Keyword Search:
text size: A | A | A
Car Customers Find 'Going Out of Business Sales' at Local Dealerships
posted 05/25/09 4:53 pm
ABC 7 News - Car Customers Find 'Going Out of Business Sales' at Local Dealerships
Stay on top of breaking news!
Sign up for ABC 7 News e-mail alerts.
Your Email:  
Follow ABC 7 News on Twitter
Follow ABC 7 News on Facebook
related stories:
WOODBRIDGE, Va. - Those who are in the market to buy a car might want to stop by a GM or Chrysler dealership.

The struggling automakers are shutting down dozens of dealerships in the area. That means customers can find some great "going out of business" sales.

When Woodbridge resident Tiffany Mitchell needed to replace her Chevy Malibu this week, she wanted to buy another car from General Motors. "I actually wanted another Chevy but they are too expensive right now. Times are hard," she said.

In Woodbridge, even with Chrysler dealers marking down the cars they can't give back, Lorton resident Dan Carpenter says he's reluctant to buy from either Chrysler or GM. He says he's worried he won't find parts if either goes out of business and says he has little sympathy.

"I think it's management. They should have made the decisions they're making now a long time ago. It's just mushrooming now," he said.

It isn't just GM and Chrysler facing slower sales. During this recession, both foreign- and American-owned automakers say they've seen steep declines in their sales.

Cowles Chrysler dealership on Route 1 in Northern Virginia just celebrated its 30-year anniversary in May. Sales are up three times what they were a month ago thanks to the slowly improving economy, but they nevertheless are losing their franchise.

There were liquidation sales on the lot Monday, even as they fight Chrysler in court to keep their dealership.

Some car buyers say they want to help the American auto industry through this rough patch, but Lorton resident Charles Carson says it's not his problem to fix.

"Not only no do I feel any obligation but hell no I don't feel any obligation," said Carson. "They got themselves in to this position, I didn't," he said.

When asked if she has any regrets after buying a Nissan instead of an American-made car, Mitchell responded, "Not really. It's all about my price range. If it can't fit in my price range, it doesn't matter to me where it came from."


 Email To Friend  Email This Article  AddThis Feed Button     Add to Mixx!

read more stories in Local News

ABC 7 Talkback - Story Comments
You need to be a registered member of
ABC 7 News to leave comments on news stories.
Not a member yet? Click Here to sign up.
Username or Email Address
Password
Please leave your comments below:
Messages that harass, abuse or threaten other members; have obscene or otherwise objectionable content; have spam, commercial or advertising content or inappropriate links may be removed and may result in the loss of your posting privileges. Please do not post any private information unless you want it to be available publicly. Never assume that you are completely anonymous and cannot be identified by your posts.
More News and Videos


TM & © WJLA/NewsChannel 8, a division of Allbritton Communications Company
Please read our Privacy Policy. By using this site, you accept our Terms of Service.
Children's Television | EEO Reports | DTV Consumer Education Reports
Closed Captioning Contact Information
WJLA adheres to the ICRA RATING SYSTEM
  {ts '2009-10-14 14:24:21'}