When gas hit $5, what will you do?

[mickeyfan2]

And FTR, I can afford gas. But I'm not about to go around dancing in the streets BRAGGING about it.

If you can afford the gas then why would you not do you student teaching because of the gas price (from a previous post on this thread)? You have invested so much time and money in your education, why not do the last step?

 

[MScott1851]

I forgot what a self-righteous group Disers can be!

In the first place, not everyone that buys an SUV/truck/minivan is trying to brag or gloat, nor are all complete ecological dimwits, contrary to what some of you want to believe and are trying to preach. Some people have several children. Some people use their vehicles for their jobs.

In my case, we only have one car in my household and we needed something that DH can haul his gear around in when he's doing free-lance work. I drive everyday back and forth to work on an interstate where I pass at least one or two accidents per day, and wanted a larger car than my Camry to protect me when some ding-dong talking on a cell phone slams into me at 80mph. Gas also wasn't $3 per gallon when we bought our SUV three years ago. Yeah, it sucks to spend $50 on gas instead of $30, but I can't do a thing about it now...I really can't afford another car just to please someone else.

And if I am the one who came across as "gloating" when I said I couldn't change my driving habits...I hate it, but I really can't drive any less than I do, I have to work. And furthermore, there's a huge difference in being nonchalant and bragging about being able to drive all you want because you can afford it and me saying that I am willing to work extra to make up the difference. I really don't see the difference between me working extra to make gas money and someone else not dining out to save money to spend on gas...it's all a means to an end.

 

[ducklite]

Yes, this bothers me too.

This is one area where I freely admit to being judgmental.

I don't think it's bragging when someone says they don't care how much gas costs or SUVs costs to operate. It's not about money.

It's about sucking up the resources on our planet without remorse.

As for the original question - maybe higher prices will cause people in the US to demand better public transportation... something we've been lacking for a long time.

I agree wholeheartedly! I could afford drive pretty much any type of vehicle I wanted--well, within reason I think a Ferrari is a bit out of my price range , and I just don't see the need to A. spend a ton of money on a means of conveyence, and B. don't want to use/pay for gasoline for more car than I need.

I'd rather save the gas and save the money towards retirement.

Anne

 

[aes74]

My MDX is no Hummer but I love it no matter how much gas it takes. Geez!

I ADORE my MDX! I drive an MDX after much research because I needed a 7 passenger for kids and carpool. It takes as much gas as a minivan and everytime I get in my car I love driving it...much more than I would have a minivan. I'm just not a minivan kind of girl!

MDXs are small SUVs I dont think of them as gas guzzlers.

 

[Kitka]

Some people have several children. Some people use their vehicles for their jobs.

Yep - and the people that don't have several children? And don't need a large vehicle for their job? They are making an ecologically irresponsible choice, no matter how they try to justify it. People justify it by saying they "need" it for travel, safety - you name it. But bottom line is, they just want it. I have much more respect for someone that just says, "hey - I don't care about the environmental or socio-political impact of my choice - I just wanted it". I don't agree, and think it's an irresponsible choice.... but at least they're being honest about it.

 

[Kimberly]

I burn about 12 gallons of gasoline in a week. So it really won't affect me too much... but that's only when I don't step on it...

 

[CheshireVal]

I don't understand how having kids equates into needing an SUV?

And for those who say SUVs are for safety: I highly recommend the book:

High and Mighty: SUVs-- the world's most dangerous vehicles and how they got that way

Interesting stuff.

 

[C.Ann]

Yep - and the people that don't have several children? And don't need a large vehicle for their job? They are making an ecologically irresponsible choice, no matter how they try to justify it. People justify it by saying they "need" it for travel, safety - you name it. But bottom line is, they just want it..

------------------------------------

Sorry, but I disagree.. I'm one of those people who "don't have several children" and I "don't need a large vehicle for my job".. But I do have other "needs" that must be met and thus my choice of a mini van.. Unless you know what those "needs" are, you really are not in a position to determine if I just "want it" or I "need it"..

As for the safety factor - my last mini van was totaled by an elderly woman who hit the gas instead of the brake while I was sitting at a stop sign.. She plowed right into my drivers side door and continued to push on the gas moving me sideways for quite a distance.. The reason that I wasn't seriously injured (at best) or killed (at worse) is because I was sitting up higher than the hardest impact.. If I were down lower - in a traditionally smaller car (which I have had in the past) - who knows if I would even be here to type this post - or maybe I would be permanently disabled and then people could complain because their taxes would be paying for my SS disability?

If you want to complain about ecologically irresponsible choices, how about complaining to the powers that be who have virtually removed any form of public transportation from many, many areas? If it were available, I think quite a few people would use it as opposed to paying $5 a gallon for gas..

 

[Meezers]

You know what really gets to me in threads like this? And it's not that I've seen it here, but it's inevitable in the SUV and/or gas threads. You always have someone coming on gloating -- and maybe they don't mean to gloat, or maybe they don't realize they're coming off that way -- but they display the attitude that everything's just fine and dandy because they can afford that Hummer and it's all just peachy keen with them; hey just let those gas prices SOAR!!! It's all good!

This is serious for some people. Where I live, people aren't going to be able to go to work when they're making minimum wage and driving whatever old car they can get their hands on. I'm willing to bet we have some people on the DIS who are seriously worried about gas prices, and no, not everyone here is planning trip after trip to WDW, but are very overburdened right now.

It reminds me of the "let them eat cake" attitude.

It's not that anyone should be ashamed to have money, but really. If you're going to be so blatant about it, why don't you just come right out and tell us what your salary is. Either way, it's just tacky.

While I am happy for those of you out there that are not having financial problems....there are too many people I know (and me) who have to decide to eat, take their medication or buy gas. Since I HAVE to buy gas to get to work (so I have that health care insurance to buy meds)...well you get the idea.

Why don't we all try to walk a mile in someone else's mocassins for a while....2 income families with children are having a very hard time....single income people are in the same boat....a little understanding goes a long way.

 

[MScott1851]

Yep - and the people that don't have several children? And don't need a large vehicle for their job? They are making an ecologically irresponsible choice, no matter how they try to justify it. People justify it by saying they "need" it for travel, safety - you name it. But bottom line is, they just want it. I have much more respect for someone that just says, "hey - I don't care about the environmental or socio-political impact of my choice - I just wanted it". I don't agree, and think it's an irresponsible choice.... but at least they're being honest about it.

Again, what you seem to have missed in not only my post, but others' as well, was that while most of us who drive small/large SUVs/trucks/minivans are not in a position to change vehicles right now. It's easy to sit and be judgemental when you don't owe more than your car is worth...SUVs have lost a lot of resale value over the last few years.

I also agree with C.Ann...you have no idea why people chose the vehicles they did, and it's pretty haughty to sit back and paint everyone who owns a larger vehicle with such a broad brush. I can guarantee you that most people will never choose an automobile based on what someone else might think of them instead of considering their own family's needs and wants.

 

[lilprincessnbuzz]

Let me start by saying that I just got a Tahoe and absolutely love it!!! I have wanted one for a long time.

I need a larger car for 2 kids and car pool. I could have gotten by with another mini van but I didn't want one. Period.

Now, a lot of people might judge me in my "gas guzzling" Tahoe, but you don't know my driving habits. I guarantee I drive a LOT fewer miles per year than most people. Just because someone drives a smaller vehicle that gets better gas mileage doesn't mean they aren't consuming MORE gas.

I know a lot of people that drive 20+ miles one way to work. I'm not working now but when I was it was less than 4 miles to work. I know that is not a possiblility for everyone but it is one of my requirements. When I get a job it will be close to home.

On nice days our carpool to school turns into walkpool

So while you may see me driving down the road in my Tahoe just remember I probably won't drive more than maybe 5 miles on most days and you might drive 40+ miles most days.

 

[Belle1962]

1. I used to drive roughly 45 - 50 miles one way to work each day. Last October I started a vanpool. Now I pay out of pocket about $15.00 per month--for the van and gas for the van. My employer provides a subsidy. Many employers provide a susbidy and your local clean air campaigns, VPSI, and van pool companies do also. VPSI serves over 60 areas within the US.

VPSI: http://www.vpsiinc.com/Home/index.asp?OID=261


The hardest part is getting people to give up their cars--but a guaranteed ride home program is part of your package (in the event of an emergency or you get called home during the day) and having to adjust your hours slighlty to accomodate the majority. A van pool is not a taxi---but with a little compromise on everyone's part they are wonderful money and gas savers!!!!!

2. My DS (24) has been wanting a motorcycle--I may break down and cosign for him. Although I am scared for him to be driving one.

3. We are not cancelling our trip to WDW (4 people to fly and then still need to rent a car)---but I may reconsider driving vs flying when I go on my solo trip in July.

4. Last night on one of the news channels (maybe FOX or CNN) an "analyst" was saying that rationing and the lines from the 70's may return.

5. Much as I hate to say--this is America and there is nothing ILLEGAL in companies making huge profits---while it may be morally wrong in most people's opinion free enterprise and captialism will survive. Ask anyone in a hurricane area how much the cost of building supplies went up after the hurricanes. Even with the hurricanes last year most major insurance companies posted large profits.

 

[Southern4sure]

Again, what you seem to have missed in not only my post, but others' as well, was that while most of us who drive small/large SUVs/trucks/minivans are not in a position to change vehicles right now. It's easy to sit and be judgemental when you don't owe more than your car is worth...SUVs have lost a lot of resale value over the last few years.

I also agree with C.Ann...you have no idea why people chose the vehicles they did, and it's pretty haughty to sit back and paint everyone who owns a larger vehicle with such a broad brush. I can guarantee you that most people will never choose an automobile based on what someone else might think of them instead of considering their own family's needs and wants.

ITA..

The same philosophy could be said with buying a house larger than what others deem the right size for my family. I have two kids but 4 bedrooms, I guess I'm at fault for rising house prices because I have an extra bedroom......

 

[Katie]

Wow..this has gotten a little out of hand.

I think alot of people have a good points on both sides of the spectrum.

Can't we all agree to disagree!

 

[Chicago526]

What will I do? Pay it. I already drive a fuel efficiant car, averageing 30 miles to the gallon (when I fill up I put in 10 gallons, and I get 300 miles to a tank, so 30 mpg). I also already keep my driving to the minimum, to and from work with a few errands on the weekend. Not because I'm trying to save the enviroment, but because I'm a home-body and don't like to go out a whole lot.

DH does drive a gas guzzleing truck (not my idea, his) but most days he only drives it about 1/3 of the way to work, then he takes the train the rest of the way in. Sometimes he has to drive all the way in, depending on his schedule that day, but most of the time he isn't driving too far. On the weekends we use my car for errarnds, unless we're going to Home Depot! We plan to have him drive my car to/from work once I get a new(er) one in a few years, then the truck will only be for home improvment projects, or if we need to tow something (or if DH wants to go off-roading! )

Fortunatly for us, DH and I can handle the fuel increase. We don't live paycheck to paycheck so we'll just divert the extra money from other areas. Ya gotta do what you gotta do!

 

[MScott1851]

Wow..this has gotten a little out of hand.

I think alot of people have a good points on both sides of the spectrum.

Can't we all agree to disagree!

Katie should have been around for the old debate board!

Never fear...at the end of the day we're all going to join hands and sing Kumbaya.

BTW...you must declare a side if you want to post on this thread! Gas guzzling earthkillers or environmentally responsible rollerskates? Quick!! What will it be?

 

[mickeyfan2]

BTW...you must declare a side if you want to post on this thread! Gas guzzling earthkillers or environmentally responsible rollerskates? Quick!! What will it be?

Gas guzzling earthkillers...no...environmentally responsible rollerskates...no...gas guzzling earthkillers...no...environmentally responsible rollerskates...gas guzzling earthkillers...no...environmentally responsible rollerskates...I give up!!!!

 

[mickeyfan2]

Add a K&M air and oil filter and you will get 10%+ in gas mileage increase.

 

[ktulu]

I drive a Jeep Wrangler with a 2" suspension lift and 1" body lift with 32" tires, driving a Jeep is already like driving a brick wall, no aero dynamics. Add the larger tires means I get about 14 mpg. Yes, I did this on purpose, and I drive about 46 miles a day round trip to work in stop and go traffic. Trust me, the off road capabilities have come in handy more than once to get around traffic

My wife has a tahoe, it gets about 14.6 mpg. We have one child. Do we need the tahoe, heck yes! We drove to Houston a few weeks ago, and with all the gear we have to carry for our daughter (9 months), we MUST HAVE the extra space. Our bags, her bag, plus the pack n play, toys, diaper bags, as well as my laptop, a bag for our shoes (we put our clothes in duffle bags for short trips) would not have fit in either the Jeep or the trunk of our old car (corolla).

Am I going to apologize for it? No. SUV's are not the reason for dwindling resources. I had a guy tell me that my tahoe was the reason why gas prices were high, then he takes off like a jack rabbit in his little sports car as I slowly drive off. Driving like that burns more gas than my tahoe.

Until we have a new renewable source of energy, we need to be drilling in Alaska, and looking into other fuel sources. I'm rather fond of hydrogen fuel cells myself.

So, yep, high gas prices suck. I knew that when I upgraded my Jeep, I knew it when I paid more to get a Tahoe and I sure as heck know it when I fill them both up. You're not having to pay to fill my tank, so my advice is not to worry too much about what I'm doing, just watch out for yourself, I have things taken care of

darren

 

[DaisyD]

I ADORE my MDX! I drive an MDX after much research because I needed a 7 passenger for kids and carpool. It takes as much gas as a minivan and everytime I get in my car I love driving it...much more than I would have a minivan. I'm just not a minivan kind of girl!

MDXs are small SUVs I dont think of them as gas guzzlers.

I sold my minivan and got the MDX. They both get the same gas mileage. I just wanted something that does good in the snow and can haul a lot but didn't need the passenger room any more. What color is your MDX? I have red rock pearl and love it!