Poll: do you know anyone who has changed cars or habits recently for MPG?

[MetroMPG]

Not counting yourself or anyone you've been cajoling, I'm just wondering if you know of anyone who has recently traded vehicles or changed their driving habits to improve efficiency?

With fuel prices approaching and passing record high prices, it's a topic that's coming up more and more.

I would have to answer ... not really.

The closest I can think of is the wife of a friend just changed jobs so she can work from home and save herself an 80 km / 50 mi. each way commute. While cutting down on driving was a big incentive, the major factor was a new baby.

[DifferentPointofView]

cajoling

What's that mean?

yea, my mom. she only drives over 55 when she's in a hurry anymore. She used to drive at least 60. don't know how it's working for her though.

[Lazarus]

I got a friend at work that looking at belly pans and grill block not that gas is over $3.00

[RH77]

Our good friends 2-doors down the street recently had their first child. They had a Mini-Cooper for her car so they looked to get something "a bit bigger", or at least with 4-doors.

I've demonstrated happiness and versatility with the Integra, and my Wife with the compact TSX. It feels vain to take credit for such a reaction, but instead of a full-sized car or SUV, they bought a used Corolla. Brilliant!

To further affirm their concern for FE, I loaned the SG-II to them for a month or so, to get some driving technique feedback (yeah, I missed it, but I winged it on my end). I think they've seen the light! City driving improvements were noted...

One friend at a time... that's all it takes...

RH77

[Lazarus]

RH77 thanks for reminding me. My neighbors across the street got rid of there 2 SUV and got 2 Kias, one a mini van the other a sedan. They have 4 kids. This was about 8 months ago.

It's funny all the people that used to make fun of me and leave funny little notes on my car are now sheepishly coming up asking questions about how to save fuel. I been pointing to the site so hopefulloy some will join.

[MetroMPG]

Funny notes on your car? MORE DETAILS PLEASE!

[Lazarus]

OPEC called and they want your car.

Gas will never be high enough to be seen in this. That's back when I had the boat tail.

[Peakster]

I had to vote "no" on the poll. The closest thing I can think of is my dad briefly spoke about getting a Jetta diesel for his next car (he currently drives a '99 V6 Intrepid). It's one thing to talk about it and quite another to actually do it though. He's the kind of dad that likes cheap and plain, yet comfortable cars.

I can't see him spending the $15K price tag here in Canada for a used, smaller car.

[RH77]

Originally Posted by Lazarus

It's funny all the people that used to make fun of me and leave funny little notes on my car are now sheepishly coming up asking questions about how to save fuel. I been pointing to the site so hopefulloy some will join.

Yeah, same here -- but a lot of folks don't have the time/oppportunity/willingness to join a forum -- so you have to "pound the pavement" grass-roots style (and follow-to up subtly to see how thing are progressing). Most, OK nearly all, folks I meet don't get the "passion for FE". Maybe that will change as the family budget is hit hard.

I'm proud to drive the oldest, highest mileage and FE car on the block. Other neighbors don't know what to think, since I'm rarely home -- but I speak to them on rare occasions and talk about the job, hobbies, FE, etc. Our close friends are the exception since we see them often.

RH77

[GenKreton]

Aww I wanted to count me

One of my best friends is sort of getting into the scene but it's only because I hyped him up with talking about modifying a car so I'm not sure what to think yet. Hopefully my efforts will cascade into him making changes in his life too.