I took a hit on my 2004 Expedition but I figured if gas went higher I probably wouldn't be able to even find a dealer that would want it, at any price.

With the world political issues I see no reason not to expect high gas prices. Additionally if America wants to become less dependant on foreign oil they need to raise the taxes and make gas prices outrageous (like in most countries already). Then people would decide to buy economical cars and manufacturers would then make more economy cars that appeal to people rather than the SS350 or Hemi family vehicles that seem to be the craze right now. It would be tough on a lot of people, but for long term health some pains are sometimes necessary.

I still own an SUV, I need to haul a trailer with my tractor and my recreational toys, but I don't want a 14 mpg SUV that I use as a family daily hauler (which I had).

Youre right about the trade in. There are a lot of issues, my point to jzklin's comment is I don't see the TCH as a 1 year decision and that if he knows he wants a convertable but doesn't see what he wants just yet, then I don't think trading for one year makes much sense (or any car for 1 year for that matter). Then again if he buys a TCH then maybe, just maybe he'll get hooked and keep it and we'll have another convert.

Now don't get me wrong, I have had many cars I only kept for a year, but I wasn't fooling myself. I knew that I wanted it and in a year I would want something else. However I never bought one with just the intention of keeping it as a driver until the next thing I wanted came along. I went from an Audi TT to a 350Z to an Infiniti FX45. I finally got attitude with the FX45 that I had found what I wanted and I would keep it. However with the gas prices and a decision to simplify I decided I wanted an economy car and the TCH gave me economy and a reasonable amount of luxury and comfort as well.