Changing your driving habits?

[nolo451]

Since gas is going up to $4 here in California, Im trying to not speed as much as I used to anymore, going like 60-65mph instead of like 80-90 like I usually do. I commute every morning to school and work, so it sucks that I have to drive 40 miles back and forth. Luckily my car gets around 36 mpg, but still, it sucks having to put $40 of gas in the tank when just three years ago it only cost $23.

Fuck I hate having to pay for gas like this.

[phatboy]

I too have changed my habits. I drive my Acura (28MPG) instead of my 250. I also drive slower and 'short shift' instead of running it up into the higher RPMs. I filled up this morning at 3.389 a gallon, so 40.00 or so to put almost 12 gallons in it. I only fill this up twice a month.

I am in the process of getting rid of the Acura. The B18 is a higher torque non-Vtec motor so the mileage is low (its 1800cc) the 93 Civic I had got 30 consistent D16(single overhead Vtec) The accords I have had sucked. The 89 Civic I had got close to 40 every tank D15 1500CC (non-vtec)

[Nauseous]

I just fill it up and wince knowing that when I bought the car, it cost 17 dollars to fill the tank to the point of overflowing on premium. Now I just stop at 50 on regular. I've had the car for 9 years and it's good on gas. I fill it up just short of once a month. I think it lasts about 21 days or so. I drive to work, home for lunch, back to work, back home, 5 days a week.

[phatboy]

I am not sure why you can find diesel vehicles all over the world, other than rabbits and superduties, but you cant get them here. Like Toyota Club Cab pickups, or Isuzu, they have them everywhere else.

Maybe I need to get on eBay and see if I can find one in South America or something.

[Lomotil]

I recently bought some BG 44K fuel additive for both the car and the SUV, and I'm used to around 20-21MPG on the car (Chevy Lumina), and 19MPG on the SUV (Isuzu Rodeo.)

I know the Lumina should get better mileage with it's 3.1 V-6, and I know it's never been given the BG treatment (It is the 'Euro' package, which was more 'sport-oriented' than the standard 3.1, so that may play a factor,) but I haven't owned it long enough to really notice any decline in MPG through the years.

I've had the Rodeo since it was new, and have put 110K+ miles on it, yet never noticed any drop in MPG. I really bought the BG because I'm noticing that two of the injectors/cylinders seem to have some buildup in them (take a long screwdriver and use it as a stethoscope.) I'm about halfway through the tank (premium 93 octane fuel,) and the problem *seems* to be fixing itself, but time will tell.

I have noticed, however, that since picking up GTA IV, my driving habits are slipping back into the days when gas was a couple bucks a gallon...

[warrze]

Move closer to your work or man up and use a hose to steal from your neighbors tank.

[phatboy]

Move closer to your work or man up and use a hose to steal from your neighbors tank.

You just like the way the hose feels in your mouth.


On a serious note, I have considered purchasing a scooter. Not really, but a motorcycle. The only drawback is it gets hot as hell here and the last thing I want to do is ride home and have my nutz sweated to my legs.

[MAJ Havoc]

I have a company gas card so the $85 it takes to fill my guzzling Yukon isn't my money. What used to be a nice perk is now like a great salary raise!!

I do hate it for all of you, though.

Smell me.

[Nauseous]

That'll get cut off soon.

[phatboy]

That'll get cut off soon.

What part were you smelling?

[Lomotil]

On a serious note, I have considered purchasing a scooter.

Riding a scooter is kinda like fucking a fat chick... Fun to ride, but you wouldn't want your friends to see you on one...

[MAJ Havoc]

Couldn't say....I've never ridden a scooter.

[big10donjuan]

4.29 here in chicago suburbs...... crack habits are less expensive than this

[phatboy]

If I could just find a fat chick to ride to work.....

[Lomotil]

Come to SA... We're one of the fattest cities in the whole union...

Back to MPG, though... I took a road trip, and filled up shortly after getting back... Ended up getting 27 mpg in the car (3.1L V-6)... Best I get around town is around 19.

[bassmaster2112]

Its almost 4 in Az now

[Lomotil]

Its almost 4 in Az now

Remarkable.

Thanks for sharing.

[wbhartso45]

my hispanic gets 50 miles to the burrito so I am in good shape as long as he keeps pushing

[Nauseous]

I have an old Yamahopper. It'll only do 30 mph tops though.

Anyone seeing those commericals for the Chrysler 2.99 gas deal?

http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2008/05/is-the-chrysler.html

[phatboy]

They are running those down here too. Maybe they should run ads on the hemi that runs on water. that would be way more beneficial than them giving out discount gas.

[tux]

Damn skippy I am... It's insane!!! This country is going to come to a grinding halt VERY soon if things don't change and QUICK!!!

[Lomotil]

Remarkable.

Thanks for sharing.

Damn... My apologies, even though I know this was your obligatory post of the week, but I thought you were talking about the time of day... :rolleyes:

Units, people! Units! ;)

[MechRecon]

I did buy a scooter. My minivan only gets 20mph, scooter gets 65 (150cc). I drive ~20mi round trip daily. I'm not one of those "it's all about the ride" people. For me, it's all about the mileage. Plus, I bought the scooter used, $800, so it is quite the bargain.

[Lomotil]

I think the most productive (read:successful) trend will be the development of miniature communities that thrive upon the convenience of having everything one could need on a weekly basis at arm's reach.

In San Antonio, there is a project under development, that expands the northeast outskirts of the town - we've already got "the shops @ La Cantera" in place (a ritzy shopping mecca previously unavailable to this region) - phase two of the development will encompass a much larger scale of construction. Essentially, the commercial district will be at the ground level, office space in the floors above it, and above that, living quarters.

It will, in essence, be it's own entity within a city, and probably modeled after some other successful venture of it's kind elsewhere in the states... (I've not researched this point as of yet)

Interesting to see how this unfolds, to say the least.

[louisiana365]

I am annoyed (maybe that's a mild way of stating my feelings on the whole gas price issue) at the politicians. They can bring down gas prices if they wish, but since they generally dont have to worry about it, it doesn't really hit them the way it hits the rest of us. Do ya'll realize the federal tax on gas is $ .18 per gallon, that's on top of whatever your state charges, some are much more than others.

[Nauseous]

I am annoyed (maybe that's a mild way of stating my feelings on the whole gas price issue) at the politicians. They can bring down gas prices if they wish, but since they generally dont have to worry about it, it doesn't really hit them the way it hits the rest of us. Do ya'll realize the federal tax on gas is $ .18 per gallon, that's on top of whatever your state charges, some are much more than others.

I was just thinking about that the other day. I'll have to look at that sticker on the pump next time I fill up and see how much I am being taxed.

[Nauseous]

I think the most productive (read:successful) trend will be the development of miniature communities that thrive upon the convenience of having everything one could need on a weekly basis at arm's reach.

In San Antonio, there is a project under development, that expands the northeast outskirts of the town - we've already got "the shops @ La Cantera" in place (a ritzy shopping mecca previously unavailable to this region) - phase two of the development will encompass a much larger scale of construction. Essentially, the commercial district will be at the ground level, office space in the floors above it, and above that, living quarters.

It will, in essence, be it's own entity within a city, and probably modeled after some other successful venture of it's kind elsewhere in the states... (I've not researched this point as of yet)

Interesting to see how this unfolds, to say the least.

I think it's a good idea, but I figure only the rich and rich elderly will be able to afford to live there.

[Nauseous]

I think the most productive (read:successful) trend will be the development of miniature communities that thrive upon the convenience of having everything one could need on a weekly basis at arm's reach.

In San Antonio, there is a project under development, that expands the northeast outskirts of the town - we've already got "the shops @ La Cantera" in place (a ritzy shopping mecca previously unavailable to this region) - phase two of the development will encompass a much larger scale of construction. Essentially, the commercial district will be at the ground level, office space in the floors above it, and above that, living quarters.

It will, in essence, be it's own entity within a city, and probably modeled after some other successful venture of it's kind elsewhere in the states... (I've not researched this point as of yet)

Interesting to see how this unfolds, to say the least.

I think it's a good idea, but I figure only the rich and rich elderly will be able to afford to live there.

[Lomotil]

I am annoyed (maybe that's a mild way of stating my feelings on the whole gas price issue) at the politicians. They can bring down gas prices if they wish, but since they generally dont have to worry about it, it doesn't really hit them the way it hits the rest of us. Do ya'll realize the federal tax on gas is $ .18 per gallon, that's on top of whatever your state charges, some are much more than others.

Again, I'll argue that the fact that crude oil consumption has skyrocketed in developing India and China, the demand for that barrel of oil raises it's value. All of a sudden, it's not just the US that's mainly suckling the nipple of the oil derricks... There's more of a demand now, and that causes the price to rise.

Until we focus our efforts into a more logical source of fuel (which I don't see happening in our lifetimes, but we can try,) - one that is both renewable, and doesn't leave as much of a 'fingerprint' of our presence on the planet, we're going to see the other option play into effect. It will become so expensive to operate anything requiring petroleum based fuels, that it will be beyond the reach of the average citizen. It sounds like a bad thing, but if the first idea fails, I wouldn't consider this too poor of a compromise.

I think I mentioned before, but I'm in the early stages of writing a book that addresses not only this threat to our future on this planet, but many other aspects. I am absolutely committed to this project, and dare I say, place as much importance on it as if it were the rearing of my own child.

[Joeslogic]

I wonder what Our politicians can do to help out France paying 7.00 a gal.

LOL

Politicians have no control save giving you back your 18cent.

The largest oil producer here is Exxon Mobile accused of bilking the masses is only the fifth the size of the other state sponsored oil companies for China and others. They by oil as a commodity as if at auction. Problem we have here is a supply one.

Also that whole profit thing is a fiasco. They made LESS not more.

Its all about how you use the term net. Net profit after the expenditures namely Oil at 200.00 a barrel.

[grandebill48]

I think the most productive (read:successful) trend will be the development of miniature communities that thrive upon the convenience of having everything one could need on a weekly basis at arm's reach.

In San Antonio, there is a project under development, that expands the northeast outskirts of the town - we've already got "the shops @ La Cantera" in place (a ritzy shopping mecca previously unavailable to this region) - phase two of the development will encompass a much larger scale of construction. Essentially, the commercial district will be at the ground level, office space in the floors above it, and above that, living quarters.

It will, in essence, be it's own entity within a city, and probably modeled after some other successful venture of it's kind elsewhere in the states... (I've not researched this point as of yet)

Interesting to see how this unfolds, to say the least.

This idea is very old, this is how Europe has paid $6 gas for years, most of their small towns are very complete, not real need to drive far. When we lived in Italy, a town of only 11K had all that you needed. I could go 2 or 3 weeks on a tank of diesel.

[Joeslogic]

I think the most productive (read:successful) trend will be the development of miniature communities that thrive upon the convenience of having everything one could need on a weekly basis at arm's reach.

In San Antonio, there is a project under development, that expands the northeast outskirts of the town - we've already got "the shops @ La Cantera" in place (a ritzy shopping mecca previously unavailable to this region) - phase two of the development will encompass a much larger scale of construction. Essentially, the commercial district will be at the ground level, office space in the floors above it, and above that, living quarters.

It will, in essence, be it's own entity within a city, and probably modeled after some other successful venture of it's kind elsewhere in the states... (I've not researched this point as of yet)

Interesting to see how this unfolds, to say the least.

The Woodlands Texas. Was part of several government subsidized experiments they type of which you refer to Lomo I cannot remember the developers first name but the last name was Mitchell. He was the only one of 6 that completed the project. I did roofing in the woodlands as well as ran cable while I was in high school. That was mid eighties and it was self sufficient then has its own malls, clinics, business center, car repair movie theater. Basically anything you needed.

[Joeslogic]

http://www.thewoodlands.com/

The reason I knew the developers name is he owned Wunsche Brothers Saloon (http://www.wunschebroscafe.com/) in Spring TX where I also worked and him and his wife would bring pies over to the saloon to sell. He drove an ancient old skyblue pickup. And friendly not snoby at all.

[phatboy]

We have one of those going up around here. Its Hammonds Ferry, along the river in SC. Not quite done yet, but all the houses are Charleston style with a bunch of stores and what not in the center. The only problem is the highest house is a little over 1.5 million and the lowest is 290k, and its tiny. So I will just keep complaining about gas prices, or by a vespa.

[Lomotil]

This idea is very old, this is how Europe has paid $6 gas for years, most of their small towns are very complete, not real need to drive far. When we lived in Italy, a town of only 11K had all that you needed. I could go 2 or 3 weeks on a tank of diesel.

In Texas, a state larger than many entire countries, we hadn't really picked up on that idea until recently... :confused:

Towns here are spread out in roughly 30 mile distances from each other. This is because as the (predominantly German) settlers moved in, they set up camp after a day's travel by horse and buggy. The average travel one could make in a day was around 30 miles. These camps eventually grew into communities, and gave rise to the towns we have here today.

The Woodlands Texas. Was part of several government subsidized experiments they type of which you refer to Lomo I cannot remember the developers first name but the last name was Mitchell. He was the only one of 6 that completed the project. I did roofing in the woodlands as well as ran cable while I was in high school. That was mid eighties and it was self sufficient then has its own malls, clinics, business center, car repair movie theater. Basically anything you needed.

It's a lifestyle I can only imagine (and it's probably what it would be like living in New York City for many) - but I can't help it, I just *like* to drive. As many people probably do. It's going to be hard to convince some people to give up their cars.

[Lomotil]

...or by a vespa.

King Roland's Daughter?!?

With, or without, her old nose?

http://home.earthlink.net/~lomotil/misc/Forums/spaceballs3a.jpg

[nolo451]

oh man, and the price of oil just keep getting higher and higher by the day. Its already at $135. At this rate, Itll be $200 by July.:mad:

[onfire]

A little pricey for our family this weekend just to cruise around. Saving for an extended getaway later this summer. This economy and raising 3 grandkids (5,6, & 8), things are tight.

Late.............Mitch

[phatboy]

We took the kids up to Carowinds (about 2 hours away) for camping and the amusement park. It cost 100.00 to fill up before we left, then I had to put in petrol once we got there, about 93.00 (it was cheaper in Rock Hill) then I topped off in Columbia on the way home yesterday (55.00) and have right at half a tank left.

www.carowinds.com

Carowinds is like Six Flags except not as dirty.

[Reizvolles]

I paid 139.9 cents/litre today for premium unleaded. That's about AUD $5.30 / gallon or USD $5.09.

[phatboy]

We are a little under 4.00US now, around 3.68 in some areas.

I thought we went into Iraq for oil?

Hmmm.

[MAJ Havoc]

We are a little under 4.00US now, around 3.68 in some areas.

I thought we went into Iraq for oil?

Hmmm.

The Baghdad-Houston pipeline is not yet complete.

[phatboy]

The Baghdad-Houston pipeline is not yet complete.

is that why bush sent katrina to Lousiana, to covertly put the pipes in the gulf?

[MAJ Havoc]

is that why bush sent katrina to Lousiana, to covertly put the pipes in the gulf?

Shhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!