IronMike 0 #1 December 30, 2002 Im thinking of going to trade the Caddy in on a new Mustang SVT Cobra tomorrow. They get the same mileage 16/20. I was going to get an Accord but the 390 HP V8 is such a pleasure. My rationlization: I live 2 miles from work. I know people that live 50 miles away and drive Civic's but they use more total gas....See where Im going with this......? Are my simple pleasures worth a tiny bit more of our natural resources? I figure as long as I don't move far from work, Im actually helping the enviornment........ I still haven't convinced myself. Please dont judge me unless you secrete testostarone and have stepped on a pedal connected to 390 ponies. Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
misskriss 0 #2 December 30, 2002 I say do what makes you happy.......and recycle.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #3 December 30, 2002 I just saw a story about a guy that got a $32,000 Federal tax credit for buying a $47,000 SUV. Ya might as well get one of those.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #4 December 30, 2002 Mike, I am not, repeat, not trying to thwart your plans here, but there's going to be a whole new Mustang out for '04. Ford's finally trashing that 20+ year old Fox platform for something all new (based on the LS/S-Type chassis).Other than that, you need no rationalization, speed and power is an aggression of money, how fast do you wanna go?I will also point this out, if you were really certain, you wouldn't be asking us. And, you wouldn't be mentioning an Accord (the V6 coupe ain't a slouch), arguably the best made car on planet earth...Ford can't make that claim, I don't care if they hand build the engine or not.edit: corrections... So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IronMike 0 #5 December 30, 2002 Yeah....I was looking at the V6 coupe.....Beautiful car and they are coming out with a moving map GPS and a 6 speed manual in January.....But, it is still not a torquey V8 and I bet none of the '04 stangs will have anywhere near 390 HP. Damn.....What to do....I could always keep the pimped out Caddy. Old people love it and it hauls ass. Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #6 December 30, 2002 Quote ....I could always keep the pimped out Caddy. Where's the wire wheels, chain steering wheel, fuzzy purple headliner, and white wall 20 inch tires? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IronMike 0 #7 December 30, 2002 Heck, Im actually doing pretty good. My last toy burned 18 gallons an hour of leaded gasoline and I used it every day. I sold it a year ago, not because I'm green but because the insurance went up after Sept 11. Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #8 December 30, 2002 Quote My last toy burned 18 gallons an hour of leaded gasoline Worth every penny too..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #9 December 30, 2002 Quote Yeah....I was looking at the V6 coupe..... still not a torquey V8 and I bet none of the '04 stangs will have anywhere near 390 HP. Dude, that's not just a new car, that's a life-style change. When was the last time you drove a RWD car? With a Manual? With no traction control? Of course, I'm thinking from the perspective that you will use all 390hp daily (I know I would, I can't afford the tires!).... Personally, I'm not a huge fan of turbo/super-charging... None of that truly matters in the end. As for the '04, give a little credit to those guys at SVT, it's more mature leadership than what GM is running on right now...(unless you want a Chevy SSR Pickup)... Happy hunting...wish I was car shopping...some cool stuff coming out... So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IronMike 0 #10 December 30, 2002 QuoteDude, that's not just a new car, that's a life-style change. When was the last time you drove a RWD car? With a Manual? With no traction control? http://www.roadandtrack.com/reviews/firstdrives/articledisplay.asp?articleid=207 Dude, it HAS traction control, I wish every day my STS was rear wheel drive and I never sit in traffic so a manual is no problem. All the reviews I read are favorable and Im going to the dealer tomorrow. For 5 grand more than the Accord coupe I get a car that will hang with a ZO6 and any Ferrari. Im sold. Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #11 December 30, 2002 Quote ... and Im going to the dealer tomorrow. ... ... . Im sold. Mike Kewl...that wasn't so hard was it? So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyMan 7 #12 December 30, 2002 How far do you drive on weekends? I've been doing a lot of renting lately, and usually try to get something that's reasonably efficient... just because the price of gas is killing me. I once had to rent a Suburban for a weekend, and blew $80 in gas just getting to and from the DZ. The same weekend in an escort cost me $12. Buy whatever car you want... But if you're going to try to justify poor fuel economy, make sure to consider all uses. _Am__ You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IronMike 0 #13 December 30, 2002 Perris is 19 miles from my door....but Im a weekday jumper and usually stay somewhere down there on my 4 days off.....I drive 150 miles a week I would guess....thats 10.....lets say 20 gallons a week on a bad week....Is that about what everyone else uses? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #14 December 30, 2002 Quote....I drive 150 miles a week I would guess....thats 10.....lets say 20 gallons a week on a bad week....Is that about what everyone else uses? *LOL*...I drive nearly triple that in a week...but I also drive an Integra GSR, geared short...turning 4000RPM at 80MPH. Very usable power, so I rev it sky high every day...I'm lucky if I get 25MPG...*LOL*...You'll spend less than I on gas. That should make you feel good!So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,989 #15 December 30, 2002 >just because the price of gas is killing me. Unfortunately, this is pretty much the only reason anyone will get a more efficient anything, whether or not it's the right thing to do. One reason I keep hoping for higher gas and electric prices. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #16 December 30, 2002 I run 300 miles every week and a half on 11 gallons of gas and want to get even more efficient if I can.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #17 December 30, 2002 QuoteUnfortunately, this is pretty much the only reason anyone will get a more efficient anything, whether or not it's the right thing to do. One reason I keep hoping for higher gas and electric prices. I recall seeing the same rationale with smoking and cigarette taxes/prices. Despite this activity, there have not been mass shortfalls in cigarette sales due to higher prices. They could increase taxes on gas 100% and I bet the impact on auto sales would be negligible on most automobiles. Ford is halting production on the Excursion not because of the cost of fuel, fuel economy, or demand for the vehicle, they're doing it because of the new "law" that Davis signed (which is being appealed) about environmental standards, taxes, etc on vehicles. The gas crisis isn't fooling anyone, there is no shortage. The demand will not subside until the supply is gone. It is an unfortunate fact for all of us to bear (I just don't feel guilty about it).So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freefallfreak 0 #18 December 30, 2002 Dude...Do what you can afford. Have fun with it. We only do this life once so have a great time. My daily ride (now in the body shop) gets less than 4 mph, developes 540 horsepower at the rear wheels and turns heads everywhere I go. Pic's of it are posted in here somewhere but I'll attach a couple of them anyway...btw, he gets his name from the first attachment...The Polar Bear. FFF "Upon seeing the shadow of a pigeon, one must resist the urge to look up." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IronMike 0 #19 December 30, 2002 You, my friend, are my inspiration, my guiding light, my windward cove on a stormy sea. I have seen true beauty before, and yes, in the form of a bear, I have seen it again. Bless you my OPEC brethren. Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freefallfreak 0 #20 December 30, 2002 Thank you, thank you...lol. FFF "Upon seeing the shadow of a pigeon, one must resist the urge to look up." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SpeedRacer 1 #21 December 30, 2002 Mr. Hanky, the Christmas Poo, I love him, and he loves you! Speed Racer -------------------------------------------------- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
misskriss 0 #22 December 30, 2002 OMG.....MR. Hanky Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,989 #23 December 30, 2002 >I recall seeing the same rationale with smoking and cigarette taxes/prices. Not sure if you can compare it to an activity that is physically addictive and causes withdrawal symptoms if you can't get it. It is true that the gas shortages of the 70's saw the beginning of the 'econobox' (i.e. smaller, higher mileage cars.) It's also true that sales of things like electric hot water heaters are directly dependent on electricity prices. They sell well in Washington and Kentucky (cheap power) and not well at all in NY and CA (expensive power.) >They could increase taxes on gas 100% and I bet the impact on auto sales would >be negligible on most automobiles. I doubt that. Money makes the world go round, and people buy things that are cheaper. If you increased gas prices ~50% (i.e. increased taxes 100%) you'd see an increase in sales of more efficient cars. Note that that doesn't always mean the smaller or slower cars, as many larger cars are getting more and more efficient. >Ford is halting production on the Excursion not because of the cost of fuel, > fuel economy, or demand for the vehicle, they're doing it because of the new > "law" that Davis signed (which is being appealed) about environmental > standards, taxes, etc on vehicles. That "law" just directs the CARB to look into reducing CO2 emissions. It will be years before any change to vehicle law is enacted. If Ford is halting production _now_ there's another reason, like low demand or too-small profit margin. >The gas crisis isn't fooling anyone, there is no shortage. The demand will not > subside until the supply is gone. Well, that's sorta the whole problem. I'd prefer my kids to be able to buy plastics. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyMan 7 #24 December 30, 2002 Isn't smoking at something like a 50 year low right now....? In Canada, smoking rates among high school students (when most smokers start) largely has mirrored (inversely) the price of those cigarettes. Back to the point, SUV sales dropped sharply during the high gas prices of the last Gulf war, and rebounded imediately afterwards. Low gas prices not only encourage people to buy inneficient vehicles, which only manifests the problem, but also is the central issue in many of the US's current foreign relations problems. _Am__ You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #25 December 30, 2002 Quote Not sure if you can compare it to an activity that is physically addictive and causes withdrawal symptoms if you can't get it. See, now I would go completely insane if I couldn't drive my car... I'm just being a wise-*ss on this one.... Quote It is true that the gas shortages of the 70's saw the beginning of the 'econobox' (i.e. smaller, higher mileage cars.) It's also true that sales of things like electric hot water heaters are directly dependent on electricity prices. They sell well in Washington and Kentucky (cheap power) and not well at all in NY and CA (expensive power.) Other issues at hand with these areas are the phases of development, and the cost of the equipment at the time of the development. The area I'm in in Orange County is majority electric utilities for heat/water. Go to New England and you'll see a much greater saturation of oil heat, not because of market appeal, but also because the housing in that area is older than anything here on the west coast. Quote I doubt that. Money makes the world go round, and people buy things that are cheaper. If you increased gas prices ~50% (i.e. increased taxes 100%) you'd see an increase in sales of more efficient cars. Note that that doesn't always mean the smaller or slower cars, as many larger cars are getting more and more efficient. We agree on this for the most part, I was simply pointing out that you will not see a dramatic change in how people buy cars. The guy that buys a BMW 745i and just paid a huge gas guzzler tax is not going to be too concerned with paying $3.00 per gallon, versus $1.70-.90. Quote If Ford is halting production _now_ there's another reason, like low demand or too-small profit margin. Not "now", but after the 03 model year IIRC because they can't effectively make that vehicle meet that new standard (size/weight/engine combo I think). SUVs are a cash cow for automakers, especially the ones like Excursion, Expedition, Suburban, Tahoe, Sequoia..these are all built on Truck platforms. Easy to build, little to re-tool in the factory. Quote I'd prefer my kids to be able to buy plastics. I'm not sure if I understand. What kind of plastics? Recycle bottles and cans. I'll happily start bringing my own bag to the grocery store and elsewhere if they stop using those silly plastic things... just two cents...So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
