If you get upset one day because it costs so much to fill your tank and you have to do it so often and you decide to do something about it.... something DRASTIC, like trading your vehicle for one that gets better mileage... for NO OTHER SIGNIFICANT REASON than fuel economy... better take a deep breath.

Let's suppose you drive a pickup or an SUV and can convince yourself that a midsize sedan will be just as convenient and you can always rent a truck or an SUV if you really need one for a project or a family trip.

Let's say you are averaging 14 mpg now (mostly urban driving), and you can increase that to 22 mpg by getting a six cylinder sedan. That is a fantastic improvement in fuel economy, and if you drive 18000 miles a year and gas stays at $3.50 a gallon, you will save over $1,600 a year in gas!

The PROBLEM is.... A lot of other people are thinking the same thing and have been for MONTHS. Vehicle auctions and auto wholesalers have pickup trucks and SUV's in abundance and really don't want any more... so if they buy them, they absolutely must STEAL them. Vehicle appraisal books (Kelley Blue Book, NADA Guide, Black Book, etc.) are published every month, and in the SUV and pickup categories, values are dropping RAPIDLY. Auto buying professionals, like the dealer that you want to trade with, know that they are bidding on a depreciating asset and are being extremely conservative now, so your vehicle may have a 'book' trade in value of $14000, but in the real market today will do good to bring $10000.

The vehicle that you WANT is in demand, and you are competing with other buyers who are seeking to trade in vehicles that are unfortunately labeled 'gas guzzlers'. In a nutshell, THIS IS THE WORST POSSIBLE TIME to trade in a pickup truck or SUV, unless you just absolutely need a newer pickup or SUV.

So how much are you willing to pay in order to save $1600 a year in fuel expenses?

--You will take a hit in trade-in value on your current vehicle because of market timing... say $4000.

--You will increase the amount of money you owe or have tied up in a a transportation unit by HOW MUCH? $5000, $10,000, $15,000 or MORE.

--If you do something INSANE like trading for a BRAND NEW vehicle at RETAIL, instead of a previously owned vehicle at WHOLESALE, you take another HUGE hit in the form of first owner depreciation of $5000 or MORE.

If you actually take the time to run the numbers, it might cost you a LOT more to trade at this time, for this reason, than it's worth. It will make MORE sense to implement fuel savings upgrades to your vehicle, and continue to enjoy its proven reliability. Maybe even fall in love with it all over again.