Monday, June 30, 2008

Gas tax!

The gas tax goes up 1.5cents tomorrow....so I guess go out and buy a hands-free set for your cell phone and gas today!!

Jay

CONGRATULATIONS!

Spokane Chrysler sponsored a couple of teams this year and 2 of them won their brackets!!! The Girls' (Teen division) won and so did the Elite team. What a great job in the hot, hot heat!!!

This weather is just what we needed but I am looking forward to the break in temps in the next couple of days. I hope this is warming up our lakes and rivers for the 4th of July!!

Jay

Saturday, June 28, 2008

HOOPFEST 08!!!!

Good luck to all of you competing today! Spokane Chrysler has our hoops up by Nordstrom and some sponsored teams!!! Please stay hydrated down there.....it should be a hot, summer day today!

To all of you NOT going down there because of the heat and the massive crowds, we will be selling cars like crazy. I want a strong close to the month...and just get some of our inventory off my lot! No reasonable offer will be denied......so stop by and look at what we have!


Jay

Friday, June 27, 2008

$142/barrel

Today I drove past a gas station on Pines that was $3.99/gal for regular. I thought it was interesting since today was also the "new" high (seems to change DAILY) for a barrel of oil. I guess the dollar being weak was the culprit today. One day it's comments made from some country in the Middle East....the next day, it's because housing prices dropped again. It's interesting what is influencing the stock market from day to day.

I bet the new high set today will be reflected in the gas pumps in a week or so. I've heard many Californians are driving to Mexico to get gas because the government subsidies gas in that country. Maybe we should just buy our gas from there!!!!

Jay

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

California.........

I went to Southern California for the weekend....went to an auction, met with other dealers in the area, and did some networking. I don't think I have vacations anymore...they are ALWAYS "working vacations." I wonder who thought of that oxymoron!

The biggest thing that hit me was that gas was $4.67 or $4.55 for cash paying customers. It was amazing since traffic was still bad and people were still driving everywhere. I wonder how the people down there survive.

I was actually glad to see that the gas station on the way to my house was at $4.04.

Jay

5 Toyata Prius Hybrids!

I am so excited to say that we are the ONLY dealership in Spokane that has 5 pre-owned Prius Hybrids. Actually, I think we might be the one of the few dealerships in the whole state that has this many at one time.

They are all in excellent condition and are pretty high-tech. It's very neat to even just test drive one since it's different as the battery make the car very quiet.

Stop by and see one today!

Jay

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Some thoughts (not about cars!)

Finally!!!! We have some nice weather. My wife and I have a group of friends coming over for the 4th of July and they want to go out and enjoy Lake Coeur D'Alene. I hope the lake warms up a bit.....

Thinking of that, I hope the Iron man athletes are fine this weekend in the swimming portion. I'm sure they train for all types of conditions but I've heard the lake water is COLD. Good luck to all of the participants.

Then on to Tiger Woods. What an amazing competitor he is!!! You kind of expect him to win; however, even so, when he does, it's exciting. I think he's made many fans of golf....I mean, if my wife is watching golf with me on TV and keeping up with the score of the sudden death round at the US Open on her cell phone...there's something HUGE to be said about Mr. Woods.

Now the Sonics.....yes, Mr. Bennett should know that the lease is for another 2 years but really, if the team has to stay in Seattle, I'm sure his investment group will not recruit or sign on big players. Why would you put money into the team until they move to OK City? Howard Schultz... sigh.

AND finally....the Mariners. Hitting...pitching....coaching....the front office?? Where does the blame lay? Well, I have no idea.....just that the higher ups are trying to shake things up so I hope this is the answer in getting the team going. I think Erik Bedard was supposed to be a better pitcher than what we are seeing. However, what do you do when players come to Seattle and just don't do well? Then they move to another team and they are fantastic. Is it Seattle? Who knows.......

Jay

Friday, June 13, 2008

HUMMER bummer!!!

There are reports that GM will either "kill or sell" the Hummer brand. I feel bad for all those dealers out there that had to build new facilities if they decide to end production of the SUV. I've read reports that dealers are upset that GM is publically discussing this tough decision. Is it better to know or not know? I'm not sure....

Any thoughts?

Jay

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Great inventory!!!

We have some FANTASTIC cars right now in our inventory. You can find the perfect SUV to tow your boat (once the weather gets a little nicer!!!) or the perfect gas-sipper that will run you around town. We have great American cars and a nice selection of imports as well. I can't remember a time when we had a better selection that we do right now!

For example, we have a great 2007 Honda CRV EX that is great on gas and it's All-Wheel Drive. You can downsize but not give up the safety in the winter! Also, we have a clean Ford Ranger that is perfect for the little jobs or errands around the house.

Also, as much as my wife would hate to admit it, minivans are great alternatives to a large SUV. They are great on fuel economy in relation to the amount of cargo and people it can haul around. Everyone is comfortable and safe with all the features in the world. We have Chrysler certified ones and even some Honda Odysseys.

Take a look or come on down...it's a great time to get a great deal!
www.SpokaneChrysler.com

Jay

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Hybrids

So I've been reading that the costs of pre-owned hybrids have been rocketing sky high. I have also read that hybrid sedans take quite a bit of driving and some years before there is a break-even point between the increased price for the hybrid itself and the savings from the gas. This is not from personal experience so I can only go by reports or articles that I have read.

Now, Chrysler is introducing a Hybrid Aspen this fall that I'm really excited about. Since it is a full size luxury SUV, the gas savings should be noticeable!! We aren't quite sure what other vehicles that Chrysler has lined up for either a hybrid dual-stage engine, but as soon as I find out, I will let you know!

Jay