tkenyon

GM Calls the Top for Oil

Let's be honest, Americans don't want small cars. They are panicking out of their SUV's and into small cars or over-priced hybrids, and so are the manufacturers. As soon as the gasoline sticker shock wears off or gas prices go down and stay there for a bit, it's right back to big cars. Do the math people, how much money are you losing on selling or trading your SUV now vs. how much you will save in gas with a smaller car? A big "gas guzzler" SUV might cost $3100 a year in gas at $4. If it was $2 a gallon, you would save $1600 a year. A more efficient car MIGHT save a similar amount. In the big picture, is that really that big of a deal if you can afford to buy a big SUV in the first place? I admit it, I just bought a big Japanese SUV. Maybe bought isn't the right word - they practically gave it to me. I have a big active sports-oriented family and need space and utility - it's either a minivan or big SUV for us. I have had two vans, the kids are getting bigger, the vans aren't great on ski trips, so it was time for an SUV. Ever look at your gas mileage if you do a lot of short trips? Our van rated at 17/25 got an average of 12mpg in day to day driving! So far the SUV, rated 13/18 is doing 13+. The amount I saved on the SUV (which under "normal" conditions would likely not be discounted at all) vs. what it would normally cost (got it substantially under dealer invoice with 0.38% financing) will likely way more than make up for the extra gas expense. If gas was $2 per gal for the next three years (the term of my lease), I would save $6k on gas vs. $4 a gallon gas, less than I saved on my lease. If you want to conserve energy, adjust your habits. Carpool. Live closer to work. Telecommute. Combine trips. Ride a bike. etc. etc.