You Go Boy, Drop That Pump

[theotherguy]

The Hummer is an easy target because the original ones were huge and simply a status symbol with little or no real need. Now, it is a different story. I would hope people are only using it as a type. If not, they should visit a site with the consumption numbers and use something more relevant.

Personally, I think they are ugly. That is not a crime against the environment. Only my eyes. But, there are many who think the same of my Camry.

[Kitsune]

Originally Posted by thenewguy

The Hummer is an easy target because the original ones were huge and simply a status symbol with little or no real need. Now, it is a different story.

Of course. Today, the lives of Americans are so dramatically different from twenty years ago that the average family cannot get by with a mid-size car as the previous generation was once able to do with ease. The commutes of 2007 are nothing like our predecessors could have dreamed! The smooth, paved roads of the 1980s that once ferried families out for a comfortable drive to the grocery store for weekly shopping are now a driver's battlefield of washouts, boulders, and other off road trials that only an H2 can handle.

Of course, I'm kidding -- H2s and their low Tahoe chassis have as much to do with off roading as, well, Chevy Tahoes.

This is all besides the point, however, and the real story is about a dense gas station owner that shut down to "help the consumer" by, uh, removing one more piece of local competition so other stations can raise their prices. Good job, dumbass. That'll show 'em!

Maybe he is right. We can only hope that prices continue to go up, now, to encourage some alternatives so we can cut away from this addiction that has only one possible end. Sick of high gas prices? Tired of paying out a chunk of your paycheck so you can drive your car thirty-five miles, alone, to your job downtown from your beautiful suburbs? Shut up and ditch the SUV, move closer to town, start conserving, or all of the above. It's only going to get worse.

[HungLikeJesus]

Originally Posted by Kitsune

Of course. Today, the lives of Americans are so dramatically different from twenty years ago that the average family cannot get by with a mid-size car as the previous generation was once able to do with ease. The commutes of 2007 are nothing like our predecessors could have dreamed! The smooth, paved roads of the 1980s that once ferried families out for a comfortable drive to the grocery store for weekly shopping are now a driver's battlefield of washouts, boulders, and other off road trials that only an H2 can handle.

Excellent first paragraph. Point to Kitsune.

[xoxoxoBruce]

This is all besides the point, however, and the real story is about a dense gas station owner that shut down to "help the consumer" by, uh, removing one more piece of local competition so other stations can raise their prices. Good job, dumbass. That'll show 'em!

No, no, no, he was trying to make a statement, but nobody got it.

2007 14/18mpg

You're mileage may vary.

H2s and their low Tahoe chassis have as much to do with off roading as, well, Chevy Tahoes.

As I understand it from pros that test these things, the H-2 is as capable off road, as any vehicle on the market including the CJ, except the H-1.

For the 2003 Insight, fueleconomy.gov lists the mileage as 48 city, 59 highway, 53 combined, but I have consistently averaged 66 mpg or higher in mixed driving, with lots of up and down (altitude, I mean - home is about 2500 feet higher than work).

How heavy a trailer will it tow?
How many kegs of beer and cases of chips will it hold?
How many suitcases can a family of 4, take to Wally World?
How far up the fire trail, to the hunting/fishing lodge, will it climb?
How many surf fishing rod holders will the front bumper handle.
Does bringing 500 lbs of salt home, as I did today, effect the mileage?

At the price of vehicles these days, very few can afford a complete set of them. That means most have to find the Crescent (adjustable) Wrench or Vice-Grips, that will do what they want to do, the best.

A two car family has the luxury of splitting the duties between vehicles, but the reality is, in many families both get driven to work. Even when only the husband works, unless you marry Jinx, the wife wants the lighter duty, more mileage vehicle for her kid taxi.*

To me, the Prius looks like a one-trick pony that wouldn't serve my needs(wants) very well. Besides, it doesn't look good on me.


*Yeah, I know, sexist stereotyping. It's just an example, deal with it.

[Ibby]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

To me, the Prius looks like a one-trick pony that wouldn't serve my needs(wants) very well. Besides, it doesn't look good on me.

Why on earth wouldnt you want one?!

[Kitsune]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

How heavy a trailer will it tow?
How many kegs of beer and cases of chips will it hold?
How many suitcases can a family of 4, take to Wally World?
How far up the fire trail, to the hunting/fishing lodge, will it climb?
How many surf fishing rod holders will the front bumper handle.
Does bringing 500 lbs of salt home, as I did today, effect the mileage?

Why don't people who buy these vehicles and use them 99.99% of the time to haul their sole ass to and from work everyday ask themselves this question after asking all of those: How often will I really do those things and would it be cheaper to rent a vehicle when I need to?

[HungLikeJesus]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

How heavy a trailer will it tow?
How many kegs of beer and cases of chips will it hold?
How many suitcases can a family of 4, take to Wally World?
How far up the fire trail, to the hunting/fishing lodge, will it climb?
How many surf fishing rod holders will the front bumper handle.
Does bringing 500 lbs of salt home, as I did today, effect the mileage?

xoB, sorry for the confusion, I wasn't very clear. I was just saying that it is possible to get mileage significantly better than indicated by the EPA numbers.

But I have taken it to the top of the highest paved road in the US.

It sounds like you have a very active lifestyle. But you might want to work on reducing your salt intake. I hear it's bad for your blood pressure.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by HLJ

xoB, sorry for the confusion, I wasn't very clear. I was just saying that it is possible to get mileage significantly better than indicated by the EPA numbers.

No apology necessary, no confusion either. I just snagged your post to comment, while big mileage numbers sound desirable...especially now... it's only one of the criteria most people are up against. People can cut their fuel bill, and be politically correct, by trading their ride for a super mileage vehicle.... piece of cake. But, it's best to be aware of lifestyle changes necessitated by such a move. Better than doing it, then having the, "OH shit" moment.
That said, if they're getting 12mpg chances are they can't afford to do that stuff anyway. Everyone has to find their balance of priorities

But I have taken it to the top of the highest paved road in the US.

Mount Evans?

It sounds like you have a very active lifestyle.

Not me, I live vicariously through the adventures posted here in the Cellar.

But you might want to work on reducing your salt intake. I hear it's bad for your blood pressure.

You'll be eating those words when the giant slug invasion starts.

[HungLikeJesus]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

Mount Evans?

Yes, exactly. 14,264 feet (but you have to walk those last few feet).

Have you been there?

You'll be eating those words when the giant slug invasion starts.

That depends. I might rather eat the slugs. Giant slugs. I'm sure we have a recipe, at home or in the Cellar.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by HLJ

Yes, exactly. 14,264 feet (but you have to walk those last few feet).

Have you been there?

No, Pike's a couple times but not Evans.

That depends. I might rather eat the slugs. Giant slugs. I'm sure we have a recipe, at home or in the Cellar.

Don't be silly, you don't eat giant slugs.... giant slugs eat you.