http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/gasprices/FAQ.shtml#History
Posted on 10/02/2005 8:20:16 AM PDT by grundle
Of course, Hyundai has killed off their 3-door Accent model for 2006. Way to go.
This is three similar articles you've started this morning... it's hard to know where to comment.
But basically I don't think $3 a gallon is that high. It was already $2 20 years ago when I was high school.
I'm more concerned about the economic effect on businesses with already tight margins - like airlines.
> ... Some drivers are trading in full-size SUVs and
> trucks for smaller vehicles with better mileage, ...
And they need to do their homework, and NOT rely on the
EPA mpg ratings. According to Consumer Reports, most
hybrids get nothing like their EPA mpgs in real driving,
with some far worse than comparable small-engine gasoline
cars. And battery performance can drop dramatically in
the winter.
If you don't live in a state run by tree huggers, the
VW TDIs are worth a look. Our "45 mpg" Jetta gets a
reliable 38 mpg year-over-year. And being turbos, TDIs
move sprightly when you need them to.
"
And they need to do their homework, and NOT rely on the
EPA mpg ratings. According to Consumer Reports, most
hybrids get nothing like their EPA mpgs in real driving,"
And not just hybrids, I saw that the Jeep Liberty is rated by the EPA at 22 MPG in the city but Consumer reports got 11 MPG in real world testing.
I've found that the highway numbers posted by vehicles with manual transmissions can be equalled or exceeded on the highway (at least in the summer).
I've found that the highway numbers posted by vehicles with manual transmissions can be equalled or exceeded on the highway (at least in the summer).
"I've found that the highway numbers posted by vehicles with manual transmissions can be equalled or exceeded on the highway (at least in the summer)."
Interesting. is that with the air conditioner running? That was another point Consumer reports made - that neither modern heavier traffic or air conditioning is included in the EPA estimates.
Government emission rules in the United States are the primary reason diesels don't make it here.
You are quickly turning into the Willie Green of gas prices. Five posts on the same subject in less than 10 minutes. LOL!
> And not just hybrids, I saw that the Jeep Liberty
> is rated by the EPA at 22 MPG in the city but
> Consumer reports got 11 MPG in real world testing.
Which was disappointing to read, because I'd like to
eventually replace my aging small-block turbo gas
minivan with a CRD (Common Rail Diesel), which Chrysler
has sold for years in Europe but won't sell here (prior
to EPA Tier II, apparently).
The 2.4L turbo Chrysler sold in 1989 and 1990 got an
honest all-around 32 mpg. Shame they dropped it, but
people were probably burning them up by towing & stuff.
> Too bad the diesel here is so ridiculously expensive.
> Isn't it easier to refine?
Historically, diesel was cheaper than gas (and was when
we bought our TDI, back before Germany joined the Axis
of Weasels).
My understanding is that diesel refining capacity is
even more brittle than gasoline here, and that's why
the price spikes randomly.
Old news. Everytime gas prices have climbed into new record territory, people start buying smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles - often trading their gas-guzzler in on the smaller car.
Then, when gas prices fall (as they invariably do) people begin abandoning their smaller cars for the larger ones because they like the roominess and power of the larger cars.
This story is the same as the beginning of the school year stories when the news organizations have nothing else better to do than recycle old news and remind everyone that school is starting . . . blah, blah, blah . . . . kids and buses, blah, blah, blah . . . police enforcement of school zones, etc.
Nothing to see here. Move along.
In short I think that gas prices, while high, are not the disaster that most folks make it out to be. Most of their pain comes from poor financial planning.
Where do you live? It was about 1.07/1.10 a gallon when I was first driving (15 years ago.)
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/gasprices/FAQ.shtml#History
"I don't see a lot of people going from an SUV to a four-door sedan,"
Not too suprising. Once you've had a high riding vehicle, its hard to consider a car again. I drove a Bonco II from 1990 to 2000, and although it would be considered absolutely tiny by today's standards, I still loved it.
I didn't go w/ an SUV this time around because the prices were outrageous. But I still went w/ a Ranger because I couldn't imagine not being able to see a little further down the highway. (That, and it was cheap, relatively economical and rear wheel drive).
"the Jeep Liberty is rated by the EPA at 22 MPG in the city but Consumer reports got 11 MPG in real world testing"
Man! That sure sound awfully low for a vehicle like that.
My old Bronco II always got about 21 mpg actual. And my 2000 Ranger (4 banger stick) gets 22+ actual.
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