Are the normies noticing rising gas prices yet? Gas is at a multi-year high price.

[MetroMPG]

"But when I bought my pavement queen 4WD crew cab pickup truck to commute in, I specifically chose the 96 month loan length so I could budget for the gas! This isn't fair!"

[ksa8907]

After the most recent hike, no change. Still getting passed while doing 5mph over the limit, mostly by suv's and trucks.

Should we also include the distinction "deniers"? Those who justify spending more money on gas because they simply don't want to be perceived as cheap or weak?

[MetroMPG]

Yeah, sadly, traffic to the forum supports your "no change" thesis.

I do think there's more mass media coverage of the topic, but it's not translating into interest in fuel-saving by the general public. I was hoping last month's slight up-tick in visitors represented the beginning of a change, but so far May is shaping up to be our quietest month ever.

Those who justify spending more money on gas because they simply don't want to be perceived as cheap or weak?

Is that a really a thing? A different kind of "virtue-signalling"?

[ksa8907]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Is that a really a thing? A different kind of "virtue-signalling"?

I think one word can sum it up: vanity.

[MetroMPG]

Americans are shrugging off higher gas prices...

So how will higher fuel prices impact consumer behavior? Ironically it could support demand for more crossovers, modern SUVs and trucks.

The average car on the road today gets lower gas mileage than the average new compact SUV. If you’re feeling pain at the pump, you might be inclined to replace that old clunker while inventories are high, interest rates remain lower than they will be and incentives remain plentiful.

Yes, it may seem ironic, but a lot of Americans can shrug off increasing fuel costs (and help the environment) if they go out and buy a new truck.

http://thehill.com/opinion/finance/3...her-gas-prices

[Frank Lee]

Well, vast numbers of Duhmericans here in Redneckville ran out and bought Silverados and Subdivisions when gas first hit $4... but there's no evidence that saved any money or fuel.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Is that a really a thing? A different kind of "virtue-signalling"?

For sure. Check out most any enthusiast car forum and the mantra is "you gotta pay to play". In other words, automotive choice is important in projecting your image, and "cheapskate" undermines that image. Also, nothing can be done to improve fuel economy; the car gets what it gets.

I was attempting to help the discussion in a Jeep forum where a member was asking for ways to improve FE. All of the comments wrote me off, or dismissed saving fuel as possible or even worthwhile. All of their assumptions were either wrong, or mostly unhelpful (install a CAI, replace the air filter).

[oil pan 4]

I am cheap.
My wife says I got a leaf because I'm "compensating".

Originally Posted by redpoint5

For sure. Check out most any enthusiast car forum and the mantra is "you gotta pay to play". In other words, automotive choice is important in projecting your image, and "cheapskate" undermines that image. Also, nothing can be done to improve fuel economy; the car gets what it gets.

I was attempting to help the discussion in a Jeep forum where a member was asking for ways to improve FE. All of the comments wrote me off, or dismissed saving fuel as possible or even worthwhile.

I have found a lot of jeep people to be slightly retarded, not usually severe and profound, well maybe just a few.

Ecomodding a vehicle is just as possible as turning a jeep into a more off road capable, on road death trap.
Something as simple as swapping the off road only super swamper mudder tires they always run and putting on a set of highway tires saves fuel.
God they're retarded.

[RustyLugNut]

The economy is recovering. More people are working. More money to spend. We just don't teach frugality in the development years of schooling. This translates to the desire for more than one really requires. Most of us have to learn that post schooling. Societal changes become difficult once the population becomes happy and fat and following the easy path.

[RustyLugNut]

Originally Posted by oil pan 4

I am cheap.
My wife says I got a leaf because I'm "compensating".



I have found a lot of jeep people to be slightly retarded, not usually severe and profound, well maybe just a few.

Ecomodding a vehicle is just as possible as turning a jeep into a more off road capable, on road death trap.
Something as simple as taking the off road only super swamper mudder tires they always run and putting on a set of highway tires saves fuel.
God they're retarded.

All my 4x4's are vegetable powered diesels.

My daily driver is a vegetable oil powered diesel. I've looked into an electric car, but the economics favor the current state of affairs by a large margin. Burn the vege-oil till there is none to be found because every restaurant in the area has gone vegan.