More second tier used cars on the road...

[SAmadei]

As has been noted, I watch the license plate numbers, so I have a good idea of whats being newly plated in my neck of the woods.

Now that C4C is a fading memory, I'm noticing a lot more "second tier" or "third tier" used cars being plated. Stuff that looks like it was languishing under a tree for a minor fault that has been pressed back into service. I'm seeing a lot of GM FWD A-bodies returning to service and more Ford Tempo/Topazes... stuff that tended to hold together better from the '82-'94 timeframe... sorry not a lot of Chrysler, or J-bodies.

I'm also finding that a lot of '96-'01 stuff being sold have nasty mechanical problems... high mileage... and since I'm trying to find a tranny close to my home for my '99 Bonne, it seems like the parts pool for these cars is drying up somewhat earlier than expected. Prices for '96-'01 parts are higher than newer components. I can get a '07 4T65E for 1/3 the price of a '98 4T65E. Unfortunately, the '07 isn't compatible.

Has anyone else been noticing these trends? I'm wondering if this is a ripple from C4C, high steel prices, the recession, high gas prices, or a combo of these reasons bringing together a perfect storm for these older cars to return to service. Makes me wonder how bad the situation will become.

[Drew Dowdell]

A-Bodies of all years, lots B-bodies being resurrected (including a two tone Barney purple Roadmaster sedan), a surprising number of first gen Tauruses and Sables, later larger Chrysler K-car sedans, almost all in very clean shape.

but you're right, the GM H-bodies, J-bodies, and W-Bodies from 92-99 seem to be fading fast. It's rare to see a functioning Sunfire anymore. Cutlass Supreme coupe is rare/sedan rarer, the Wedge Regal, and the squared off Lumina - all gone. The only older H-body I ever see regularly anymore are the LeSabres. First Gen Chrysler cloud cars are all but gone except for the Sebring Convertibles.

[Robert Hall]

A-Bodies of all years, lots B-bodies being resurrected (including a two tone Barney purple Roadmaster sedan), a surprising number of first gen Tauruses and Sables, later larger Chrysler K-car sedans, almost all in very clean shape.

but you're right, the GM H-bodies, J-bodies, and W-Bodies from 92-99 seem to be fading fast. It's rare to see a functioning Sunfire anymore. Cutlass Supreme coupe is rare/sedan rarer, the Wedge Regal, and the squared off Lumina - all gone. The only older H-body I ever see regularly anymore are the LeSabres. First Gen Chrysler cloud cars are all but gone except for the Sebring Convertibles.

Even in the Southwest where cars don't usually rust out, this sounds similar to what I see...I still see a fair number of '80s G-bodies around. The first gen Tauruses/etc I see are usually rolling wrecks, beat to death. About the only '90s W-bodies that seem semi-common are Regal and Grand Prix sedans. About the only larger '90s GMs I see are a surprising # of Rivieras and LeSabres; the occasional late '80s-early '90s square H/C body FWD Olds 88 or 98--I never see the later more rounded 88s-98s. About the only older Chryslers I notice are worn out LeBaron convertibles (the rounded ones) and early LHs.

Older trucks and SUVs abound.

I see lots of '90s era Panthers around..

Lots of '90s era Accords, Camrys, Civics, BMW 3-series, various older Mercedes still around as well (Scottsdale and PV skew what I see since those have been prime BMW/Merc markets for many years).

Edited July 7, 2011 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[Camino LS6]

Seeing more older stuff here too.

In fact, the last time I saw so many older cars being daily driven around here, Carter was in the White House.

Not a good sign.

I've actually seen at least half a dozen older cars (freshly plated) with the obvious filth from years of sitting still on them.

[caddycruiser]

Everyday, especially here in Philly, I see more and more 80's, early 90's, etc. relics I stopped seeing for a while re-appearing with new tags & temp reg in the window...it is interesting.

They're multiplying and re-appearing, everywhere, with a lot of people.

[§carlet §wordfish]

I still see mostly '90s stuff still running around. Haven't seen a noticable resurgence of early '80s beaters. Maybe it's just because they're hard to notice in the first place.

[regfootball]

cheap cheap as long as it runs (but it still has to be perfect) is primarily all the traffic i am seeing these days. 5 grand is too much!!!!!!!!!! even 4 grand is too much!!!!!!!!

Once especially when gas topped 3.50 again.

Everyone by necessity or just mood is being tight. I appreciate that, because i am tight too..... but at the same time, we have a culture right now where everyone thinks they can 'drive for free'..or close to it...it's just putting off the inevitable. Pay now a little more, or prepare to get bent over later. A few extra bucks now will save the sticker shock a year or two from now when they again will be looking because they dumped a huge amount of money in something they likely should not have now and really should have shelled out a few more bucks.

starving the new car cycle and late model used just is going to push prices up across the board even more.

of course it's also often people with no work, or faith in job security or faith in the state of the nation...the future beyond the next 18 mo......and that all goes into a whole nother conversation.

If Fred Sanford sold cars today he could make a nice living off selling -already experienced- autos.....

Edited July 8, 2011 by regfootball

[Robert Hall]

I still see mostly '90s stuff still running around. Haven't seen a noticable resurgence of early '80s beaters. Maybe it's just because they're hard to notice in the first place.

I notice the '80s-90s stuff because they tend to be more colorful (and square, as far as the '80s) than late model cars which generally seem to always be white, silver, or black and aerodynamic..