Are You Still Entering to Win Big Cars?
So I was wondering -- where does that leave car sweepstakes? I've seen quite a few sweepstakes offering some of the most popular and fuel-efficient cars today, including Smarts, Mini Coopers, and Hybrids. But I've also seen quite a few giving away SUVs and other large vehicles.
If a manufacturer is having trouble selling large vehicles, giving some away could be a good solution. Car sweepstakes heighten interest and are a very powerful advertising tactic. But winning a big car could cause trouble, if people are unwilling to buy them and the pump price is too hefty to pay.
Personally, I'm still entering for big car wins, because I figure that I can always sell a car at a profit, even when I consider the tax costs. But what about you? Are you shying away from big car sweepstakes, knowing how difficult it will be just to fill up the tank, or are you as interested in winning a big car or SUV as ever? Vote in my poll, and click the "Comments" button below to share your opinion.
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Comments
Now that Earth Day is long past, most of the cars I see being given away are big, ol’ gas guzzlers.
I still enter the contests because I’d sell the car–IMMEDIATELY! I can barely afford to fill up my own gas tank, no less a gas-guzzling SUV.
As with any luxury item contest, I only enter with idea that I would sell it. If I wouldn’t buy a big widescreen TV or a diamond ring or an expensive SUV (even one that used an alternative fuel) in “real life”, I wouldn’t keep it if I won it. I’ve got enough shelved home repairs and growing kids demanding my money as it is.
When I’m limited in time, I tend to favor contests that I can’t sell and whose resulting tax won’t cause me to have to reject the prize. One that would force me to pamper myself with a nice vacation, for example.
Erin, I’d do the same thing. I’ve never had much fondness for over-sized cars, and even less now that they cost even more to fill up.
Greg, that sounds like a very sensible system! And I know just what you mean about prizes that force you to pamper yourself. Those are my favorites, too!
By driving a more fuel efficient car, I could save no more than about $1k a year. Of course, things like insurance and maintenance costs should also be considered along with gas efficiency. I don’t live on the edge concerning money, so gas prices don’t really have any effect on me. I am open to winning any vehicle, and keeping it if it is something I want.
I always said I would sell the SUV if I won one but right now they are impossible to sell! The prices for small cars have rocketed though!
I agree with all. I enter and would probably sell it or trade in immediately for something more fuel efficient. However, if it were more of a hybrid that got decent mileage I would consider keeping it if it fits in my garage:)
Even some that give away sports cars, I’d probably sell those immediately because they are not practical where I live and I have a family.
That’s interesting, Todd. Do you not drive very often?
I rented a car a year or two ago, and they gave me a free upgrade to a premium. I had to trade it in for a compact a couple of days later, because the gas it needed was just too much.
That’s what I was thinking, too, Sera. I wonder if any big-car winners who don’t want to keep their prizes are having trouble selling them.
Danell, I agree that I’d probably sell a sports car — but boy, would it be tough to do!
Hi! I been entering for cars no matter what size for a few months but since the gas crunch I stopped.
A car for only the cost of taxes totally makes up for the extra $$$ on gas. It’s still a win win situation
I agree with you when it comes to winning a big car. If I was lucky enough to win one then I would be able to make a large profit by selling it right away. With luck, I wouldn’t even have to drive it off the lot & put any gas into it.
I wouldn’t think about keeping it, personally I never liked those big SUV’s anyway. I understand that the market is hard for selling them at the moment but if you offer the right price I think someone would grab it.
That’s a good point, Vettech. You could get a lot of gas with that savings.
Tony, you sound a lot like me. That would be my plan, too
Sandi I just wanted to let you know that the link you have for the GMAC(r) Get the Edge Instant Win & Sweepstakes Game’s homepage is incorrect, it takes you to GMAT. The correct home page link is http://www.smartedgebygmac.com
Excellent site!,
If I won an big SUV I’d sell it immediately or trade it in for the Smart Car. I love that car, I’ve been wanting to have one for so long.
I would love to win a huge car,with the back problems we have comfort is very important to us. I usually do not enter into any of the economical car sweepstakes. I figure by entering for prizes I don’t want takes away someone else’s chance to win who would really like that prize.
I try and enter all the car contests. I am trying to win one for my daughter. I go for the smaller cars or hybrids. If I did win one of the bigger cars or SUVs, I would try and sell it.