americans want heavy gas hogs

[Frank Lee]

Originally Posted by mechman600

It's not much different up here. Maybe a few more smaller cars, but not noticeable. Gas prices here are about 25% higher than just across the line in Blaine, WA (where I often fill up). People keep saying that things will change once gas reaches $X.XX/L, but here in Canada it IS higher and things have yet to change.

Ha- saw an article recently that mentioned the "tipping point" where gas prices would cause people to make changes... is now $5.30. What utter nonsense- the writers of this garbage need to point out that if such studies and figures are to have any utility whatsoever, it must be pointed out that the figures have a very, very limited shelf life. Back in the day, going from 30 cents/g to 45 cents would have caused people to change... a few years later going from $1 to $1.50 would cause people to change... and so on. Seems evident that today, motorists are OK with $3.80 gas- Oh, ask them and they'll biatch, but they keep on truckin' just like always.

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

That's funny, the statistics say he is more likely to die in his F250 than in a Toyota Corolla.

Yes, about 3 times more likely (per Wenzel & Ross), and about 6 times more likely to kill someone else.

Further, last time I checked, I was an American, and in the half century since the VW Bug was first imported, foreign automakers (who make mostly small cars) have captured half the domestic market.

I think the trouble is that the US automakers really don't want to build small cars. Maybe this is even at a emotional level, so when they do build a small car, they subconsciously design it so as not to have any inherent appeal other than "it's small and cheap".

[Fat Charlie]

Originally Posted by Old Tele man

MASS = crumple-zone ( + ).

...but, also:

MASS = inertia ( - ).

Mass ≠ crumple zone.

Space = crumple zone.

Crumple zone = undriveable wreck after accident = perceived danger.

Mass = unreasoned response to irrational fear of small cars. Well, that and a smoother ride.


Since mass doesn't absorb energy, I can't support considering it a safety "feature."

[mja1]

I want a heavy 'gas hog' as people call them. Well not a gas hog but something that can tow and work. Preferably something that can get decent mileage. How do you think 1/3 of the people with trucks can afford their gas... because those trucks are what enables them to make the money to pay for the gas.

If I had a hatchback civic, no way I could make nearly the same money as I do now, not until a college degree is had. I'd be making half at best, working as a waiter/bartender somewhere. Can't do contract work or heavy manual labor with little cars... can't tow a 5,000+ lb trailer 500 miles and back for months in a row, can't fit two refrigerators or kitchen cabinets in a metro or a full ton of wood/cement for building projects etc. Some people don't have the extra cash to pay insurance on 4 separate vehicles, or an awesome life/health insurance plan for a motorcycle, so they stick with the one that's most practical (and reliable) and pay the extra 40$/week at the pump. 40$ is 1-3 hours of manual labor, it makes up for itself very quickly.

This is probably a touchy subject on the eco forum, but some people like to spend an extra 100$ a week in gas at the 1/8th mile or autocross every now & then to have fun. But other people will drop well over 100$ eating pasta and drinking wine for an hour, to each their own.

[Kodak]

Originally Posted by mja1

This is probably a touchy subject on the eco forum, but some people like to spend an extra 100$ a week in gas at the 1/8th mile or autocross every now & then to have fun. But other people will drop well over 100$ eating pasta and drinking wine for an hour, to each their own.

That's okay with me. Let's look at the big picture instead. We have a traffic system in dire need of synchronization, big rigs that could benefit tremendously from minor aero tweaks, and people still commuting to work 5 days/wk for desk jobs that could be done at home.

You going to the track on the weekend? Negligible. Your entertainment is your own expense, and it has value to you. Let's just focus on what I like to call 'pure waste.' That it, fuel consumed with zero benefit (or even drawbacks).

[mja1]

Originally Posted by Kodak

Let's just focus on what I like to call 'pure waste.' That it, fuel consumed with zero benefit (or even drawbacks).

This is so true, was driving a few weeks ago in the early morning, a new mustang must've been around 150mph flat out in the fast lane the whole way till it went out of sight down the road, what's the point of cruising at 150mph, makes no sense.

[Frank Lee]

Originally Posted by mja1

I want a heavy 'gas hog' as people call them. Well not a gas hog but something that can tow and work. Preferably something that can get decent mileage. How do you think 1/3 of the people with trucks can afford their gas... because those trucks are what enables them to make the money to pay for the gas.

If I had a hatchback civic, no way I could make nearly the same money as I do now, not until a college degree is had. I'd be making half at best, working as a waiter/bartender somewhere. Can't do contract work or heavy manual labor with little cars... can't tow a 5,000+ lb trailer 500 miles and back for months in a row, can't fit two refrigerators or kitchen cabinets in a metro or a full ton of wood/cement for building projects etc. Some people don't have the extra cash to pay insurance on 4 separate vehicles, or an awesome life/health insurance plan for a motorcycle, so they stick with the one that's most practical (and reliable) and pay the extra 40$/week at the pump. 40$ is 1-3 hours of manual labor, it makes up for itself very quickly.

This is probably a touchy subject on the eco forum, but some people like to spend an extra 100$ a week in gas at the 1/8th mile or autocross every now & then to have fun. But other people will drop well over 100$ eating pasta and drinking wine for an hour, to each their own.

It doesn't take all that much observation of traffic, vehicles, and how they're being used to realize that 95% of pickups aren't engaged in any work other than that of daily driver for the solo occupant. We didn't all just fall off the turnip "truck" (PUN!).

[gone-ot]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

It doesn't take all that much observation of traffic, vehicles, and how they're being used to realize that 95% of pickups aren't engaged in any work other than that of daily driver for the solo occupant. We didn't all just fall off the turnip "truck" (PUN!).

...so, are you advocating the Gobberment mandate that people can only "own" cars and can only "rent" pickups when they have a "work-required" note from their boss, or wife if home related (ha,ha)?

[mja1]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

It doesn't take all that much observation of traffic, vehicles, and how they're being used to realize that 95% of pickups aren't engaged in any work other than that of daily driver for the solo occupant. We didn't all just fall off the turnip "truck" (PUN!).

I do agree, the very large majority of pickups at any given time are used for commuting, I'm guilty. Of those there is a good sized percentage that allows blue collar folk to make a better living, many more than you may think actually. At least that's how it is around here.

It makes me think back to a Craigslist ad I read once. A guy was trading nearly everything he owned for a reliable old beater truck, just so he could get back to construction. Many people for whatever reason can't work a job in public relations, or they prefer the better pay (or more hours, whichever) of manual labor. There are guys that do show up to work in cars, but usually subcontractors or have access to company trucks etc. Usually not the freelance contractor/entrepreneur/self employed type.

[Frank Lee]

Originally Posted by Old Tele man

...so, are you advocating the Gobberment mandate that people can only "own" cars and can only "rent" pickups when they have a "work-required" note from their boss, or wife if home related (ha,ha)?

I'm advocating that the zombies wake up from their stupor and exercise a bit of common sense. Yeah, I know... utter futility.