I did complain when I got my truck... It cost almost 3x what my parents first house did...
For 80% of my work, I could get a little Ranger, S10, Toy ect. I would get better mileage, say 25mpg. But, I would have to make two trips because thier bed and weight capacity is less than 1/2 of mine, which gets 15mpg combined. So, out the window goes that idea. It would cost more in fuel, and in time. I can haul 2.5x the load, and get better overall economy.
You are right(hate to admit it but /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif ) We are spoiled from lower prices than the global average. I think it will eventually turn out that we start working more locally. I have contractor friends that drive long distances to do work, and others who like thier community, but found a job that has pay that makes it worth thier effort to drive further to program the next super chip.
We have been working locally only. We have had jobs within a 45 mile radius. I hate the commute, even if they are only 1-3 week jobs. And, I hate paying the extra on fuel, not to mention more frequent oil changes, tire wear ect.
We are, unfortunately, tied to big business too. All the manufactures have recently introdcuced all new engines(last 5 years or so). All new, smog efficient, powerful, CAD designed stuff. They built a lot in to these new engines, but left out mileage...
Now, I do laugh at some folks too... Those who have SUV's and trucks and all who do not use them. I use my truck; it is important to me to have that function. But, for the lifted 3/4 ton diesel that never go further off raod then the front lawn when they are washed, well... Or a Hummer that has never been off road...
Prices for diesel are a joke. So is gas. The other thing about all this is the prices are going up at a high rate, yet there are the fuel companies making record profits... They're raking us over the coals a bit, there is no doubt about it...
