Our sense is that people don't have enough put away for a rainy day.

At the end of the day, they have real assets in this company and the stock price does not reflect that.

These differences mean that a car buyer's best defense against rising gas prices is to shop carefully within the class of car they are considering. Consumers can save hundreds of dollars a year by simply buying a higher rated subcompact, SUV or minivan.

Remember that you, the consumer, have the most important tool in negotiation: that's the dollar. And the bottom line is car companies need to move product.

Most of us know when we own a car we'll probably have to replace the front brake pads. Just knowing how much that will cost before you buy can save you a lot of money.

There are lots of other background costs. That doesn't take into account all of the people who have to replace them...and our carpenter's shop.