Goodbye Truck

[Alan L.]

I've been involved in several discussions here about trucks and fuel prices. Last week I painfully traded my 2003 GMC pickup for a new Honda Accord. I drove the civic which is rated 30/40 but it was too small and too rough, so I chose the value pack accord for even less money than the civic. I commute 120 miles a day, and the gas was killing me and I figured it would go higher given all the stuff going on you know where.

First tank I got 34 mpg, but 2nd tank only 31. Compared to my truck the seat is hard, foot position is terrible and I feel like a puss. But it does have the airbags all the way around and has a decent ride.

Maybe I'll get used to it.

Fortunately I have my '94 F250 deisel 4 x 4 when I need a truck fix.

 

[jwstewar]

I know how you feel. I used to drive my truck to work ('99 Silverado) but actually stopped driving it in 2000 when I got married and inherited a '97 Accord. Money was tight and 32 MPG seemed a lot better than 20 - even at $1.30 gas. I'm still driving the Accord back and forth to work. I'm at almost 218k and still averaging about 32 - 33 MPG. Have had to spend a few $$ on it here lately, but still cheaper then a new/newer car. When I need a truck fix, I've still got the Silverado at home for weekend use. The wife usually drives it during the week as it does better on gas than our Trailblazer. I would like to get another 2 years out of the Accord (104 miles round trip 4 days a week) and then I'll look for something else - though not sure what yet (would love to have a Jetta TDI, but can't justify the cost for a commuter car).

BTW, I agree with you on the hard seats. My back hurt me for a couple of years when I first started driving the Accord. Now that the car is almost worn out, the seats are finally starting to break in enough so that you can sit in them comfortably.

 

[ronjhall]

Maybe I'll get used to it.

I do not think you will get used to it. But at the end of the month when you total your the fuel bill. You may have some money left over for the tractor and truck.

 

[Huckridge]

Alan

I think a lot of us are in your position. I've always owned full size trucks and cars. I commute 120 miles a day like you and I am facing the fact that I have to down size. When ever a friend comes by the farm and is driving something small, I say I've got to downsize then I get in their small car (if I can) then usually get right back out and think I'll just put it off a little longer.

How does it feel when your on the road with the other traffic?

 

[mikim]

My commute is only 70 miles a day but boy howdy - that monthly bill just keeps climbing. I've had thoughts of buying a fuel miser as well - but with only 41 months left to commute - I'm afraid the cost of buying wouldn't have time to realize the savings.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

I am also considering getting rid of my truck ('03 F250) but at this point would have a problem trying to find someone to buy it! I try not to let in go below 3/4 of a tank so I don't get the big shock of refueling. I know I am still spending the same total but it makes me feel better!

 

[dubba]

I feel your pain I traded my 01 Dog diesel for a Civic back in 03. I hate the thing. But it gets 44 MPG in the summer, 34 MPG in the dead of winter. That is the only reason I keep it around. I enjoyed my 80 mile commute in my Dodge, but I didn't enjoy the fuel bill.

 

[RockyMnt1]

On my 4 generation of Hondas. If I don't get at least 44 MPG in summer and 42 MPG (snow tires) in the winter I am disappointed. I also expect and get at least 225K miles out of the Hondas. I figure that I get my money's worth out of the things.

 

[hazmat]

I did the same in the spring of '05. So far 27,000 miles at 31 mpg (50/50 city/hwy) instead of 14 = 1,058 gallons saved @ $3 a gallon = $3,174

I got the 4cyl EX version with leather and sunroof - a steal at $22,000. With the exception of the veiw my truck offered, I much prefer driving the accord. I did find that the leather seats are significantly more confortable than the cloth ones when test driving.

 

[hazmat]

Forgot to mention that I don't really miss the truck at all. If I can't fit it in my wife's SUV (Honda Pilot) - I get it delivered.

Even when I had the truck, I got mulch etc. delivered - I'd rather pay $30 delivery charge for 6 yards, than make 3-4 trips and have to shovel it myself...