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I've found that the local used car market has adapted quite a bit to the rising price of gas. For reasons outside the scope of this thread, I found myself back in the used car market for a second vehicle. In the past, I could always count on unwanted 5-speed econoboxes to be about the cheapest thing going, but no more. Compact cars are commanding the same premium as pickup trucks in this area. Many are going to households where they will be the third vehicle in the runabout role. They can be found, but no longer fit my need of getting the best car for my (meager) amount of cash. The current unwanted styles providing the best vehicle for the lowest initial cost: full size cars and minivans.

Since my wife still has a newer fuel-efficient car for her long commute and everything else, I can get something for my shorter commute only. I ended up with a 1999 GMC Safari van, but it's not all bad - it has a factory iFCD / FCD, and I'm already learning how to drive it more efficiently. BTW, I got it from a lot for less than 2/3 Blue Book, further illustrating the shift in the local market.

One of the many pictures I did not snap this weekend while Wayne was in Dallas: a Dodge Ram with the monster truck tires parked at a major highway - by no means an isolated incident.

You see that sign in the window? That's a sign of the times.

http://images.autotrader.com/images/2008/3/25/241/474/6582737490.241474654.IM1.MAIN.565x421_A.562x421.jpg