Yes, the mileage is terrible. I'd love to trade you for a new Toyota Prius or some such, but the cost of gas just doesn't justify buying a new car to my fiscally driven mind.
The numbers above come to about $20 a week on an average load of 183 miles a week. And that includes vacation driving over the holidays. Assuming a ridiculously low incremental cost of $10,000 for a new car, and assuming that new car is twice as efficient as this one, that comes to 1000 weeks or about 19 years before the new car pays for itself.
I'll drive this car until the wheels fall off. Or I win the lottery (greater than $1 million or it doesn't count.)
[Update 9/1/05] Please see the updated numbers and analysis - based on the irrational rise in gas prices - on this post.
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too bad that it doesn't just matter to your wallet. In reality the lower fuel efficiency means that you are releasing tons more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere... and carbon dioxide is what causes global warming. So even though you probably won't see the true cost of your toy for years to come, the fact remains that you are still being selfish and irresponsible. this is not to say that the millions of other drivers in SUVs are not contributing as well because they are, but i think that if you can boil the issue down to just the $$$$ cost to you... then you are being dense. Good luck at getting over being selfish.
ReplyDeleteWell I think, Scott, you made the issue clear.
ReplyDeleteI myself drive a F150 V8, which I'm not proud of regarding the enviroment and not happy about regarding my wallet. Though the arguments supporting my choice have been said in Scotts post - need of big transportation capacity, need of power and 4x4 to move it, lag of money (without mortgaging everyting) to afford a more efficient or diesel truck and I also did the same figures about money spent on gas vs. buying a different vehicle.
Today's world is very much money driven and in the first place (almost) everybody will and has to take a look in his wallet and then can decide if that's enough to save the world or just have a decent life.
Of course big cars and trucks burn much fuel, but what is the REAL burner? I tell you - it is the abuse of those and other vehicles (here comes the word "toy", which I think does apply to a lot of people's cars, but like Scott said, you'd have to know the background before saying it). Taking the car - and I mean ANY car - to visit a friend or get a burger two blocks down the road, thats the burner! Many People don't leave their yard without the car anymore and thats where everybody should start saving the enviroment.
Additionally, the katalyst converter only works when it is hot, which is after about 5-10miles, any distance driven less than that we don't have to worry about the carbon dioxide but all the other crab that comes outta there, and again - out of ANY car.
I take my bike when going shopping in the village, last time I turned that engine on is eight days ago, I use it when I need it, but I'm still on natures side...
Scott,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comments 100%. What is the point to buy a car which has a payback of close to 20 years. Experts have done detailed studies which show that a Hummer is more environmentally friendly that a Honda hybrid, reason being that a Hummer is designed to last 300,000 miles and a Honda hybrid is only rated for 100,000 miles life expectancy. What happens then and who has to dispose of imported battery in the USA. Unfortunately a lot of Americans have been deceived by the illusion that if they get these "Green Vehicles" that they are doing something good for the environment without looking deeper into the issues.
Another issue is your safety and your families. Which car do you rather be in during a head on collision or rear end collision, a match box Prius or a vehicle which is going to protect you. Having been in a recent accident myself and being able to afford most any new vehicle out there, I chose to purchase a Ford Explorer for its safety ratings. When you get into an accident with one of the toy cars and wind up a a wheel chair for the rest of your life, none of these "Green People" are going to be there for you or your family. However they will take valuable resource and send hate mail like the on which was needlessly sent to you.
I wish more of these "Green People" did something worthwhile like go visit a veteran who has gotten blown up for them so they can have the freedom to drive their import on American soil and layoff more of America.
In response to the "In reality the lower fuel efficiency means that you are releasing tons more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere" comment. A) Define lower fuel efficiency - If I transport 7 people in my SUV at 17mpg vs someone transporting 1 person in their "efficient" 34mpg vehicle, just who is really being more fuel efficient? B)On the part about releasing "tons" more carbon dioxide - please define what you are comparing this to - tons more than what? Tons more than not driving anything? Or do you think that my driving my SUV 100 miles a week is putting "tons" more evil greenhouse emmissions into the atmosphere than a "green" car driving 250 miles a week? Guess again. Why don't I drive a Prius? Too expensive to purchase initially and maintain/repair, its tiny I can't fit my daughter's special needs car seat (its huge) in to the back and still have room to get her through the door into the carseat (I know, I tried it in my sister's Prius) plus I can't fit the wheelchair & anything else in its trunk. So I'm sticking with my SUV. Also, does your electricity come from coal burning, that also puts tons of bad stuff into the atmosphere. Maybe only people who get their power from wind, water, or solar should be allowed to use their electricity - yeah right. On and by the way, any car you drive is still contributing CO2, so get over yourself.
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