[Jason Carroll, Cnn Anchor:] And speaking of driving, we've got some more news on that front for you. It may be expensive to fill up your car with gas, at least right now, but motorists are getting a break somewhere. Experts say vehicles are more affordable now than they have been in decades. CNN national correspondent Gary Tuchman has the details.
[Gary Tuchman, Cnn Correspondent:] Reuel Buttram is reflecting on whether to buy a new Chevy Blazer.
[Reuel Buttram, Auto Buyer:] Well, I can't see that the Blazers have gone up in price very much in the last six years, when you come right down to it.
[Tuchman:] He's right just ask a man who sells them for a living.
[Chuck Miller, Car Salesman:] They know that we have plenty of inventory, and they know we're willing to make deals right now. So, we're obliging them, shall we say.
[Tuchman:] Don't take his word for it.
[David Littman, Comerica Bank:] This will probably be the most affordable window for the average American household if they're thinking of buying a car, even a light truck.
[Tuchman:] Comerica Bank does quarterly car affordability studies. Exactly 10 years ago, it took 30 weeks of income from the average American to purchase a car or truck. But now, in the first quarter of 2001, that number is down to 22.7 weeks of income. That's the lowest since the second quarter of 1979 when it was at 22.6 weeks. The average vehicle cost is just under $22,000, the same as it was four years ago.
[John Clor, Edmunds.com:] The big three realizes that they have a lot of product out there, the pipeline is full and they have to move the merchandise and they're going out after the buyers with big money.
[Miller:] More of our vehicles have rebates on them than they've ever had before and most of them are higher than they've ever had before.
[Tuchman:] It's a problem for the big three American auto companies. But that's OK with Reuel Buttram, who's decided he's ready to buy some new wheels.
[Miller:] This car is 31,540. Is that a good price?
[Buttram:] Yes it is.
[Tuchman:] So according to this report, this is the most economical time to buy a new car or truck in nearly a generation. Now about those gas prices. Gary Tuchman, CNN, Atlanta.