New-car dealers in the area have seen varied sales activity generated by the federal "Cash for Clunkers" program.
Ward Muscatell Kia of Moorhead saw quite a bit of activity the first couple of days after the program started, said Kari Paulson, new-car sales manager.
"Now it's gotten kind of quiet," she said Tuesday.
The dealership sold 14 cars under the program, the most popular models being the Kia Spectra and Optima, she said.
Several brands have been traded in, Paulson said.
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"For some reason, we've been seeing a lot of Fords," she said.
The list included 1989 to 1995 Ford F-150 pickups and Explorers, Nissan Pathfinders and Jeep Grand Cherokees, she said.
"We're selling 15 to 16 or more cars a day on 'Cash for Clunkers,' " said Victor Peterson, used-car manager at Tim Corwin Toyota in Fargo.
Most popular are Toyota RAV 4 and Highlander SUVs, Camrys and Corollas, he said.
Customers have traded in 15-year-old vehicles that Peterson said he wonders why they had licensed, titled and insured.
"They're drivable, but barely," he said.
Kevin Klein, sales manager at Norseman Motors in Detroit Lakes, Minn., has sold six cars under the program.
Customers are buying the smaller, high-gas-mileage cars such as Pontiac Vibes and G3s, he said.
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Norseman sells Pontiac, Buick and GMC automobiles.
Andy Boen, owner of Lunde Lincoln, Mercury, Mazda and Saturn in Fargo, has had a few sales.
"I think we've sold six or seven," he said, mainly Mazdas and Saturns, which are higher gas mileage cars.
"I think it will be a good program," Boen said.
Readers can reach Forum Business Editor Craig McEwen at (701) 241-5502
