High gas prices leading to unique barter offers

Summary

As the average gas price hits $4.15, some are taking to the classifieds willing to trade their gas-eating trucks straight up for more fuel-efficient....scooters?

Story Published: Jun 2, 2008 at 10:03 AM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 9:01 PM PDT

High gas prices leading to unique barter offers

Mike Turnbow's classic 1980 Ford F-100 Ranger is for sale, or he is willing to trade straight up for a scooter.

SEATTLE -- Looking to trade in that gas-guzzler? Say hello to the newest must-have in transportation -- the scooter!

As the average gas price in Washington state hit $4.15 a gallon Monday, some people are heading to the classifieds to put their trucks and SUVs for sale. And on Craigslist, some are ready to do a one-for-one trade.

We found one person who has a 1980 Ford F-100 truck, complete with CB radio and in-bed tool box and he is looking to trade straight up for a scooter or mini-chopper.

"It cost almost $20 a day just for minor running around," the truck's owner, Mike Turnbow said. "I'm going for scooters. I figured I'd get something around 50cc's to buzz around town."

Another person in Tacoma is put up their Volvo for a Vespa -- although admittedly the Volvo is a 1981 model, but the ad says the Volvo is in good running condition.

But some are trying other items to land that fuel-efficient scooter. A person in Tacoma is offering a 27" HDTV monitor in exchange for a scooter or motorcycle.

As prices continue to climb, we may see more and more of these ads?