Ask:
Our Canadian government budget was just passed yesterday. In it is a new idea. They are proposing a $2000 rebate on hybrid or very fuel efficient cars and a $4000 tax penalty for gas guzzlers.
Is this a good idea?
Do you think it will encourage people to buy one over the other?
Answer:
What is their definition of a "gas guzzler"? What about people with a lot of kids that need larger vehicles to fit everyone in? What about people who need large trucks and vans for their work? Is there a grandfather clause for people who already own these vehicles, or is it for all guzzlers? Are they expecting everyone to go out and upgrade to a hybrid, or is it just for purchases after the penalty goes into effect?
Maybe they should be encouraging the automakers to produce more fuel efficient cars that are affordable rather than penalizing the citizens who are buying the less fuel efficient ones.
I think a rebate for good fuel economy is a good idea, but I don't really agree with the "gas guzzler" penalty. There are just too many factors to consider when deciding who drives a guzzler.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Spoodler
What is their definition of a "gas guzzler"? What about people with a lot of kids that need larger vehicles to fit everyone in? What about people who need large trucks and vans for their work?
I think a rebate for good fuel economy is a good idea, but I don't really agree with the "gas guzzler" penalty. There are just too many factors to consider when deciding who drives a guzzler.
This is actually my thoughts too (just couldn't put them into words as well.)
We live on a farm - need a "farm" work vehicle - we have 6 of us so need a larger car. My DH drives a more fuel economical car currently and can't park in the drive due to the fact that he gets stuck, it's too low to the ground for our "mud"-way. I would hate to get penalized just because there are things we actually need a larger vehicle for - not just buying one for the heck of it.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Spoodler
What is their definition of a "gas guzzler"? What about people with a lot of kids that need larger vehicles to fit everyone in? What about people who need large trucks and vans for their work? Is there a grandfather clause for people who already own these vehicles, or is it for all guzzlers?
I think a rebate for good fuel economy is a good idea, but I don't really agree with the "gas guzzler" penalty. There are just too many factors to consider when deciding who drives a guzzler.
It will be based on fuel efficiency. So if it's not fuel efficient, then it gets the penalty. It sounded like Minivans would be ok, big trucks not ok, hummers and big SUV's not ok. The penalty (or rebate) would only be on the sale of a new car.
Answer:
Originally Posted by KathrynHannah
It will be based on fuel efficiency. So if it's not fuel efficient, then it gets the penalty. It sounded like Minivans would be ok, big trucks not ok, hummers and big SUV's not ok. The penalty (or rebate) would only be on the sale of a new car.
Right, but what is their definition of "fuel efficiency"? Is it just any vehicle that gets less than a specific amount of miles per gallon without taking into consideration what it's used for? We bought a new car in December and minivans get worse gas mileage than some SUVs so I don't really see how they would be excluded.
I guess I don't agree with a penalty for the reasons I stated before...there are just too many factors that play into why a person buys a car. Gosh, it just seems wrong to punish a large family for having to buy a large vehicle.
Answer:
I definitely like the rebate for fuel efficiency, but the gas guzzler penelty I would think would have way too many problems as Spoondler and Kellynkay pointed out. I think that more emphasis should be put on pressuring the auto makers to produce more efficient vechicles!
Answer:
Originally Posted by Happymom
I think that more emphasis should be put on pressuring the auto makers to produce more efficient vechicles!
Good place to start! It's not that I wouldn't buy one. If I could find everything I needed for the farm work, towing, & large family carting needs we have in a "fuel efficient" vehicle we would be all over it. It's just that the type of vehicle lately that fits our needs probably isn't one they would consider. (~ and I wouldn't need a rebate to do it!)
Answer:
Originally Posted by Spoodler
I think a rebate for good fuel economy is a good idea, but I don't really agree with the "gas guzzler" penalty. There are just too many factors to consider when deciding who drives a guzzler.
I agree with this. I think many people stay away from buying hybrid vehicles because initially they cost more. A rebate would give them more incentive to purchase one. I personally can't wait until they come out with a hybrid minivan!
Answer:
I agree with the incentives, but not the penalty. I have an SUV. I live in Western New York and I need 4-wheel drive in the winter, it's a saftey thing for me. I wish they would think of a why to make a hybrid 4-wheel drive, I would be first in line to buy one.