GAS Prices [Archive] - Audioholics Home Theater Forums

A. Vivaldi

04-14-2004, 01:09 AM

rgriffin25 : I paid $1.80 at the pump today. It cost me $20 to fill up my fuel efficient VW jetta. This is getting out of hand! dang OPEC taking money away from better things in life..(SACDs / DVDs)

<img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':angry:'>
I'll probably get killed for saying this, but I don't think paying $1.80 or even $2.00 is unreasonable. We pay more for bottled water for Pete's sake! We are one of the few countries who pay such cheap gas prices. The average in Europe is around $3 or $4.00 a gallon. Do I want to pay such high prices? No, but if it would stop people from driving gas guzzling SUVs, cars and trucks, which would greatly help the enviroment, and keep us from being at the mercy of Arab countries that don't like us, then I'm all for it. <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':cool:'>

zumbo

04-14-2004, 05:23 PM

My big ole V8 takes $40 a week @ $1.89.9 per gallon. I need the power for pulling & hauling. Of coarse, I don't use it in this manner every day. But, I only have enough room & money for one vehicle!  <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':('>

The good part is, one more payment & the Tundra is mine! <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>

Wabbit_Swayer

04-14-2004, 06:55 PM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I need the power for pulling & hauling.</td></tr></table>

For hauling your bike, right?

Thats what I thought <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

zumbo

04-14-2004, 07:01 PM

That would be bikes! <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>  <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':laugh:'>

I also haul dirt in by the yard to put in low places in the lawn. I live in a bottom by a lake. It's beautiful, but a pain to keep up. I love it though! <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

And don't laugh, it's a grocery getter too! <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/glare.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':glare:'>

Wabbit_Swayer

04-14-2004, 07:14 PM

The last I heard you had only, <cough> *one* bike. *I just got a 02' YZ 250F. *Sold the 139. Since the 4 stroker conversion, i'll never go back *<img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/love.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':love:'>

zumbo

04-14-2004, 07:34 PM

Oh! I thought I might have mentioned it. It is a '99 Kawasaki ZRX1100 with Ninja1100 cams, Muzzy race megaphone, stage 3 Dynojet kit, & K&N chrome filters. It will almost run with a stock Ninja 9R! <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

Now, thanks to you, I have a way to get some pics on here. Thanks!

Clint DeBoer

04-14-2004, 09:37 PM

I want them to make my Jeep Liberty in a version that runs on Diesel - better gas mileage and cheaper per gallon (at least where I live)

I hear the new VW Passat will now be available in Diesel (just about the rest of the line already is)...

zumbo

04-14-2004, 09:48 PM

Have you seen the new idea for bio-diesel? It is a basic diesel engine with slight modifications that runs on recycled vegetable oil!

Now that is cheap fuel. Pull up to your local fast food joint and get a few gallons!  <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':laugh:'>

Rip Van Woofer

04-14-2004, 10:08 PM

zumbo : Have you seen the new idea for bio-diesel? It is a basic diesel engine with slight modifications that runs on recycled vegetable oil!

Now that is cheap fuel. Pull up to your local fast food joint and get a few gallons! <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':laugh:'>
And your exhaust smells like fries!

race4aliving

04-14-2004, 11:37 PM

actually the higher gas prices have been enough to convince the wife when we trade in the Navigator next month we should get the Infiniti FX45 instead of the H2 <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':;):'> "you know honey the H2 gets 13 mpg and the FX45 gets 19 mpg" glad to know theres other motorcyclists out there. I'm riding a KTM 640, Big Gun exhaust,air box mods and carb work. aaahh hot rods, motorcycles and Hi FI aint it cool.

zumbo

04-15-2004, 05:15 PM

What about the FX35? My wife has a G35. That little six is one bad mutha. I am sure the large body of the FX would eat up some of the power, but I bet it has plenty. Just probably has a different torque curve to compensate for the weight. Just a thought!  <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/glare.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':glare:'>

zumbo

04-15-2004, 05:19 PM

Ah, Mr. Woofer is keeping up with things. Good thing they are not using chitterlings. <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':laugh:'>

Clint DeBoer

04-15-2004, 06:48 PM

Rip Van Woofer : And your exhaust smells like fries!
There would be so many accidental suicides from people who were McDonald's junkies...

Yamahaluver

04-15-2004, 10:28 PM

Guys, what are you worried about, gas here in India costs around $5 per gallon, one of the reasons I drive two 4WD vehicles with frugal diesel engines, one gives me 25mpg and the other gives me around 28mpg.

BTW: since we are on the subject of bikes, my biking saga started with the famous Yamaha RD-350, progressed to RZ-350LC, then the best ever RZ-500. When I went to the US, I got myself a FZ-750 and then a FZR-1000. Now I have a RC-45 and yes Yamahaluver had to go the HONDA way as I couldnt take the fact that Yamaha were loosing to HONDA in a big way. Yes call me a TRAITOR.

rgriffin25

04-16-2004, 12:18 AM

I realize that in comparison with other countries our gas prices are dirt cheap. It doesn't mean that I have to like it. I am glad that I own two economy cars a Honda and VW. This price hike has almost doubled my cost at the pump. I guess I will spend less time traveling over the summer and more time watching movies at home!!

rgriffin25

04-16-2004, 12:18 AM

Oops! In my little fit of rage I double posted. Sorry! <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':angry:'>

MUDSHARK

05-18-2008, 07:49 PM

I paid $1.80 at the pump today. It cost me $20 to fill up my fuel efficient VW jetta.  This is getting out of hand! dang OPEC taking money away from better things in life..(SACDs / DVDs)

<img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':angry:'>

Blast from the past!

I doubt Clint is wishing for diesel today.

$1.80, ah the good ole days

mike c

05-18-2008, 08:10 PM

haha 1.8 and we were complaining. we filled up our Ford E150 van yesterday ...

105 USD for an almost full tank

NeverSeen

05-18-2008, 08:33 PM

*sniff*sniff* i want 1.80/gal :(

Adam

05-18-2008, 08:37 PM

A blast from the past, indeed! I remember when premium got up to $1.75 back in the late 90s and it seemed pretty harsh. I paid $3.68 for it last Thursday, and Tucson has some of the cheapest gas in the states right now.

Halon451

05-19-2008, 02:54 PM

Funny how perspective changes in just a few short years... :o

Man, I would die to see $1.80/gal at the pump these days, what would we have all thought back then, if someone had told us that in four years you all will be paying $4.00/gal for gas?? :eek:

I just filled up my Ford Explorer on Saturday - I continue to set new records on most money spent in a single fill-up, every time I pull in. :(

Shadow_Ferret

05-19-2008, 04:19 PM

My perspective hasn't changed. I've been angry about gas ever since it went over a buck a gallon. I just keep getting angrier every day now.

Makes me sick. Took us almost 100 years to get past the $1 per gallon point and now in less than a decade or so, we've quadrupled that.

Tarub

06-02-2008, 05:34 PM

$4.29/gallon last night when I filled up. Are we going to over $5.00 a gallon by summer time?:mad:

j_garcia

06-02-2008, 05:42 PM

I paid $4.29 yesterday too.

MinusTheBear

06-02-2008, 05:50 PM

Yeah the gas companies like to play games with us consumers. Say gas goes down to $3.50, then everyone will say gas is cheap.....:eek::eek::eek:.

j_garcia

06-02-2008, 06:11 PM

Yeah the gas companies like to play games with us consumers. Say gas goes down to $3.50, then everyone will say gas is cheap.....:eek::eek::eek:.

Well, nobody can say that oil isn't at an all time high either, so considering how much oil has gone up, I'd say $4 isn't that bad because it could be a lot worse. I'm certain it will go up before it goes back down, but as you mentioned, it will go down and still be higher than it was before. I thought $4/gal would be the breaking point where you actually started to see people try to drive less, but I haven't really seen it myself. I personally have reduced the number of trips I make if I don't have to. I have always tried to combine trips, but I still have to go the same distance. Heck, it is even costing a lot to mow the lawn now....

niget2002

06-02-2008, 06:45 PM

Well, nobody can say that oil isn't at an all time high either, so considering how much oil has gone up, I'd say $4 isn't that bad because it could be a lot worse. I'm certain it will go up before it goes back down, but as you mentioned, it will go down and still be higher than it was before. I thought $4/gal would be the breaking point where you actually started to see people try to drive less, but I haven't really seen it myself. I personally have reduced the number of trips I make if I don't have to. I have always tried to combine trips, but I still have to go the same distance. Heck, it is even costing a lot to mow the lawn now....

I've started seeing a few people change their lifestyles to cut down on gas. I've had two friends go buy little scooters for their quick trips or to/from work. I've had other friends talk about waiting until Saturday and then going to the stores and buying everything they need for the next week.

Personally, I do all my food shopping on the way home from work instead of going back out.

I've always ridden motorcycles, so that helps a lot, but the wife and I have started taking my car more than her XL7 when we're going for stuff that won't fit on the bike.

Mort Corey

06-02-2008, 07:26 PM

Heck, it is even costing a lot to mow the lawn now....

And the BBQ......refilled my 5 gallon propane spare last weekend and it was $18.

Mort

MinusTheBear

06-02-2008, 08:12 PM

If gasoline keeps on rising in the united states, you could potentially see a black market emerge for gasoline

chadnliz

06-02-2008, 08:15 PM

While we in America were paying too little for too long when compared to the rest of the world it is a bit out of hand now, we are be conditioned to think $3.00-$3.50 per gallon is a deal and at this rate it will be in short order, Factor in the Hurricane season just starting and it gets real scary, one big storm that doesnt affect our mainland could send gas to well over $5.00 per gallon in a few short days. People are finally re-thinking how they drive and that is a good thing, mass transit is up and many workers are going with a 4 day work week option......all these are good long term solutions and the death of the "big trucks are cool" lifestyle is closing quickly, another change I welcome.........our greed and inattentive nature to the big picture led us all down the road we are now on, we showed for years we didnt care what it cost because we wont give up our lifestyle, it looks like we were all full of sh^* but sadly it had to get way out of hand for folks to cry foul.

j_garcia

06-02-2008, 08:23 PM

If gasoline keeps on rising in the united states, you could potentially see a black market emerge for gasoline

Not sure about that since the base price is still relatively high...However I have heard numerous reports in the news about people drilling into tanks to steal gas already.

Fortunately, I have a fairly short commute (~4 miles) so I can use some alternatives. My girlfirend has been taking the train to work since IBM actually gives them access to all public transportation free as well as a shuttle from the nearby stations to the office. She has been using this off and on over the year, and has been doing it more lately due to the increasing prices and the fact that her commute is far longer than mine.

And the BBQ......refilled my 5 gallon propane spare last weekend and it was $18.

I filled mine up a few weeks ago and it was $16, which is what it was last year. Propane is a byproduct so I wouldn't expect it to jump in price, but it does have to be transported as well.

gsilas2007

06-02-2008, 09:07 PM

Gotta love my baby :)
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/lookin_around/_DSC0727.jpg

40 MPG...and can still do 0-60 in 2.9 seconds when I choose to. Music to my ears? I think so.

Tarub

06-03-2008, 02:29 AM

Gotta love my baby :)
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/lookin_around/_DSC0727.jpg

40 MPG...and can still do 0-60 in 2.9 seconds when I choose to. Music to my ears? I think so.

My Suzuki GSXR 750 will beat that bike in a heartbeat. But I gave up on it a while ago. Too many disavantages on bike. Yes, advantage on GAS, traffic and easy to park..That's it.

Disavantages:

Accident, fumes, dust, heat, cold, rain, snow, passengers, loads (can't buy a lot groceries or load some satellite BOSE speakers), noise(hearing loss), you have to wear a helmet to cruise, getting stuck on a red light at night cause road sensors cannot sense the lightweight bike, easier to steal, etc, etc.

Seth=L

06-03-2008, 03:46 AM

Why are we paying these gas prices? Why are we going to lay down and allow economic collapse?

gsilas2007

06-03-2008, 04:13 AM

My Suzuki GSXR 750 will beat that bike in a heartbeat. But I gave up on it a while ago. Too many disavantages on bike. Yes, advantage on GAS, traffic and easy to park..That's it.

Disavantages:

Accident, fumes, dust, heat, cold, rain, snow, passengers, loads (can't buy a lot groceries or load some satellite BOSE speakers), noise(hearing loss), you have to wear a helmet to cruise, getting stuck on a red light at night cause road sensors cannot sense the lightweight bike, easier to steal, etc, etc.

No doubt a 750 should beat a 600, but I REALLY did not want a gixxer, and the cbr had just too many things I liked better than other brands. I agree with all of your disadvantages (except snow, I dont have to deal with it personally here in CA). With how many bad drivers there are on the road its getting to the point now where I usually just ride to hit the twisties...getting really addicted to learning all that stuff.

Sheep

06-03-2008, 04:15 AM

Joe Schmoe

06-03-2008, 09:29 AM

It is scary to see that the post that started this thread was complaining about $1.80/gal. Where I live, it is now $3.75 and rising!:eek:

trnqk7

06-03-2008, 10:46 AM

Seth=L

06-03-2008, 11:43 AM

1.33/L right now. Put 38 liters in the civic and it was $50. Why are you guys complaining? If you can't afford to run something, don't own it. I can't afford to run a house, that's why I live at home.

SheepStar
I can't afford a more fuel efficient vehicle. I might be able to get a moped, but I would only be able to use it during nice weather. I need a car or some vehicle to get to work, it would take forever to get to work on a bicycle I might as well not sleep. Fact of the matter is, we shouldn't have to try go get the most fuel efficient vehicle to survive, fuel shouldn't cost as much as it does. Unfortunately here in the states there are 40 senators that shoot down every proposal to build power plants that use wind, water, or the sun as a means to get power. They also stop alternative fuels on cars that would be cost effective. Ethanol is a joke.

MinusTheBear

06-03-2008, 12:08 PM

People will be complaining about the price of gas no matter what, but now I think it is a legitimate concern. IMO, the united states is already at the beginning of a recession. The massive defecit, weak currency are just making matters worse. If you look at the trend gas prices have risen as the dollar has fallen:eek:.

Halon451

06-03-2008, 02:23 PM

It should be noted to some small detail that the current state of fuel prices affects mass transit as well, the buses all operate on gasoline, and most of them have horrendous MPG - something on the order of 8 miles to a gallon or less. Sure, it's easy to give up our cars in exchange for mass transit, but the folks who would really be able to benefit from this (i.e., inner city residents) are already for the most part not well off financially to begin with. When the rates for mass transit start climbing, what then? This affects everything, not just the 22 gallon tank SUV owners and big 4x4 trucks.

Those of us in the suburbs (at least me anyway) have no real practical solution with any form of mass transit - the one or two lines that run out here don't go anywhere near where I need to be. There are no monorails where I live.

This is only the start - yeah, sure... we as Americans should not lead such a gluttonous lifestyle, and I hate the big oversized pickup truck drivers as much as anyone else on the road, but the real focus here is the rear naked choke hold OPEC has on our economy, and we're on the verge of tapping out. And STILL we haven't come to our senses enough to do what needs to be done in the interim period and beef up supply from our own resources to bridge the gap between now and non-oil dependent technologies.

All this assigning blame and finger pointing is useless!!! The price at the pump continues to rise no matter who we argue is at fault, so when are we going to get our collective heads out of our sphincters and do something about it? :confused:

chadnliz

06-04-2008, 01:50 AM

Didn't you just mention driving an Envoy a day or two ago? So "death of big trucks are cool", eh?:eek:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44584&highlight=envoy

3rd/4th post down...

I drive an Envoy because of a disability that makes entering and exiting a car very difficult or impossible.

trnqk7

06-04-2008, 08:49 AM

I drive an Envoy because of a disability that makes entering and exiting a car very difficult or impossible.

Understood-but there are more fuel efficient vehicles that are handicap accessible. Whether it be a 4 cyl. van or at least a hybrid SUV. I think it's silly to praise big suv's going out of style when you still are using one of the largest, most gas guzzling, yourself. Disability or not, there are other options that would have been more environmentally conscious.

MUDSHARK

06-04-2008, 10:53 AM

Envoy is hardly one of the largest fuel inefficient vehicles. The company has one for one of the directors and fuel mileage appears to be in the 18-19 range not greatly below the 21-22 of smaller vehicles. Having a handicapped son my wife drives a Montana (soon to be traded in). I intend to see if an Escape or Patriot is high enough to permit easy entry for our son. Of course, if it drives like a truck the wife will not like it.

10010011

06-04-2008, 11:18 AM

Those of us in the suburbs (at least me anyway) have no real practical solution with any form of mass transit - the one or two lines that run out here don't go anywhere near where I need to be. There are no monorails where I live.

I think the days of living in the 'burbs and driving to the city to work are going to come to an end.

I guess this is one way to stop urban sprawl.:rolleyes:

BTW: The Chevron I passed on my way to work today has raised it's prices to $4.15, $4.27, and $4.35.:eek:

trnqk7

06-04-2008, 11:19 AM

I don't consider 18-19mpg good, but to each their own. I get 27mpg or higher though (albeit not in a vehicle a handicapped person could use). I'm not knocking chadnliz for driving the envoy necessarily (he apparently needs a vehicle with a certain "height" or something to it)-more that he went on about it's so good that gas guzzlers are going out of style, but he is still using one, for whatever reason. Perhaps the Envoy is not the "worst", but I still don't consider it "good" either. And, for the money one of those runs, there are other SUVs with hybrid techology available that would improve economy and most likely (not guaranteeing) have the accessibility he says he needs.

Halon451

06-04-2008, 11:47 AM

I think the days of living in the 'burbs and driving to the city to work are going to come to an end.

It already has for me - I live in the 'burbs and work in the 'burbs - fortunately my office is located not far from my home - last job was clear across downtown traffic, a good hour to an hour and a half to get to and from each day. Thank god I left there before the fuel prices shot through the roof!! :)

Anyway, point being - mass transit for me is not even remotely an option. The upside of it is that I have a fifteen minute commute every day, and use a lot less of the gas I keep in my tank - on the weekends, we take my wife's car for our around town driving as it is smaller and much more fuel efficient than mine.

jinjuku

06-04-2008, 12:00 PM

$4.29/gallon last night when I filled up. Are we going to over $5.00 a gallon by summer time?:mad:

Uh, yes...

jinjuku

06-04-2008, 12:12 PM

It should be noted to some small detail that the current state of fuel prices affects mass transit as well, the buses all operate on gasoline, and most of them have horrendous MPG - something on the order of 8 miles to a gallon or less. Sure, it's easy to give up our cars in exchange for mass transit, but the folks who would really be able to benefit from this (i.e., inner city residents) are already for the most part not well off financially to begin with. When the rates for mass transit start climbing, what then? This affects everything, not just the 22 gallon tank SUV owners and big 4x4 trucks.

8 MPG with one passenger vs 8 MPG with 18 passengers is a whole different ball game.

The real problem is handling what is going to be a huge influx of ridership. The number of routes, the number of buses, the facilities (room, tools, mechanics) to maintain all that just aren't there.

We never designed cities in the US to work around mass transit. I have spent time in England, France, and Japan. You can get to anywhere you need by bus/train/subway. It may not be as fast or convenient as a car but you do get around relatively quick.

trnqk7

06-04-2008, 12:21 PM

billy p

06-04-2008, 12:23 PM

1.33/L right now. Put 38 liters in the civic and it was $50. Why are you guys complaining? If you can't afford to run something, don't own it. I can't afford to run a house, that's why I live at home.

SheepStar

Heh.. maybe thats why you can afford the Civic because your still living at home;). I will agree with you in relation to our neighbors due south. They have nothing to complain about when comparing gas prices with the rest of the world. We're already above $5.00/ gallon.

mouettus

06-04-2008, 12:34 PM

Heh.. maybe thats why you can afford the Civic because your still living at home;). I will agree with you in relation to our neighbors due south. They have nothing to complain about when comparing gas prices with the rest of the world. We're already above $5.00/ gallon.

It's not only the actual price they are paying for gaz vs Canada the problem. It's just that, like us, they were used to pay a certain reasonable amount of money into transportation and that amount now is going out of control and is eating disposable outcome that was at hand for lets say... audio stuff! :P

Halon451

06-04-2008, 12:36 PM

8 MPG with one passenger vs 8 MPG with 18 passengers is a whole different ball game.

The real problem is handling what is going to be a huge influx of ridership. The number of routes, the number of buses, the facilities (room, tools, mechanics) to maintain all that just aren't there.

We never designed cities in the US to work around mass transit. I have spent time in England, France, and Japan. You can get to anywhere you need by bus/train/subway. It may not be as fast or convenient as a car but you do get around relatively quick.

I'll certainly give you that, and even also add that there are far fewer buses on the road than cars and trucks, however my point was to illustrate not the passenger/gallon ratio, but the fact that these vehicles require a lot of fuel to run, so they are being hit that much harder by the current cost crunch, therefore directly translating into higher fare rates which are going to ultimately affect those who utilize this system the most - inner city dwellers already living at or below the poverty line.

And just where is this huge influx going to come from? Maybe in certain areas that mass transit serves (urban professional environment downtown highrises or something - where people can walk or ride a bike to work if they wish); possibly, I don't know - I don't see it happening that way. Like you said, our cities and outlying areas were equipped with mass transit systems almost as an afterthought - pitiful in comparison to some of the cities I have visited overseas, where a person like me could actually make use of the system if I had the intention of doing so. Mass transit, at least in my city is a very confined service limited only to a handful of the overall population.

jinjuku

06-04-2008, 12:45 PM

I'll certainly give you that, and even also add that there are far fewer buses on the road than cars and trucks, however my point was to illustrate not the passenger/gallon ratio, but the fact that these vehicles require a lot of fuel to run, so they are being hit that much harder by the current cost crunch, therefore directly translating into higher fare rates which are going to ultimately affect those who utilize this system the most - inner city dwellers already living at or below the poverty

What I think may happen is since the buses are under utilized that they will gain a certain efficiency in passenger to gallon ratio since the buses capacity will start maxing out.

If you have a 30 passenger bus with only 50% utilization (15 passengers) at $2/gallon, what is $4/gallon at 30 passengers?

Halon451

06-04-2008, 12:47 PM

If you have a 30 passenger bus with only 50% utilization (15 passengers) at $2/gallon, what is $4/gallon at 30 passengers?

One less bus on the road. :)

jinjuku

06-04-2008, 12:55 PM

One less bus on the road. :)
Lol. True, True.

I am partially insulated from all of this. I am self employed and my commute is from the coffee pot to the basement office (a door laying across two wire racks).

So I hardly drive my 99 Altima which has been paid off for years and runs great. I fill up on average about every six weeks. My insurance is dirt cheap. I see my car easily getting another 4 years or more. I am simply loving not having all the associated costs. Plus when I do drive it, if I keep it under or at 65 MPH, I get north of 33 miles to the gallon. If I had the patience to do 55MPH and piss everyone off on the highway I am sure I would see close to 35 or better.

Currently my wife works at U Mich. The university buses are free. They run on a 10 minute schedule from 6AM-7PM then 20 minute rotation till I believe 1AM. Takes her ~10 minutes to get to work.

Halon451

06-04-2008, 01:49 PM

Lol. True, True.

I am partially insulated from all of this. I am self employed and my commute is from the coffee pot to the basement office (a door laying across two wire racks).

So I hardly drive my 99 Altima which has been paid off for years and runs great. I fill up on average about every six weeks. My insurance is dirt cheap. I see my car easily getting another 4 years or more. I am simply loving not having all the associated costs. Plus when I do drive it, if I keep it under or at 65 MPH, I get north of 33 miles to the gallon. If I had the patience to do 55MPH and piss everyone off on the highway I am sure I would see close to 35 or better.

Currently my wife works at U Mich. The university buses are free. They run on a 10 minute schedule from 6AM-7PM then 20 minute rotation till I believe 1AM. Takes her ~10 minutes to get to work.

Man, it doesn't get any better than that - I sure wish I was in your shoes, and probably a thousand other folks do too. However, the majority of the population is of course much less insulated as you call it, they (we) are at the mercy of those with their hands on the controls of this economy - and OPEC. While my wife and I are not rich by any means, we're comfortable enough that the current prices are mostly a psychological annoyance; sure we can afford it, but it is kind of eating into a bit of our play money (and A/V funds too!!). But the issue is not the current weather, it's the forecast, if you know what I mean. Everyone lives within a certain threshold of tolerance whether it's realized or not. Perhaps a perpetual chain of events has already been put in motion - scary to think, when you factor in the impact on all areas of the economy - trade, shipping, food, etc.

I'm no economist, but hell - even a dog can sniff a storm brewing long before it happens. ;)

jinjuku

06-04-2008, 01:57 PM

Man, it doesn't get any better than that - I sure wish I was in your shoes, and probably a thousand other folks do too

I purposefully held back on the kicker in all of that: When I drive, it is for business. So I get $0.485/mile write off on my taxes when I drive.

So for every gallon of gas at 33MPG, I get to write off $16.005 from my taxable income. Hows that for a kick in the pants? Also I have a drive charge that is based on mileage that I pass on to the customer.

Halon451

06-04-2008, 02:40 PM

I purposefully held back on the kicker in all of that: When I drive, it is for business. So I get $0.485/mile write off on my taxes when I drive.

So for every gallon of gas at 33MPG, I get to write off $16.005 from my taxable income. Hows that for a kick in the pants? Also I have a drive charge that is based on mileage that I pass on to the customer.

Envy - pure envy. Hey, the IRS mileage rates are actually up to $.505/mile, I know this as most of my own employees work on the road and are reimbursed for their travels. I had to re-write the templates for half a dozen contracts when the new rates went into effect - you could be entitled to even more than what you currently get! :)

Halon451

06-04-2008, 02:41 PM

I purposefully held back on the kicker in all of that: When I drive, it is for business. So I get $0.485/mile write off on my taxes when I drive.

And yeah... I'm a little sore in the pants from that kick. Thank you. :D

chadnliz

06-05-2008, 07:59 PM

Understood-but there are more fuel efficient vehicles that are handicap accessible. Whether it be a 4 cyl. van or at least a hybrid SUV. I think it's silly to praise big suv's going out of style when you still are using one of the largest, most gas guzzling, yourself. Disability or not, there are other options that would have been more environmentally conscious.

Thats only a statement that can be made if you know the entire story, GM was giving away cars a couple years ago and had aggresive leasing options, being on fixed income I got the Envoy for under $300 per month, 15,000 miles per year and no money down. The SUV (atleast at that time) had a much more superior residual value than any car or mini-van so our money was best spent on the Envoy over other options, which was a bit of a surprise as I never intended to lease or be able to lease a $37000 vehicle for less than a $20000 model but thats how leasing works..

MUDSHARK

06-05-2008, 11:30 PM

Gas price dropped at the fill-up today for first time in awhile. With oil futures at around $128 $3.70 should be coming soon.

trnqk7

06-06-2008, 08:55 AM

Thats only a statement that can be made if you know the entire story, GM was giving away cars a couple years ago and had aggresive leasing options, being on fixed income I got the Envoy for under $300 per month, 15,000 miles per year and no money down. The SUV (atleast at that time) had a much more superior residual value than any car or mini-van so our money was best spent on the Envoy over other options, which was a bit of a surprise as I never intended to lease or be able to lease a $37000 vehicle for less than a $20000 model but thats how leasing works..

That's great that it worked out that way for you. However, in general, that statement IS correct. You have special circumstances that have occurred multiple times now...your disability that makes a vehicle such as the Envoy necessary and a special offer on leasing that made in a more sound financial choice. That series of events does not occur for everyone.

MUDSHARK

06-06-2008, 03:43 PM

Well so much for short-term optimism as oil spiked to $138 today, a $10 swing.

MinusTheBear

06-06-2008, 04:54 PM

Well so much for short-term optimism as oil spiked to $138 today, a $10 swing.

Yeah and a $15 jump in 2 days. There is not much optimism right now with unemployment on the rise, manufacturing sector, the housing crisis, the stock market taking a beating plus high gas prices we are not in good shape from an economic standpoint.

mouettus

06-06-2008, 04:57 PM

Yeah and a $15 jump in 2 days. There is not much optimism right now with unemployment on the rise, manufacturing sector, the housing crisis, the stock market taking a beating plus high gas prices we are not in good shape from an economic standpoint.

Who cares anyway?! It's only money! :rolleyes:

Halon451

06-06-2008, 06:06 PM

Adam

06-06-2008, 06:10 PM

I've heard some analysts comment that the trends we are seeing now are nearly identical to the things that led up to the Great Depression in the 30's. I don't know much about that, but it's a scary thought. :(

Yeah, but did they have an economic stimulus package back then? ;)

Besides, no reason to worry about the economy when we're all going to be dead soon from global warming...or maybe global cooling...or maybe nuclear war...or maybe biological war...or maybe gang violence...or fill in the blank from the nightly news.

MinusTheBear

06-06-2008, 06:31 PM

[QUOTE=Adam;420831]Yeah, but did they have an economic stimulus package back then? ;)

And this has accomplished what so far?

jvgillow

06-06-2008, 06:38 PM

Yeah, but did they have an economic stimulus package back then? ;)

And this has accomplished what so far?

Apparently that statement failed to convey its sarcasm :D

MUDSHARK

06-06-2008, 07:57 PM

Apparently that statement failed to convey its sarcasm :D

Facetious intent received at this end.
:)

haraldo

06-07-2008, 07:32 PM

I paid $120 to fill up half a tank on a BMW 520 two days ago, you think the gas is expensive, think again.........

Halon451

06-07-2008, 09:08 PM

Harald! Where the hell have you been hiding? :D

haraldo

06-08-2008, 06:18 AM

Harald! Where the hell have you been hiding? :D

Hey..... You know what I have been busy with .-) following in Joe's footsteps, and it really looks like I'm into something now, serious !!!

This is really happening ==:-O

Too busy to post here, but I'll be back soon :-))))

Of course, you guys will be the first to know !

mouettus

06-08-2008, 09:15 AM

I paid $120 to fill up half a tank on a BMW 520 two days ago, you think the gas is expensive, think again.........

Yeah but you have a 70L tank and a 3.0L V6 engine in that car. I mean... you could do a lot better with a smaller vehicule and cope better with fuel prices.

I understand your point though... Europe is taxing the hell out of gas.

haraldo

06-08-2008, 01:27 PM

Yeah but you have a 70L tank and a 3.0L V6 engine in that car. I mean... you could do a lot better with a smaller vehicule and cope better with fuel prices.

I understand your point though... Europe is taxing the hell out of gas.

No it's actually a V6 2.0 litre, and 80L tank..... The sound of a V6 is MUCH better than the sound of a 4 cylindre .-)
It's quite fuel efficient actually....

And the taxes on gas here is, arrrrrrgh, we actually also pay VAT on the TAX, robbery this is.........