High Gasoline Prices Getting to You???????

frank_f15 · Aug 31, 2005

( Again, I still see more the 50% SUV or diesel trucks ridding around. Nevermind the land rovers, vipers, H2.......Most times you do not see car owners whining.
)
I remember an article that was in the paper a few weeks back at the time gas here was about $2.48 guy was complaing about filling his boat 200 gal and the marina he was at was charging $3.50 a gal. THEN, wonder what he is paying now? /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif Bet he won't be taking that baby out for a spin very often /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif. Both my cars get about 24 MPG and we have changed our driving habits, i am retired so i don't drive much and the wife only works 3 days a week. also the grass gets to grow a little taller before i cut it. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

RobertN · Aug 31, 2005

You have a point, to a point...

I have a diesel pickup, and complain about the price. But, I USE my truck, unlike many pickups out there, SUV's that never go off road, ect.

I could sell my truck, and get a gas version. Although diesel is more expensive, a gas pickup of comparable capability, would get less fuel mileage, and not last as long as the diesel. So, I probably break even compared to a gas truck.

I could sell my truck, and get a smaller, more fuel efficient one. I haul things that are too heavy for a small truck. Even if I did not, I frequently haul stuff. If I got a smaller truck, I'd have to make two trips for one in my bigger truck. Now it's a break even on fuel, but 2X the amount in my time, which equates to $$$.

And, I have whined about gas and diesel for a while now. It bugs me to no end that all the manufacturers have replaced thier engines over the last 2-5 years. Mopar has a 4.7l v8 instead of the old 318/260. Thier V6 is new. Same for Chevy and Ford. Yet..... They still get poor mileage.

For all the technology out there, in electronics, metalurgy ect, they should make a better mileage lineup of vehicles. But, as big business, they don't. The only explanation I have seen was when TresCrows hung out here. He claimed automotive engines only have a certian efficiency. They just will not get much better mileage without geting smaller and lighter. Sorta makes sense.

Same as motorcycles... Why do they seem to peak at around 50mpg +/- a bit? Why can't they increase that significantly? Best I get with my Hog is about 50mpg. When I had my 550 Suzuki, best was about 50mpg. I'd guess you get about the same on that GSXR... Which is better than a car, by why isn't it generally better?

I think it is those three things. Big business and American desire for HP will keep mileage down. A gas or diesel engine only gas a certian efficeincy capability. Some things are too small for some people...

So ya, it is getting to me...

gsxr1100 · Aug 31, 2005

Frank and RobertN,

All I will say is there are things called ”needs” and “wants”. DO people need a boat or an H2 or a diesel Powerchoke? Most times no. Now if they can afford it, then so be it. Now if they need it, then that is there issue. Again, no one forced them to buy it.

What bothers me (big time) are these people with these autos whine and complain and I flat out laugh at them. No one MADE them buy a diesel truck getting 17 mpg or a boat at XX gallon per mile/hour. No one made you buy a H2 getting 8, but you look cool. But on the flip side anyone can sign a paper buying one (that is the easy part). Now upkeep, fuel insurance are the real parts to it.

As to getting a better design, well that is not so easy. I work an an Mech Eng on jet engines and little changes upset, many people since it take $$$$ (out of packet, re-tooling, re-training people, re-doing quality, etc etc). Unless they are mandated most will not change just from a “bottom line” standpoint. Just the investment casting on the engines are a royal pain to switch.

My gsxr1100 (1994) get 40 to 45 mpg just going to work (not posting speeds here since they vary from 40 to well, over that)….

Our sister company (one of many), is trying the other fuel ways, but so far, it will not fly to well. I am not even going to post how many layoffs there has been and the names changes.

RayCo · Aug 31, 2005

( What bothers me (big time) are these people with these autos whine and complain and I flat out laugh at them. No one MADE them buy a diesel truck getting 17 mpg)

Now I'm flat out laughing at that! My wife's vehicle gets 11mpg and requires premium fuel. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

boomer4snow · Sep 1, 2005

Actually the diesels are not that bad in some cases. I get 23.5 mpg unloaded, and 18 towing 11k on flat ground at the speed limit on interstate. If I am careful I get 18.5 in town stop and go traffic, I can dial up the power and put down 960 foot#'s at the wheels and turn loose 425 hp on an unsuspecting teenager that needs his clear lightbulbs sucked out. My truck will last 300-400K miles with proper care which is easy 2-3 times the life of a gas motor, and the thought of my wife in an accident with some idiot I would rather have her in a 3-4 ton vehicle than a lil econobox. I do agree with the thought of people choose to drive these things, so they have no business whining about it. But in reality for some it is the best choice.

gsxr1100 · Sep 1, 2005

Again, you choose to buy the auto so deal with it.

Either guy a gas auto as you stated (SUV) that gets 11 mpg or a diesel getting about mid to high teens. Or buy a car and get 23 to 28 city or over 30 on highway…

Nevermind the $0.50 more per gal for diesel, higher upfront etc...

goodoleboy · Sep 1, 2005

Sadly most people will only conserve fuel when prices knock all the money out of there wallet.
We can only blame ourselves (humans). In 200 years a gas car will be something to read about in history books.

JimR · Sep 1, 2005

But what will our tractors be running on? I'm not driving anymore. My wife and I have had enough of this bull. We now are planning all the trips we make. We refuse to fill the pockets of fat --- CEO's that are ripping off our economy. Yesterday they announced that one CEO just got 140 Million dollars in stock options due to the increase in company profits over the last few months. ---- Him that creep. Someone ought to take him out to the woodshed for some good ole a-- whooping. This really sent my blood pressure to a boil when I heard that on the news. I do not have high blood pressure either.

hobbyfarm · Sep 1, 2005

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hobbyfarm · Sep 1, 2005

( I am still confused abouth the 9/10ths of a gallon stuff. )

Me too! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I think that 1/10 is hitting someone's brother-in-law's grandfather's son's college fund somewhere.

I think it has something to do with the The Cigarette-Smoking Man; he had his claws into everything - including seeing that the Washington Redskins never get to the SuperBowl...etc.