I don't get people... (gas rant)

[00zx2s/r]

Ok so everyone knows that everyone is complaining about gas prices and low mpg. But y don't they do sumthin about it? Every single time I'm on the highway, I always drive 65 and sometimes 70 if I'm a lil late! But Everyone is always passing me doin 75, 80 mph if not more... Why the hell do people bitch if they're not gunna do sumin about it? Even my friends are the same way, bitch then drive 80 on highway.

Also y haven't I seen people walking, riding bikes, or blading more? I rollerblade to all my friends houses to save gas. Our "group" all live w/in 1/2 mile of eachother but I'm the only one who blades. It's exorsize and saves money! But atleast since I'm the only one that blades, I never have to drive the group anywhere!!! lol

Idk I just don't get why people are doing more on their part to save money and gas... What I do know is that if anyone tries bitching to me, I tell them I don't wanna hear it until I see em doing sumin about it!

[1981gMachine]

Thanks for saving gas. More for me to burn up through the Camaro. I built that car to abuse. Unlike most people who say "drive it like ya stole it." I beat the piss out of my car. Merging onto highways to me means; Full throttle 1st 2nd 3rd and wind out 3rd to 110mph. I don't bitch about high gas prices. I fill the tank up and don't even look at the price. I couldn't tell you what it is, haven't looked at it in years. You need it, looking isn't gonna lower it.

The Zx2 however, I will be trying to get everything out of it I can. 55-65 highways and normal town driving.

[koihoshi]

it varies from person to person.

you have to look at the typical american story to understand.

i've seen 3 really good examples lately of this of people i know who shall remain nameless.

1. lady finances 90s mustang. uses as daily driver. gas prices rise, she had 1 year left on the car, but financed herself SO tight she cannot afford to drive it. sells mustang to get geometro in cash, now drives geometro.

2. couple finances used escalade, uses as daily driver. gas prices rise. can't afford gas prices because they financed themselves so tight. bitch about gas prices and sell escalade to buy honda civic.

3. guy finances mustang gt. uses as daily driver. gas prices rise, can't afford gas anymore, sells mustang to buy honda civic.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the world. Gas prices are from $5-10 varying upon country. In many countries scooters and motorcycles are not a luxury or toy, but necessity for transportation if you need to commute. public transportation isn't a humiliating thing, but normal. bicycling and walking to work is normal. and carpooling is a standard.

Here: we complain when many people cannot afford their financed to the teeth toys, transactions, and big bubbly vehicles they couldn't afford in the first place.

now, i'm not going to get into the battle of justifying whether or not our gas prices are SUPPOSED to be high or low, i'm simply making the argument that most people that bitch either have horrible driving habits and are whining that they have to adjust, can't afford it in the first place, or are too spoiled when they couldn't afford to spoil themselves and put themselves in a place they shouldn't have.

[SoCalZX2]

most people that bitch either have horrible driving habits and are whining that they have to adjust, can't afford it in the first place, or are too spoiled when they couldn't afford to spoil themselves and put themselves in a place they shouldn't have.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO that NEVER happens ;)

I couldn't agree more man. The main problem with this country is it's national thought of entitlement. Which has been marketed to us btw, so congrats on lapping it up for decades America.

No one is entitled to ANYTHING just because they breath.

I do agree though, I love watching big ole f350's up on 37's flying by me @ 85mph when I'm sitting @ 60mph lol.

[droptoutzx2]

i drive an expedition that gets like 11mpg and let my zx2 sit at home i never complain gas prices will always go up get used to it or get a bike

[zxtuner98]

gas prices are and should be coming down a little.

[droptoutzx2]

but look at it like this 30cent drop in gas prices is still only a savings of about $5 a fill up, $5 is nothing nowadays, i work at a gas station i hear the complaints all day i just laugh at people

[LiveWire]

I notice a lot of people driving slower lately. What annoys me is they will still speed up to prevent me from passing. You can't have a goal of saving gas and be competitive at the same time. They also don't seem to understand that driving extra slow on a surface road where they are then not in top gear is probably costing them more. This woman in a Civic was driving like 35 in a 45. At a light, I got into the lane that ends to pass her. She edges up so I make sure to time the light and take off fast. I then drive 50 to make sure my car stays in 6th gear. She is riding my ass and going spastic behind me. Later the road opens up to 2 lanes and she is cutting people off trying to get back at me for passing her. I'll get behind people in SUVs going 10-15 under the limit and will try to prevent me from passing. My Jetta gets 40mpg at 80mph. It's not my problem if their only car is a gas hog.

[NyStYlEz]

Posted via Mobile Devicefuck gas prices if u cant aford them dont drive

[Zx2 Frost]

Exactly, driving is a privilege not a right.

[NyStYlEz]

Posted via Mobile Device ding ding ding

[SoCalZX2]

Exactly, driving is a privilege not a right.

Everywhere but America that rings true... but as Americans, we've got the right to EVERYTHING and if we can't afford it, the Gov't has to help us out... We can't say no to ourselves..

[1981gMachine]

fuck gas prices if u cant aford them dont drive
Exactly, driving is a privilege not a right.
ding ding ding


Driving a privilege? Yeah ok buddy. Maybe mommy and daddy told you that when you 1st got your license so you'd behave. But let's face reality, without a car you have nothing. I lost my license a couple times, I know. 5min drive to work becomes a 30min walk. Nothing like after a 9hr day of work to walk another 30min home.

To say that is bullshit. Was is a privilege is what type a car. Nobody says you have to have SUV, HUMMER, Metro, Escort.


Don't mistake this for me caring about gas prices, i don't. I've been pumping premium in a Camaro since Highschool. But here in America you need a car to get anywhere in life.

[zxtwou2]

i love the attitude of most of the "muscle heads" as i call them. the people with huge trucks or heavy v8 cars. they are the same ones that just a few years ago would not go near my car at a car meet because as they said "it's missing 4 cylinders". they are quick to jump the argument that "i don't care if you got 40 mpg on your way to the track..it's still only quick, not fast". the same ones that tell you "you aren't a good American because you bought a foreign car"....it makes me laugh really. not a good American? how much more money did that guy just send to the middle east where they hate us when he filled up? yes yes...we know..you have a mustang, or a big lifted truck...you have a penis..congradulations.

[zxtwou2]

Driving a privilege? Yeah ok buddy. Maybe mommy and daddy told you that when you 1st got your license so you'd behave. But let's face reality, without a car you have nothing. I lost my license a couple times, I know. 5min drive to work becomes a 30min walk. Nothing like after a 9hr day of work to walk another 30min home.

To say that is bullshit. Was is a privilege is what type a car. Nobody says you have to have SUV, HUMMER, Metro, Escort.


Don't mistake this for me caring about gas prices, i don't. I've been pumping premium in a Camaro since Highschool. But here in America you need a car to get anywhere in life.


driving by law is a privilage, not a right. you get pulled over...refuse a breath test...boom, suspended license. why? because in black and white, right there in the laws, driving is not a right...it is a privilage that can be revoked. talk to my father who was a State Police officer patrolling the interstates of Chicago (before he got into CSI a few years back) if you don't believe me. i'm not making it up. hell...ask a traffic judge or a lawyer.

[Grommish]

Driving a privilege? Yeah ok buddy. Maybe mommy and daddy told you that when you 1st got your license so you'd behave. But let's face reality, without a car you have nothing. I lost my license a couple times, I know. 5min drive to work becomes a 30min walk. Nothing like after a 9hr day of work to walk another 30min home.

To say that is bullshit. Was is a privilege is what type a car. Nobody says you have to have SUV, HUMMER, Metro, Escort.


Don't mistake this for me caring about gas prices, i don't. I've been pumping premium in a Camaro since Highschool. But here in America you need a car to get anywhere in life.

Wow.. I've not seen a bigger pile of BS since Lucky was here..

Driving is not a necessity.. Do I drive? Yes.. Do I have other options? Absolutely.. You always have options..

If you live in an area with public trans, you can always use it. Is it a hassle? Usually.. But if I couldn't afford my gas, getting up an hour earilier to make sure I got to work on time would certainly be worth not getting paid..

Don't have public trans? Move to someplace that does. While this may seem unreasonable, it's always an option. No one tells you to live outside the 'urban' areas.. You choose to.. With that choice comes the consequences and perks of doing so. Don't make enough to sport a cheap ass beater or the gas for your ride? Get a better job.. You can make 9 bucks an hour working McDonald's. No jobs? Move to where the jobs are. There are always choices and what you may have to 'give up' to 'gain'.

[SoCalZX2]

There are always choices and what you may have to 'give up' to 'gain'.

That goes against everything this country has been taught for decades.

[koihoshi]

That goes against everything this country has been taught for decades.

true. but. what it comes down to is this: Is EVERYTHING we've been taught 100% to the "T" really the way it should be? Or should we have to adjust?

In my honest opinion: we're human beings just like the rest of the world. Other countries have /already/ adjusted or are adjusting. It is inevitable, unless of course we take over the world which would make no sense; that if we trade with the rest of the world, work with the rest of the world, meld with the rest of the world and want to BE part of the rest of this planet that at some point we will have to compromise and get on the same level and step out of our mindset that we are more privileged than the entire planet. The mindset that it's fair that we should have super low gas prices while other countries should pay far more is great if we have those agreements, but at some point it is inevitable that we'll have to compromise, yes? Time to adjust.

I agree, driving is a privilege, there is always another option. Just because you were born in raised in america doesn't mean you have the RIGHT to drive, but you have the right to take a test and get on the road to drive. If you're too stupid to pass it, well, TFB.

It is still your responsibility if you EARNED that privilege to uphold and MAINTAIN that privilege by establishing the means necessary to put gas in your vehicle, maintain your vehicle, pay your insurance and obey the rules of the road. If you can't, you have no business there. Period.

[1981gMachine]

Wow.. I've not seen a bigger pile of BS since Lucky was here..

Driving is not a necessity.. Do I drive? Yes.. Do I have other options? Absolutely.. You always have options..

If you live in an area with public trans, you can always use it. Is it a hassle? Usually.. But if I couldn't afford my gas, getting up an hour earilier to make sure I got to work on time would certainly be worth not getting paid..

Don't have public trans? Move to someplace that does. While this may seem unreasonable, it's always an option. No one tells you to live outside the 'urban' areas.. You choose to.. With that choice comes the consequences and perks of doing so. Don't make enough to sport a cheap ass beater or the gas for your ride? Get a better job.. You can make 9 bucks an hour working McDonald's. No jobs? Move to where the jobs are. There are always choices and what you may have to 'give up' to 'gain'.


Let me quote what I said "But here in America you need a car to get anywhere in life."

Sure you can travel by bus your whole life,be that limits your job options. Sure you can walk or ride a bike but that limits your job options. Without car you are cutting off part of getting ahead in society. Get offered a job 1hr drive away that pays double what you make now. Well, I guess I'll sleep in a tent so I don't have to drive.

Take every car away, what will be left? The American nation would go back 100+ yrs.

[zxtwou2]

tell that to a guy i know only through family connections (my mom's friend's son). he is a very successful lawyer in chicago. he takes the bus and train most times...and to come down to Peoria (3 hours south of chicago) he rides the train. he owned a car for a while, but never drove it. if you think he's unsuccessful, you should see his 1.5 million dollar house.

[1981gMachine]

tell that to a guy i know only through family connections (my mom's friend's son). he is a very successful lawyer in chicago. he takes the bus and train most times...and to come down to Peoria (3 hours south of chicago) he rides the train. he owned a car for a while, but never drove it. if you think he's unsuccessful, you should see his 1.5 million dollar house.

Yeah, lives in a big city. What about everone in the country?

And people please quote me where I said it was a right to drive. I feel it's a necessity to survive and live a good life.

[Grommish]

Or the people in NY who don't own cars.. Or even have a license...

Personally, I was looking at a job that would have gained me an extra 12k a year to start. It was in another town, which would have required an hour and half commute or a move.

I passed on it because I was unwilling and unable to justify moving my family at this time in our lives. That was a CHOICE.. If I HAD to, I would have. Bottom line, you have options. They may be tough choices, they may be less than ideal, but they are there. If you turn them down, its because you choose to.

[SoCalZX2]

true. but. what it comes down to is this: Is EVERYTHING we've been taught 100% to the "T" really the way it should be? Or should we have to adjust?

In my honest opinion: we're human beings just like the rest of the world. Other countries have /already/ adjusted or are adjusting. It is inevitable, unless of course we take over the world which would make no sense; that if we trade with the rest of the world, work with the rest of the world, meld with the rest of the world and want to BE part of the rest of this planet that at some point we will have to compromise and get on the same level and step out of our mindset that we are more privileged than the entire planet. The mindset that it's fair that we should have super low gas prices while other countries should pay far more is great if we have those agreements, but at some point it is inevitable that we'll have to compromise, yes? Time to adjust.

I agree, driving is a privilege, there is always another option. Just because you were born in raised in america doesn't mean you have the RIGHT to drive, but you have the right to take a test and get on the road to drive. If you're too stupid to pass it, well, TFB.

It is still your responsibility if you EARNED that privilege to uphold and MAINTAIN that privilege by establishing the means necessary to put gas in your vehicle, maintain your vehicle, pay your insurance and obey the rules of the road. If you can't, you have no business there. Period.

I don't believe that you and I disagree here. I think we're saying the same thing. I'm just being sarcastic about it. Americans as a whole are independent and can't fathom carpooling (for the most part), they want bigger and better... and they want it now.

There is no delayed gratification in this country anymore... The advent of serious marketing and debt (not credit, I won't get into that argument) have crippled this country. Over the past several decades, the people in this country have become lemmings... Giving up rights for the Gov't to "fix their problems".

Thats a little off topic, but melds well with the topic here. Owning a car and driving is not a right, it's a privledge, just like owning a home... look at what that got a lot of people with poor planning habits... Now the gov't steps in and is bailing them out... People have just been taught, "There are no consequences for your poor financial decisions". The Gov't will bail you out if you fuck up.

Well, guess whos tax dollars will be used to find this bill? And also if they were to pass bills regarding domestic drilling... Everyones... including those of us that HAVEN'T screwed ourselves financially. Life ISN'T fair, and there ARE consequences to poor decisions. But thats now how our country thinks and feels anymore.

There is a feeling of entitlement, that everyone in the country deserves everything just because they breath... and they deserve it NOW... It's just about exclusively an American concept, and it's ruining this country.

[zxtwou2]

Driving a privilege? Yeah ok buddy. Maybe mommy and daddy told you that when you 1st got your license so you'd behave.

right there...you said it's not a privilage. if it's not a privilage, it's a right. by law it's a privilage. i think there's an echo in here.

ok, and what about the folks out in the country? how about sensible vehicles instead of gigantic land yachts and obnoxious v8 lead sleds.

[1981gMachine]

right there...you said it's not a privilage. if it's not a privilage, it's a right. by law it's a privilage. i think there's an echo in here.

ok, and what about the folks out in the country? how about sensible vehicles instead of gigantic land yachts and obnoxious v8 lead sleds.

Well, I guess it's my right to drive then. A privilage to me is like a parent saying your allowed to stay up to 11pm or something like that. It was a privilage to be invited somewhere.

I pay for the car, I pay for gas, I pay for insurance, I pay to register my car every year, I pay to inspect my car every year. How is this a privilage. A privilage that I pay shops, government money to have the right to drive the car. I don't care what the law says. Unless the government makes all this stuff free and I just have to pay for a car, I'm gonna call it my right.

It's my right to drive my car, I pay to drive it.

[Grommish]

I pay for the car, I pay for gas, I pay for insurance, I pay to register my car every year, I pay to inspect my car every year. How is this a privilage.

See how fast they yank that car and your "right to drive" if you don't do any of the above. Somehow, that doesn't smack of being a 'Right'.

[1981gMachine]

See how fast they yank that car and your "right to drive" if you don't do any of the above. Somehow, that doesn't smack of being a 'Right'.

It's the goverment's priviliege that they are allowed to collect money for my right to drive my car. Like I said, i don't care what the law is. It's not a privilege that I spend my earned money to drive my car.

it's a privilege that people can be on section 8 and pay 1/4 of the rent and the rest of the working class pays their other 3/4 from taxes.

[SoCalZX2]

If section 8 is a privilege, so is driving.

You pay a mortgage no... IT IS a privilege to own a home, but you pay mortgage, utilities, taxes, insurance... whats the difference?

Owning a home is not a RIGHT either, but a dream. Such as owning a car. You have the RIGHT to drive said car IF you follow the rules, but owning it is a privilege.

[LiveWire]

Someone who does not have the money to buy a home to has the right to own one, just not the financial ability.

[SoCalZX2]

OWNING anything is a privilege.

Rights are guaranteed. Privileges are not.

Are you guaranteed to own a home in your lifetime? NOPE. You do have the right to try and own a home though. That is a guarantee in this life, that you can try to become anything you want.

How is that hard to understand? There is a huge disconnect in this country about what is a right and what is a privilege. I really don't care if people agree with me or not... but owning anything in this country isn't a right... We have very few unalienable rights... Life, Liberty and the PURSUIT of happiness. Does any of that say you've got the RIGHT to own a home? A car? A six figure income? Nope!

What that says is, you have the RIGHT to bust your ass and EARN those PRIVILEGES in this life.

[NyStYlEz]

Yeah, lives in a big city. What about everone in the country?

And people please quote me where I said it was a right to drive. I feel it's a necessity to survive and live a good life.



Posted via Mobile Devicei dont know about where u live but the commuter train runs from suburbs as far as an hour out of boston into the city from there u can take the t anywhere in the city. whats ur argument now?

[SoCalZX2]

I think the problem is that this country's mass transit system as a whole sucks... Thats why in places that don't have great mass transit systems, people don't agree with it as a viable solution. I tend to agree with them, but it's still cheaper (albeit a larger inconvenience) to get up 2 hours earlier to hit the bus stop to make it to work on time than to drive a car w/ payment, insurance and gas as factors.

[NyStYlEz]

Posted via Mobile Device my point was that it can be done if your willing so its not a viable excuse

[SoCalZX2]

Oh I don't disagree. But asking people to sacrifice in this country is pretty hard to do.

[1981gMachine]

Contempary Affairs...

I don't disagree with your side. I'm just saying i don't think that's how it should be. Yes there are cheaper ways to get places. Hence why I bought a Zx2. I'll save at least $700 a year on gas because of it. If I could find a cheap moped I'd drive that to work, both my jobs. Then I'd save.

[SoCalZX2]

And I don't necessarily disagree with your side either. Overall driving and owning a car is a privilege because it CAN and WILL be taken away if you break the rules.

I just don't agree with the overwhelming belief of entitlement that this country lives by. I used to, but my views of it have changed.

[1981gMachine]

And I don't necessarily disagree with your side either. Overall driving and owning a car is a privilege because it CAN and WILL be taken away if you break the rules.

I just don't agree with the overwhelming belief of entitlement that this country lives by. I used to, but my views of it have changed.

a lot has to do with the fact all the laws, constitution, etc were written years ago. Times change, wordings change. Government works for themselves and not the people, etc...

[SoCalZX2]

a lot has to do with the fact all the laws, constitution, etc were written years ago. Times change, wordings change. Government works for themselves and not the people, etc...

That part you definitely got right.

The fact remains that no one is entitled to anything just because they're breathing (beyond the right of being able to breath and pursue happiness w/ freedom from oppression).

[Zx2 Frost]

Driving a privilege? Yeah ok buddy. Maybe mommy and daddy told you that when you 1st got your license so you'd behave. But let's face reality, without a car you have nothing. I lost my license a couple times, I know. 5min drive to work becomes a 30min walk. Nothing like after a 9hr day of work to walk another 30min home.

To say that is bullshit. Was is a privilege is what type a car. Nobody says you have to have SUV, HUMMER, Metro, Escort.


Don't mistake this for me caring about gas prices, i don't. I've been pumping premium in a Camaro since Highschool. But here in America you need a car to get anywhere in life.

Sir frankly, kindly Fuck yourself.

Have you seen have the drivers then people bitch about gas? You don't need to cruise your car everywhere you go. Its nice to have but you know what when i went a month without my car because it was in the shop i got to work 2 hours away just fine using the public transportation system. Kindly take your Camaro and your attitude and shove it up your ass.

[random_hero]

Ass Shoving. Sweet.

[SoCalZX2]

Well, it was pretty much civil until that... lol

[powder]

Let me quote what I said "But here in America you need a car to get anywhere in life."

Sure you can travel by bus your whole life,be that limits your job options. Sure you can walk or ride a bike but that limits your job options. Without car you are cutting off part of getting ahead in society. Get offered a job 1hr drive away that pays double what you make now. Well, I guess I'll sleep in a tent so I don't have to drive.

Take every car away, what will be left? The American nation would go back 100+ yrs.

You don't think that would force people to be smart instead of brainless robots?

People have it too easy these days. When my grandpa was in school he walked 75 miles a day through -40 degree weather in shorts, a wife beater and sandals.

[random_hero]

uphill both ways, powder?

I think my gramps was in that same school. you'd think those bastard teachers would instate a different dress code; people back then, y'know?

[1981gMachine]

Edited by myself

[powder]

uphill both ways, powder?

I think my gramps was in that same school. you'd think those bastard teachers would instate a different dress code; people back then, y'know?

I think it was a cliff face actually.

[SoCalZX2]

I guess my grandpa had it easy then... He only had hills ;) Still had the snow... but no shoes :p

[1981gMachine]

You don't think that would force people to be smart instead of brainless robots?

People have it too easy these days. When my grandpa was in school he walked 75 miles a day through -40 degree weather in shorts, a wife beater and sandals.

I'm done, said my .02 what I think about this lil debate. Easy, maybe but I work 2 jobs to get ahead in life. But a lot have it easy with mommy and daddy handing them an easy first 20 years of life.

PS, that has nothing to do with you living at home. My mom is Queen B so I moved out, or else I'd still be at home saving money.

[random_hero]

Different schools then. His was uphill over molten lava with angry germans ontop of the hill in a machine gun nest while carrying propane tanks.

[powder]

I'm done, said my .02 what I think about this lil debate. Easy, maybe but I work 2 jobs to get ahead in life. But a lot have it easy with mommy and daddy handing them an easy first 20 years of life.

PS, that has nothing to do with you living at home. My mom is Queen B so I moved out, or else I'd still be at home saving money.

Lol, i don't live at home, but i dunno if you meant i did. haha

I was just jokin really.

[00zx2s/r]

damn my thread kinda exploded quick! lol. But I'm gunna have to agree that driving is a privilege... And our country is a bunch of lazy ass' who can't deal w/ change.

[random_hero]

Driving is a privelage.

However, its also my privelage to drive a lifted jeep like an asshole and bitch about gas prices at the same time; so everybody quit your bitchin.

I don't know who's worse - the people who bitch and moan about gas prices, or the fuck heads bitching and moaning about people who bitch and moan about gas prices.

[1981gMachine]

Lol, i don't live at home, but i dunno if you meant i did. haha

I was just jokin really.

Oh, I got you confused with Vit I think.

[SoCalZX2]

Driving is a privelage.

However, its also my privelage to drive a lifted jeep like an asshole and bitch about gas prices at the same time; so everybody quit your bitchin.

I don't know who's worse - the people who bitch and moan about gas prices, or the fuck heads bitching and moaning about people who bitch and moan about gas prices.

I don't think you'll find a lot of people that agree with that statement. You have the right... based on freedom of speech... but should you, based on your driving habits? (not saying you do, just trying to show some perspective)

[random_hero]

its true though.

If I have the privelage to drive my SRT 8 charger that gets advertised 12mpg in 4th gear at 80 mph sitting around 5,000 RPM's then I have the right to bitch about gas prices simultaneously.

Sure, you're a bit hypocritial; but you can still do it. it won't change.

[powder]

Oh, I got you confused with Vit I think.

:(

[JonsZX2SR]

You can look at the cost of gas from another perspective.

I drive my '97 scort most of the time for work and local shopping. Average time between fillups is 8 days and an average fill up is about 10.67 gallons. Using 30 days for an average month that means I buy about 40 gallons of gasoline per month (= 10.67*30/8 ) for work, shopping, etc.

At $ 2.80 per gallon that works out to $112 per month for the '97 scort. At $4.20 per gallon that works out to $168 per month or an increase of $56.

In addition, I buy about 14 gal per month for the ZX2 for 9 months out of the year and garage the car the other 3 months. The increased fuel costs for the ZX2 are about $20 per month. (= 14*($4.20 - $2.80) )

Figuring 4.3 weeks per month that works out to an increased cost of less than $18 per week for both cars.

I can easily save $18 per week by going out to eat one less time per week, bringing leftovers to work a couple of times per week and by buying one less $10 item I don't need each week.

I understand people who drive less fuel efficient vehicles and travel farther have greater fuel costs. Someone averaging 60 miles per day in a vehicle that gets 18 mpg will consume 100 gallons per month. At $4.20 per gallon that is $420 per month.

However, at $2.80 they were paying $280 per month. The increased cost of fuel is $140 per month or about $32.60 per week. For most people this is significant, but it is sonething that most people can make changes to reduce the impact.

By driving 10% less (moderate carpooling) they would save 10 gal or $42 per month and by switching to a vehicle that gets 24 mpg they would save 25 gallons per month or $105. By combining the two the $140 per month increase would be easily covered.

I'm getting tired of hearing people complain about $75 fill ups, where a fill up would have cost $50 at 2.80 per gallon, and they've done nothing to mitigate the increase which amounts to $25 not $75.

I don't like paying more for fuel or anything else, but I see opportunities to cut waste out of my life. Given my own spending habits I probably have less opportunities to cut un-neccessary expenses.

We're all paying at the pump, but poor life skills are no excuse to demand a return to $2 per gallon fuel. The best thing we could do is reduce demand while figuring out how to get things done and in doing so reduce the US need for foreign oil.

[SoCalZX2]

You can look at the cost of gas from another perspective.

I drive my '97 scort most of the time for work and local shopping. Average time between fillups is 8 days and an average fill up is about 10.67 gallons. Using 30 days for an average month that means I buy about 40 gallons of gasoline per month (= 10.67*30/8 ) for work, shopping, etc.

At $ 2.80 per gallon that works out to $112 per month for the '97 scort. At $4.20 per gallon that works out to $168 per month or an increase of $56.

In addition, I buy about 14 gal per month for the ZX2 for 9 months out of the year and garage the car the other 3 months. The increased fuel costs for the ZX2 are about $20 per month. (= 14*($4.20 - $2.80) )

Figuring 4.3 weeks per month that works out to an increased cost of less than $18 per week for both cars.

I can easily save $18 per week by going out to eat one less time per week, bringing leftovers to work a couple of times per week and by buying one less $10 item I don't need each week.

I understand people who drive less fuel efficient vehicles and travel farther have greater fuel costs. Someone averaging 60 miles per day in a vehicle that gets 18 mpg will consume 100 gallons per month. At $4.20 per gallon that is $420 per month.

However, at $2.80 they were paying $280 per month. The increased cost of fuel is $140 per month or about $32.60 per week. For most people this is significant, but it is sonething that most people can make changes to reduce the impact.

By driving 10% less (moderate carpooling) they would save 10 gal or $42 per month and by switching to a vehicle that gets 24 mpg they would save 25 gallons per month or $105. By combining the two the $140 per month increase would be easily covered.

I'm getting tired of hearing people complain about $75 fill ups, where a fill up would have cost $50 at 2.80 per gallon, and they've done nothing to mitigate the increase which amounts to $25 not $75.

I don't like paying more for fuel or anything else, but I see opportunities to cut waste out of my life. Given my own spending habits I probably have less opportunities to cut un-neccessary expenses.

We're all paying at the pump, but poor life skils are no excuse to demand a return to $2 per gallon fuel. The best thing we could do is reduce demand while figuring out how to get things done and in doing so reduce the US need for foreign oil.

I love that line! lol

[powder]

I figured working just 5 days a week (which doesn't happen very often), i go about 1600 miles a month. I get in the neighborhood of 30 mpg out of the wrx in the summer usually. I never turn on the a/c, my tires are inflated to 42 psi, fuel filter and air filter are changed regularly and fuel cleaner is run regularly. Over the last 5-6 weeks w/ just my 42 psi instead of 35 on the tires, has netted me about a 1-2 mpg increase. I'm gonna change to a k&n air filter next time, which is coming up in about a month. Might go w/ an intake and a lightweight pulley when i change my timing belt, water pump and clutch after i get my commuter zx2 soon.

Ultimately the best gas saver for me, will be when i buy another ZX2. All the mods i do to it, will be aimed at improving gas mileage. It will be a big deal when i can fill up w/ 87 octane, and get 5-10 mpg better than the wrx.

[JonsZX2SR]

I wholeheartedly agree. There are solutions to reducing the cost of fuel and you have hit on some of them. I wish more Americans took that attitude.

When people complain they need fuel to get to work, that doesn't mean they shouldn't have to be part of the solution. Part of being American is figuring out stuff when the going gets tough, not whining that you can't afford to go to work in your 15-18 mpg gas hog with the A/C blasting.

For all the complaining about motorcycles, in general they get much better fuel economy than cars and can be fun to drive. When you consider a typical Harley gets 45-50 mpg, the guy who parks his truck or luxury car in the driveway and hops on the H-D in good weather is making a lot more sense than the guy who complains he can't afford to fill up their big truck, SUV or luxury car.

The times you need a truck are usually less than 33% of the time. the rest of the time you've got one guy riding around in an empty gas hog.

[SoCalZX2]

I wish my wife would let me get a motorcycle... but she wont :(

[autox_zx2]

I wish my wife would let me get a motorcycle... but she wont :(

buy one without her consent. My asshole father bought a c5 vette without my step-mother's knowledge/consent of any sort and was within inches of her divorcing him over it, lol.

[SoCalZX2]

buy one without her consent. My asshole father bought a c5 vette without my step-mother's knowledge/consent of any sort and was within inches of her divorcing him over it, lol.

Thats what I'm avoiding :p That and dying... lol

[Buster]

DO this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkzVVYJggi4&feature=related

[Larka]

I didn't read all of this, so I suck...

There's a guy I work with who is a HUGE Chevy nut. EVERYTHING he owns has to be a HUGE Chevy V8. I'm currently in the process of buying and fixing a ZX2 for him to drive cause of high gas prices. It amuses the hell out of me.

Another guy at work has a giant old Bronco- it's sitting in the driveway. He's taking the bus or walking to work now. And is in the process of buying a ZX2 for when he has to go further.

I have an 01 Chevy Tracker that I'd been letting my roommate drive cause she didn't have a car. Then in ONE week- I put $180 worth of gas in it. It now decorates my drive way and she rides a Honda Shadow to work.

MANY buses now have racks on the front for bikes. That way you can ride a bike to the bus stop rather than walk. I live 20 minutes by car from my work- and I've rode my bike (pedal bike) or taken the bus there on more than one occasion.

[Jesusfrk611]

I'm kinda guilty of moaning some about gas prices and then not having the best driving habits. But at least I have a decent MPG car and go to the gas station with the cheapest gas I can find on my route to or from work.

I don't go out of my way to find a stupid gas station off in the boonies to fill up at 50 cents less that the rest of the places like so many people do when there is one. Look at how much gas you wasted just getting there, waiting in line, and getting back... Seen that crap on the news more than once about a gas station that had a really low price...

I don't look at the price I pay at the pump much because I have to pay it anyway, so whether I know it or not it's staying the same...