Tundra and have a cheaper more fuel-efficient car on the side. This more wealth would allow them to ride out the current fuel prices, and drive their more efficient cars, while using the Tundra only when absolutely necessary or use it whenever they want depending on their income.

2. Finally, considering the foreign auto-makers like Toyota and Honda make more reliable, more durable engines and automobiles in general, it would make sens that they would be able to drive said automobile for more mileage. Therefore, trading in a Ford F-150 with 100,000 miles on it would no doubt garner more money than the Toyota Tundra with 150,000 miles on it.

It's a clever ad campaign the American automakers have tried these past few years, but finally Americans seem to be starting to get it...or perhaps it's just where I live.

All I know is that I LOVE my Honda and I will be driving that son-bitch into the ground before buying another car. I'm banking on at least 150,000 miles, if not 200,000.