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Old 12-15-2010, 05:13 PM   #29 (permalink)
ShadeTreeMech
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Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 870

The Van - '97 Mercury Villager gs
90 day: 19.8 mpg (US)

Lyle the Kindly Viking - '99 Volvo V70
90 day: 25.82 mpg (US)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NHRABill View Post
So where do I go? do I continually get blasted for driving a big truck 6,000 miles a year by a hypermiller that drives 40,000 miles? I didn't even post my latest car purchase last Friday because I know it would get criticized.
I've often considered getting a newer more fuel efficient van; newer minivans trump my 21 mpg rather easily. Thing about it is, I already own it, if I get rid of it, it would be on the short list to be scrapped, and I would lose the chance to make it a fuel miser that it simply isn't right now. That, and it is a good vehicle, has been very dependable since I put in a newer motor, and I enjoy driving it. So I'll keep it.

I think many people see the SUV as the pinnacle of wastefulness and anyone with one as non Earth friendly. Maybe that is the reaction you're seeing.

Something else that occurs to me is maybe you also enjoy your particular vehicle despite its thirst. I have a 98 Max that I couldn't imagin not having. It has a GREAT midrange rumble during acceleration, is sublimely comfortable, and handles the twisties like no one's business. But for a mid sized sedan that we put over 20K miles on in less than a year (mainly because we LOVE driving it) it could get much better fuel economy.

But what is the point of getting great fuel economy if you dislike the vehicle? I have spent thousands of miles driving this car, and enjoyed most of them. How can that be wrong?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jamesqf View Post
I think you missed the point I was trying to make, which is that it's not rational to do either speed or fuel economy mods for economic reasons. You do it as a form of recreation, for the fun and for the challenge.
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