Gas Prices

[kurt]

National average $3.10
up 16 cents since 2/8/08
up 75 cents since last year

I'm curious if this will affect Summer vacations. Gas prices always rise in the Summer and around holidays.

I thought the oil companies were getting heat from record profits. Is this the response?

And locals everywhere have to be hurting, especially around here with the real estate slump. Imagine all the realtors and laborers trying to keep their tanks from running dry. What does it cost to fill up a pickup or large SUV?

[elgordoboy]

83$ for the 87 octane, if I let it run nearly out. My diesel is bumping 100$.
(pick-up)

[Mystified]

:angry:$3.19 here. they are going to raise gas taxes here soon:angry:

I was wondering how is the ins rates are there? i have multi linediscount w/ my H/O -just under $1,200 per year. car ins. just under 1G for full coverage. I use state farm for years now.

[aleonard]

My old pick-up takes around $70 to fill up. She dosen't remember the last time her tank was full :(

[scooterbug44]

Ouch! :eek:

I will stop complaining that it costs $30 to fill my car!

[Mystified]

i drive an escape so it costs between 25-30 bucks to fill 'er up. however she's got a small, 17 gal tank, so i need to fill 'er up more often. i try to conserve by walking to bank, post office, library....Starbucks....rather than p!ss $$ away.

QUITE a coincidence that mick jagger's, 'i got a brand new car' is playing on the radio right NOW.

HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL. i'm going out to sieze the spring like day.

[seaside2]

Paid $3.299 for premium yesterday (The black stallion don't eat cheap)

[SHELLY]

National average $3.10
up 16 cents since 2/8/08
up 75 cents since last year

I'm curious if this will affect Summer vacations. Gas prices always rise in the Summer and around holidays.

I thought the oil companies were getting heat from record profits. Is this the response?

And locals everywhere have to be hurting, especially around here with the real estate slump. Imagine all the realtors and laborers trying to keep their tanks from running dry. What does it cost to fill up a pickup or large SUV?

Gas/oil prices are going up partly due to speculation, partly due to the dollar losing value, i.e., inflation (oil is purchased in dollars--so it's too many freshly printed dollars chasing a limited supply of oil).

If you're cheering for the Fed to lower rates, you're also cheering for inflation.




.

[Minnie]

Paid $3.299 for premium yesterday (The black stallion don't eat cheap)

Get out of your neighborhood and you can find it for less. ;-)

But I agree with Kurt it has to be pushing the prices up on everything else. We did not find 87 Octane anywhere in SoWal for less than 3.31 or more. It was less when we got back to Memphis, the only good thing about coming home.:(

We get great gas mileage in our Toyota Highlander for a midsize SUV but we still spend over $50 per tank full. :eek:

[hnooe]

Just got back from NOLA roadtrip..., the prices in Louisiana were lower...had a low of $2.99 Reg. Miss. and Bama were higher but less than Fla....I filled up in Miss. at $3.07 Reg.

Guess we have more tax layers to deal with here in Fla? I think this was discussed here once.

[scooterbug44]

General question for the peanut gallery:

How much does gas have to cost before you would start changing your driving habits - letting it affect vacations, using public transportation, carpooling, buy a car w/ better mileage etc?

[6thGen]

[QUOTE=kurt;365814]
I thought the oil companies were getting heat from record profits. Is this the response?
/QUOTE]

Political heat has relatively nothing to do with it. Record profits are a good thing, as they encourage competition which will lower pump prices. Shelly's on it with speculation and oil being USD based, but he's a little bit off on an easing Fed increasing inflation, ceteris paribus.

[elgordoboy]

General question for the peanut gallery:

How much does gas have to cost before you would start changing your driving habits - letting it affect vacations, using public transportation, carpooling, buy a car w/ better mileage etc?
Seems to me rising gasoline price is a psychological effect more than a real one as far as personal consumption in the vehicle goes. 15,000 miles per year at 20miles/gallon = 750 gallons = $2,325.00 call it $200/mo. That is not a large portion of household income I should think though it probably takes a whack out of disposable income these days which is the point. I am more worried about my income going down than gasoline going up.

[Smiling JOe]

i drive an escape so it costs between 25-30 bucks to fill 'er up. however she's got a small, 17 gal tank, so i need to fill 'er up more often.You mentioned in another post that you are paying $3.19 per gallon. I, too, have a 17 gal tank and recently paid $3.199 per gallon, so that is why I know that your $25-$30 estimate to fill up, is way off. If you wait until the light comes on to fill up, your real costs to fill up is around $55, not $25-30.

Thomb Thumb at 98/331 is the cheapest price in town at the moment, and the other day it was $3.199 for the "cheap" gas, and that is up from $2.999 only a couple of weeks ago. Do the math, that is a 6+% increase in a very short period of time. Spring Break hasn't even hit yet. I heard an analyst on the news the other day saying that he expects prices to hit $4/gal by Labor Day. Remember, taxes have much to do with the current prices of gasoline in our country. It isn't all BIG OIL.

I said a couple of years ago, that it would take prices of gas reaching $5 per gallon to ween people off the inefficient beasts on our roadways. I think we are beginning to feel the pinch a bit early due to the current state of our economy. $4 per gallon will crush some people in this down market. Time to get my motorcycle tuned up and maybe some waterproof cargo containers. :wave:

[Smiling JOe]

A little reminder to Elgordoboy, gas price increases affect more than our minds. When prices of fuel increases, so does the price of transportation and production of everything we purchase. Have you noticed that a gallon of milk regularly costs around $5 now? Not too long ago, it was $2.99 per gal. If gas price alone was the only increase, I'd say you are correct, that it was in our minds, but the true effect is spread over each purchase we make.

[Minnie]

General question for the peanut gallery:

How much does gas have to cost before you would start changing your driving habits - letting it affect vacations, using public transportation, carpooling, buy a car w/ better mileage etc?


It affected mine when it went over $3.00.

[scooterbug44]

I think they use fuel prices as an excuse to jack up the other prices. :angry:

[tistheseason]

How much does gas have to cost before you would start changing your driving habits - letting it affect vacations, using public transportation, carpooling, buy a car w/ better mileage etc?

I think brief spikes in prices don't really affect our behavior -- as we can usually afford it, even if we complain about it. And we get use to small creeps in gas prices -- we become conditioned to prices above $2 -- and thus don't change our behavior. I really think that something other than gas prices has to happen to convince the majority to change their behavior.

[30abob]

If you're cheering for the Fed to lower rates, you're also cheering for inflation.
.

I'm amazed by how few people understand this concept. Of course, none of the three economically challenged presidential "front runners" have a clue what the Federal Reserve does either.:confused:

[elgordoboy]

A little reminder to Elgordoboy, gas price increases affect more than our minds. When prices of fuel increases, so does the price of transportation and production of everything we purchase. Have you noticed that a gallon of milk regularly costs around $5 now? Not too long ago, it was $2.99 per gal. If gas price alone was the only increase, I'd say you are correct, that it was in our minds, but the true effect is spread over each purchase we make.
Correct. I mentioned personal consumption in the vehicle for that reason, as we were discussing price at the pump.

[jodiFL]

I looked at every sign between here and Destin yesterday and good ol' TT at 331 (along with a few other TTs along the way) were the cheapest at $3.199. Some others were at $3.229. I have a 22 gal. Dodge SUV but can only "feed" her about $50 at a time. I am pretty sure it would around $70 to top it off.

[elgordoboy]

I looked at every sign between here and Destin yesterday and good ol' TT at 331 (along with a few other TTs along the way) were the cheapest at $3.199. Some others were at $3.229. I have a 22 gal. Dodge SUV but can only "feed" her about $50 at a time. I am pretty sure it would around $70 to top it off.
Chavez is artificially lowering the prices at 331 trying to undermine our economic system and we just keep giving that lunatic our money.

[Smiling JOe]

For those of you who like to save about $1-4 per fill up, remember to fill up with gas in Alabama before heading down to SoWal. Prices are typically much cheaper in Alabama. If you have a Blackberry, you might also put http://autos.msn.com/everyday/gasstations.aspx?zip=&src=Netx (http://autos.msn.com/everyday/gasstations.aspx?zip=&src=Netx)into your favorite websites, for reference for the cheapest prices when on the road, or about town. As I said, it won't save you much, especially if you have to drive out of the way to get to the cheaper prices, but it might save you a little less than the cost of a McDonald's number 2 Combo.

[Smiling JOe]

I just looked at the price of the premium. WoW! Glad I sold my old Acura, which used Prem only. I feel for those with the premium only cars.

[tebo]

Lets all ask Mr. Bush or Mr. Cheney to help us on gas prices. I am sure that is the answer.

[SHELLY]

But that's not all......are we ready for the possibility that Charlie Crist's initiative to lower emissions may raise electric prices 20-40%...as soon as this year?

Thank you sir...may I have another?


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[hnooe]

Lets all ask Mr. Bush or Mr. Cheney to help us on gas prices. I am sure that is the answer.

That's like asking the foxes to go and count the chickens in the hen house for us,

[jodiFL]

Chavez is artificially lowering the prices at 331 trying to undermine our economic system and we just keep giving that lunatic our money.
:funn:Lunatic is right on the money there. Talk about being "out there".

[greenroomsurfer]

Don't be pissed off when ya see me going down 283 or 30-A with a flatbed wagon with a 2 horse team. That's 2hp for you tekkie types!!!!!

[Margarita]

Lets all ask Mr. Bush or Mr. Cheney to help us on gas prices. I am sure that is the answer.

Or we could just wait until Obama becomes President and then he can take from the people that have and give it to the people that have not. I am sure that is the answer.:pissed:

[NotDeadYet]

How much does gas have to cost before you would start changing your driving habits - letting it affect vacations, using public transportation, carpooling, buy a car w/ better mileage etc?

No public transportation here. I don't have a regular schedule so carpooling is not an option either. I can buy a lot of gas for the price of a car with better mileage.
So, I'm sort of stuck. I just drive less. :bang:

[Mystified]

www.gasprice.com Hope it helps. just enter your zip code. then if you know you'll be in a certain area you can gas up there.

Have you noticed that a gallon of milk regularly costs around $5 now? Not too long ago, it was $2.99 per gal. the grocery stores have alot more affordable whole or organic foods. I use Natures Promise $3.59 for 1/2 gallon but its stays good for far longer than other milks, avg 1 month. got some yesterday the exp date is 4/5. i feel bad for those who have kiddies where they go thru 1/2 in 2 days..I also buy thier eggs, even dog food.

[Mystified]

You mentioned in another post that you are paying $3.19 per gallon. I, too, have a 17 gal tank and recently paid $3.199 per gallon, so that is why I know that your $25-$30 estimate to fill up, is way off. If you wait until the light comes on to fill up, your real costs to fill up is around $55, not $25-30.

your probably right i don't let it go down to when the light goes on, usually under 1/4 tank. like i mentioned i don't use it much anymore unless i have to; doctor, grocery shopping. i prefer to walk, unless its frigid or raining, its good for me and i save gas.

[30A Skunkape]

HNOOE is right, gas is more expensive in Florida than other gulf states. I saw the breakdown of taxes imposed by the state and you are paying for much more than your car to run when you fill up in Florida...lots of projects are funded via a small gas tax, but they add up and cause a gallon here to be pretty stiff.

I don't fully understand how the price of gas is arrived at, but I do know it is way more complicated than a bunch of Texans and Saudis making a conference call on a Monday morning to figure out how they are going to screw us. The same is true of 'record oil company profits'. We like to grumble about how much money they are making but somehow don't seem to mind when our stocks in said companies flourish.

[SHELLY]

Don't be pissed off when ya see me going down 283 or 30-A with a flatbed wagon with a 2 horse team. That's 2hp for you tekkie types!!!!!



The effect of ethanol, energy prices, and drought on feed prices can't be overlooked for those with horses. Feed is an expense that the normal consumer does not have. High corn, soybean, and wheat prices are pulling prices higher for all crops, including alfalfa and other hay. Alfalfa prices have increased more than 20%, nationally, over the last year.


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[NoHall]

General question for the peanut gallery:

How much does gas have to cost before you would start changing your driving habits - letting it affect vacations, using public transportation, carpooling, buy a car w/ better mileage etc?

2 years ago when I was still driving a landscape truck, Katrina prices prompted me to buy an 80 mpg scooter. The car I have now gets 33-35 in the city.

For those of you who like to save about $1-4 per fill up, remember to fill up with gas in Alabama before heading down to SoWal. Prices are typically much cheaper in Alabama. If you have a Blackberry, you might also put http://autos.msn.com/everyday/gasstations.aspx?zip=&src=Netx (http://autos.msn.com/everyday/gasstations.aspx?zip=&src=Netx)into your favorite websites, for reference for the cheapest prices when on the road, or about town. As I said, it won't save you much, especially if you have to drive out of the way to get to the cheaper prices, but it might save you a little less than the cost of a McDonald's number 2 Combo.

Dothan seems to have the best prices when I come down $0.10-0.20 cheaper than Hotlanta.

I just looked at the price of the premium. WoW! Glad I sold my old Acura, which used Prem only. I feel for those with the premium only cars.

No kidding...I have to have midgrade, but it still is half the price of what I paid when I had the truck...

[sowalgayboi]

I think they use fuel prices as an excuse to jack up the other prices. :angry:

:whack: Yes, since big corporations can happily just take the same hit. :roll:

Let's take milk for instance. The cost has gone up as it is very heavy on the oil use. First, the obvious cost of transporting the milk. Both to a bottler and to the grocery store. Secondly, those milks "bottles" are generally plastic, plastic is made from oil.

[Smiling JOe]

and don't forget about the cost of feed for those cows. They do eat corn in addition to the hay, and corn is heavy on the fuel. I doubt the plastic jugs really cost much, even with the added oil costs for production. The bigger cost is shipping the empty jugs to the dairies, and shipping the filled jugs to the distributor, who then delivers them to the grocer.

[sowalgayboi]

and don't forget about the cost of feed for those cows. They do eat corn in addition to the hay, and corn is heavy on the fuel. I doubt the plastic jugs really cost much, even with the added oil costs for production. The bigger cost is shipping the empty jugs to the dairies, and shipping the filled jugs to the distributor, who then delivers them to the grocer.

Thank you, I was just trying to make a point not a thesis. :biggrin:

[InletBchDweller]

83$ for the 87 octane, if I let it run nearly out. My diesel is bumping 100$.
(pick-up) yep, that sounds about right....

Just got back from NOLA roadtrip..., the prices in Louisiana were lower...had a low of $2.99 Reg. Miss. and Bama were higher but less than Fla....I filled up in Miss. at $3.07 Reg.

Guess we have more tax layers to deal with here in Fla? I think this was discussed here once. we did also. I always look forward to fillin up for cheap in Miss. Exit 69:wave:

General question for the peanut gallery:

How much does gas have to cost before you would start changing your driving habits - letting it affect vacations, using public transportation, carpooling, buy a car w/ better mileage etc? I dont think it will ever for me. Unless I am stone cold broke. :D Yes my car is expensive all around but I like room and comfort. driving down the interstate today, stretched out on the third seat makes all the difference in the world....but that is me.
Or we could just wait until Obama becomes President and then he can take from the people that have and give it to the people that have not. I am sure that is the answer.:pissed: :lol::clap::lol:

[ASH]

I went to the website Mistified gave and it doesn't recognize the SRB zip code. I then entered FWB and it gave me 4 stations, but did not give the prices for any of them. Likely to volatile for any of them to allow them to be listed for any length of time.
I swear that every station has a spy that travels to all the nearby stations and just as soon as one store changes their price, every other store does the same.
What we need is some gas wars for our dollars. :lolabove:

[scooterbug44]

I think some states have laws that you can't change the gas price more than once a day to prevent price wars.

[HYDROSTAN]

Don't be pissed off when ya see me going down 283 or 30-A with a flatbed wagon with a 2 horse team. That's 2hp for you tekkie types!!!!!
:lolabove:I'm sure the scenic corridor people would have a problem with the horse team.

[Smiling JOe]

ASH, go to the website I posted, and it does work for the SRB zip, 32459. Here (http://autos.msn.com/everyday/GasStations.aspx?m=1&l=1&zip=32459&x=0&y=0) it is again.

[elgordoboy]

Thank you, I was just trying to make a point not a thesis. :biggrin:
:floor:..in a nice way

[ASH]

Thanks SJ, that one worked. I also wish that they would all list their mid-grade as well as base price. I only use mid-grade in my 2004 pickup and some go up a dime, others go up 12-15 cents to mid-grade.
Not that my 19 gallon tank is going to make that much of a difference. I just see anyone going up more than a dime only making additional profit that I don't care to support.

[soappedaler]

Last Summer when gas prices went over $3 per gallon I refused to buy gas and got back on my bike for all errands possible. I'm doing that again when weather permits. With a rack and panniers on the side you'd be amazed what you can carry. Only problem I had was going to Publix on 98. Did it once, it wasn't fun and I got a flat from all the broken glass on the side of the highway. If 98 had a decent bike path connecting 30A to Miramar more peopel could be car free. I've talked to both the state and the county about this and it seems like the county doesn't want to spent the money. Bonus with pedaling instead of driving is you get fit not fat.

[Smiling JOe]

ASH, according to the note at the bottom of the link I provided, the website gets its numbers for the stations from the prices on the credit card receipts at each station. Chances are that the stations not reporting mid grade, are not selling mid or premium. Many may have not have yet to learn, but the autos with with the "premium fuel only" can run on lower octane. They just lose horse power by doing so. Last time I got gas at Sally's, they were selling only low grade gas, with out of order signs on the mid and premium pumps.

soappedaler, not only do you get fit by riding bikes, you can also save $50+ per month by not having to hit the gym. Riding bikes is filled with hidden bonuses. Smelling the trees and plants along the sides of the road and feeling the breeze, or rain, are other hidden perks.

[Rita]

2 years ago when I was still driving a landscape truck, Katrina prices prompted me to buy an 80 mpg scooter. The car I have now gets 33-35 in the city....
:clap: NoHall, I wanna know what you're driving!!

I consistently get 29 mpg in city with my Toyota corolla - haven't had it on a road trip to know how it does highway.

We're shopping for another economy car so would welcome you folks sharing suggestions. Right now toward the top of our list is Yaris, Fit, Corolla, Civic or accord, Mazda 3 or Protoge, Nissan sentra?? (we've never had Nissans:idontno:)

BTW I filled up for $2.959 at QT today - best price around our area of Texas. Most are at or over $3.

.

[jdarg]

I thought y'all might be interested to learn where the Saudi oil profits go....to the Thoroughbred race horse industry.

Sheikh Maktoum paid $2.1 million today for a horse at the Fasig Tipton 2 year old in training sale at Calder. Wowza. But remember, a horse sold for $16 mil at this sale 2 years ago! I guess the race horse market is in a slump like the housing market.




http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080226/BUSINESS/80226038

[30A Skunkape]

:clap: NoHall, I wanna know what you're driving!!

I consistently get 29 mpg in city with my Toyota corolla - haven't had it on a road trip to know how it does highway.

We're shopping for another economy car so would welcome you folks sharing suggestions. Right now toward the top of our list is Yaris, Fit, Corolla, Civic or accord, Mazda 3 or Protoge, Nissan sentra?? (we've never had Nissans:idontno:)

BTW I filled up for $2.959 at QT today - best price around our area of Texas. Most are at or over $3.

.

I assume she is talking about her Mini Cooper, but I must warn you that Mini advises premium fuel be used, so you get more miles, but it isn't cheap either. One other issue if you live in SOWAL and own a Mini-be ready to drive to Baton Rouge, Atlanta or Jacksonville if you want the car to be serviced without voiding the warranty:eek:

[Tootsie]

Or we could just wait until Obama becomes President and then he can take from the people that have and give it to the people that have not. I am sure that is the answer.:pissed:

snarky snarky!

[kurt]

Last Summer when gas prices went over $3 per gallon I refused to buy gas and got back on my bike for all errands possible. I'm doing that again when weather permits. With a rack and panniers on the side you'd be amazed what you can carry. Only problem I had was going to Publix on 98. Did it once, it wasn't fun and I got a flat from all the broken glass on the side of the highway. If 98 had a decent bike path connecting 30A to Miramar more peopel could be car free. I've talked to both the state and the county about this and it seems like the county doesn't want to spent the money. Bonus with pedaling instead of driving is you get fit not fat.

Sometimes I wish I lived on 30A so that I could bike everywhere but it do get hot out there sometimes. :D

[SHELLY]

:clap: NoHall, I wanna know what you're driving!!

I consistently get 29 mpg in city with my Toyota corolla - haven't had it on a road trip to know how it does highway.

We're shopping for another economy car so would welcome you folks sharing suggestions. Right now toward the top of our list is Yaris, Fit, Corolla, Civic or accord, Mazda 3 or Protoge, Nissan sentra?? (we've never had Nissans:idontno:)

BTW I filled up for $2.959 at QT today - best price around our area of Texas. Most are at or over $3.

.

THE SMART CAR


http://images.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2006/112_news060628_01z+daimler_chrysler_smart_car+pass enger_side_view.jpg


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[elgordoboy]

THE SMART CAR


http://images.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2006/112_news060628_01z+daimler_chrysler_smart_car+pass enger_side_view.jpg


.
Big Pimpin'

[hnooe]

Big Pimpin'

SMART CAR--Very Cool.....
How much?
How many miles per gallon?
When available?

[Rita]

THE SMART CAR


http://images.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2006/112_news060628_01z+daimler_chrysler_smart_car+pass enger_side_view.jpg


.

I looked up info on these a couple months ago. Couldn't find much on pricing but will look again now. As I remember the fuel economy was disappointing for size of the car - not much better than my corolla. I'll check again.

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[Smiling JOe]

I saw a lady driving up Hwy 331 in a car which looked VERY similar to that car, a few weeks ago. I thought she must be crazy driving that little go-cart with all the big trucks and SUVs on that road.

[seaside2]

THE SMART CAR


http://images.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2006/112_news060628_01z+daimler_chrysler_smart_car+pass enger_side_view.jpg


.

Don't think they make these any more. Saw them in San Diego a couple or three years ago. They used them to partol the wharf, looked them up on the net and decided they are not available. That was then and now is now.:idontno:

Cool concept, but you have to look at the total cost of driving, replacement batteries and all that.

[aleonard]

I saw a lady driving up Hwy 331 in a car which looked VERY similar to that car, a few weeks ago. I thought she must be crazy driving that little go-cart with all the big trucks and SUVs on that road.

That would be my fear when driving a little car. All the peeps that would run over me:eek:

[30A Skunkape]

Oh no, the Smart Car is being produced and will be available soon. We saw one up close and personal at Jazz Fest a few years ago. You can actually park those little things perpendicular in a parallel spot!:cool:
http://www.smartusa.com/

[JustaLocal]

Last Summer when gas prices went over $3 per gallon I refused to buy gas and got back on my bike for all errands possible. I'm doing that again when weather permits. With a rack and panniers on the side you'd be amazed what you can carry. Only problem I had was going to Publix on 98. Did it once, it wasn't fun and I got a flat from all the broken glass on the side of the highway. If 98 had a decent bike path connecting 30A to Miramar more peopel could be car free. I've talked to both the state and the county about this and it seems like the county doesn't want to spent the money. Bonus with pedaling instead of driving is you get fit not fat.

Kudos! You are absolutely correct about the bike path to Miramar. Riding through Sandestin is dangerous - even on the sidewalk. :eek:

[beachmouse]

Last year some snowbird had driven a Smart Car down here from Quebec (or maybe it was Ontario). I saw it parked out front of the Destin Target.

[scooterbug44]

Smart cars rock! :wub:

IMO a lot of the traffic and parking issues would be resolved if people were driving Smart cars instead of those obscene XL SUVs! I always question that they need to bring more for a week's vacation in a furnished home than I did to move cross country. :roll:

I love my bike, but I will only ride it on the bike paths, not on the road where the odds of me becoming a squished bug are quite high!

[JustaLocal]

Oh no, the Smart Car is being produced and will be available soon. We saw one up close and personal at Jazz Fest a few years ago. You can actually park those little things perpendicular in a parallel spot!:cool:
http://www.smartusa.com/

When in Europe last year we were passed on the autostrada repeatedly by 1.4 L Audi turbos - the big A6 sedan - going at least 90 mph. The Mini Cooper was 1.1 L or 1.3 L (can't remember which) when it came out and got over 50 mpg. Last year they changed to 1.8 per American demand. We only saw the Smart Car in the cities, but you are right, they did park two to a spot and sometimes between other cars in spots by going perpendicular. Really cool. Europe has many small engine cars. Americans always seem to want "more power."

[seaside2]

I stand corrected. Thanks Skunky for the link.

The ones I saw were pure electric, golf cart style.

These are Diamler Benz cars with an internal combustion engine. So the backers are sound, as are the distributors (Penske).

Might work, especially for urban and metro areas.

I would hate to put in a trip to SoWal in one though!!!

[Here4Good]

I went and checked out the SmartCar site - it says the SmartCar gets worse mileage (under equal 2008 standards) than what is promised by the Civic Hybrid. (40 / 45 for the Civic, 33 / 41 for the SmartCar)

I can't imagine sacrificing the space and safety and actually using more gas! I know the Civic costs 8-10 thousand more, but would you ever use the SmartCar as your ONLY car? Would you take it on the road to Atlanta? Not more than once, I imagine. I bet the Canadians who brought theirs down trailered it behind their RV.

They are popular in Europe because of a lack of parking/garage space. That's not our biggest problem, our biggest problem is fuel use.

I'd rather see more plug-in hybrids or pure electric vehicles than SmartCars (unless they make them electric......)

[Smiling JOe]

It's been a while since I went to Europe, but my trip to Italy, sometime around 1997, gasoline there cost around $4 US per gallon. Most of the cars were tiny and the majority of people in cities drove scooters. I'm sure that cost has not decreased, so to say that they aren't concerned with gas mileage is inaccurate from my personal experience.

[JustaLocal]

It's been a while since I went to Europe, but my trip to Italy, sometime around 1997, gasoline there cost around $4 US per gallon. Most of the cars were tiny and the majority of people in cities drove scooters. I'm sure that cost has not decreased, so to say that they aren't concerned with gas mileage is inaccurate from my personal experience.

That is the point I was trying to make.

The Audi A6 has a 3.2 L engine in the US model. The smaller 1.4 L isn't available here. Same with most cars. Honda Civic for example - USA 3.0 L, Europe 1.4 L, 1.8 L, or 2.2 L. Also many models are offered in diesel in Europe, but not here. It isn't because the car companies don't want to sell them, it's because Americans generally want large motors - more power.

There are very few people that really need a V8, but many vehicles still have them. I hope that with the Smart Car re-introduction in the US, maybe demand will grow enough for us to have the fuel economy options that Europe does.

[Here4Good]

It's been a while since I went to Europe, but my trip to Italy, sometime around 1997, gasoline there cost around $4 US per gallon. Most of the cars were tiny and the majority of people in cities drove scooters. I'm sure that cost has not decreased, so to say that they aren't concerned with gas mileage is inaccurate from my personal experience.


That doesn't take away from my point that the Civic Hybrid would be a better choice for mileage than the SmartCar.

[Smiling JOe]

I'm not suggesting that it does take away from your very valid point about Honda vs Smart Car. You stated that Europe buys the small cars because of a lack of parking, and I simply note that gas prices ten years ago being $4+ per gallon in Italy, probably had something to do with that demand for small cars.

[jodiFL]

I saw a "smart car" parked in Watercolor last summer. But i think these would be cooler... article here (http://apps.soe.ucsc.edu/elkaim/archives/000289.html)LOLhttp://www.engadget.com/media/2005/12/mit_car.jpg

[Joe]

For those of you looking to save 5% at the pump, try the penfed.org credit card. You also save 2% on groceries, and 1.25% on all other purchases. It lessens the bite a bit. No need to be in the military to signup...there are plenty of other options. The money is also credited back each month so no need to request those annoying "rebate checks".

[NotDeadYet]

I went and checked out the SmartCar site - it says the SmartCar gets worse mileage (under equal 2008 standards) than what is promised by the Civic Hybrid. (40 / 45 for the Civic, 33 / 41 for the SmartCar)


I think the best buy might be the plain old tried and true Toyota Corolla. With the stick shift it is very close to the mileage of the Civic hybrid.
I would choose it over the Smart Car, it beats that one for sure. And there are so many of them, easy to get them repaired, not that a Toyota needs much repairing.

[mikecatadjuster]

My buddy tells me to get a moped to offset the gas prices. Forgive me, but I just can't get the images from the 'Dumb and Dumber' movie out of my head when I think of it. I think I'll just ride my bike around 30a and have a backpack for items.

Heck, I have childhood friends living in Sandestin but that's 20 minutes away. Destin is even further and a drive there and back costs money in my truck. I actually have to invest time in thought as to planning my trips over there. Wow. In high school when the price cracked 1 dollar I remember thinking it was a shame that I didn't get a full gallon with a buck. Heck, I use to put in less than a dollar at a time in those days. Now 60 cents wouldn't turn the pump on.

[Mystified]

the Smart Car > anyone who drives cross country, or from N to S is taking a huge risk on getting killed in that little bugger. With the dangerous driving of trucks, etc. damn, I'd be terrified to get run off the road or into a severe crash and left for road kill. Just my opinion.

BTW the gas here ranges from $3.33-3.40. A nice kid pumped it for me the other day at $3.23 because I thought I was at the full serve he saw my cast & pupmed it. See, there are some nice people left in the world, even in NY!

[John R]

you gotta drive when you've gotta drive. just try to consolidate tasks when you're out there.

http://profile.ak.facebook.com/object2/844/46/n9030837667_878.jpg

for soappedaler

http://www.xtracycle.com/images/home_townie.jpg

[sandybanks]

Political heat has relatively nothing to do with it. Record profits are a good thing, as they encourage competition which will lower pump prices. Shelly's on it with speculation and oil being USD based, but he's a little bit off on an easing Fed increasing inflation, ceteris paribus.

Do I understand you correctly, that you think it is a good idea for the Fed to lower the interest rates? If so, do you think by lowering the rates, the price of oil/gas will go down?

If you track the price of gold and the price of oil, they have both risen at about the same rate. If you look at wall street and how the dollar has lost its value, the stock market is around 6000.

I fail to see how a devalued dollar helps Americans, but maybe I am not seeing all there is to see.

[sandybanks]

It is to bad Stan Meyer is not around anymore, he could have fixed this problem for all of us.

[SHELLY]

Do I understand you correctly, that you think it is a good idea for the Fed to lower the interest rates? If so, do you think by lowering the rates, the price of oil/gas will go down?

If you track the price of gold and the price of oil, they have both risen at about the same rate. If you look at wall street and how the dollar has lost its value, the stock market is around 6000.

I fail to see how a devalued dollar helps Americans, but maybe I am not seeing all there is to see.

SandyB--you've got it right. ;-)


.

[elgordoboy]

A strong dollar and folks complain about jobs leaving and "illegals" stealing work all while unemployment remained very low. Shouldn't jobs be returning now with a weak dollar and the "illegals" fleeing in the face of eroding purchasing power of the $ and rising unemployment? Where is the cheering? For myself I would prefer the problems brought by a stronger dollar when I didn't have a legitimate fear of losing my job.

[SHELLY]

A strong dollar and folks complain about jobs leaving and "illegals" stealing work all while unemployment remained very low. Shouldn't jobs be returning now with a weak dollar and the "illegals" fleeing in the face of eroding purchasing power of the $ and rising unemployment? Where is the cheering? For myself I would prefer the problems brought by a stronger dollar when I didn't have a legitimate fear of losing my job.

Don't hold your breath waiting for things to change..........America has morphed from a country whose economy was based on "making stuff" to a country whose economy is based on "buying stuff." That's why people wet their pants at the thought of the grand opening of Pier Park; the extension of Silver Sands and Destin Commons; and in anticipation of the "economic stimulus/welfare check."


.

.

[sandybanks]

A strong dollar and folks complain about jobs leaving and "illegals" stealing work all while unemployment remained very low. Shouldn't jobs be returning now with a weak dollar and the "illegals" fleeing in the face of eroding purchasing power of the $ and rising unemployment? Where is the cheering? For myself I would prefer the problems brought by a stronger dollar when I didn't have a legitimate fear of losing my job.


Dear Elgordoboy,

I am sorry to inform you that the dollar is gone and will not be coming back. I would give you some advise, but seeing as you don't know me it would probably not be fair to you.

I will say this, Dr. Paul Craig Roberts was asked what Americans should do to prepare for the crises which will be coming within the next couple of years. His advice was to go buy a gun. He was not joking!:idontno:

[Johnrudy]

$3.45/gallon for regular today. :blink:

[elgordoboy]

Dear Elgordoboy,

I am sorry to inform you that the dollar is gone and will not be coming back. I would give you some advise, but seeing as you don't know me it would probably not be fair to you.

I will say this, Dr. Paul Craig Roberts was asked what Americans should do to prepare for the crises which will be coming within the next couple of years. His advice was to go buy a gun. He was not joking!:idontno:
What is your advice? I don't know Dr. Paul Craig Roberts and I don't feel sharing his advice is unfair to me. What does he recommend I do with this gun once I have it in my possesion?

[John R]

Don't hold your breath waiting for things to change..........America has morphed from a country whose economy was based on "making stuff" to a country whose economy is based on "buying stuff." That's why people wet their pants at the thought of the grand opening of Pier Park; the extension of Silver Sands and Destin Commons; and in anticipation of the "economic stimulus/welfare check."


it's quite sad, and very distressing. we suffer from affluenza (http://www.pbs.org/kcts/affluenza/), and it doesn't look like we're going to get better anytime soon.

[SHELLY]

I will say this, Dr. Paul Craig Roberts was asked what Americans should do to prepare for the crises which will be coming within the next couple of years. His advice was to go buy a gun. :cool:He was not joking!

I want to personally thank Dr. Roberts for unseating me from my position as the Overlord of Economic Doom and Gloom.

I think I'll take a few days off to reconnect with my family; catch up on my scrapbooking; and catalog my Beanie Babies.

:wave: Thanks to all my loyal subjects.


.

[Ocean Lover]

$3.45/gallon for regular today. :blink:

Ours made the jump last week. Wow, I didn't realize we had the big city prices too.

Just in time for spring break.:roll:

[Johnrudy]

Ours made the jump last week. Wow, I didn't realize we had the big city prices too.

Just in time for spring break.:roll:
and these are suburban prices. It's higher IN the city. :roll:

[elgordoboy]

I want to personally thank Dr. Roberts for unseating me from my position as the Overlord of Economic Doom and Gloom.

I think I'll take a few days off to reconnect with my family; catch up on my scrapbooking; and catalog my Beanie Babies.

:wave: Thanks to all my loyal subjects.


.
I find this post very reassuring. I went and read a couple of articles by Dr. Roberts and subsequently started cleaning the Walther and blowing the dust off of the S&W .40. I'll go put them back in the locked closet....but keep the key close.

[sandybanks]

What is your advice? I don't know Dr. Paul Craig Roberts and I don't feel sharing his advice is unfair to me. What does he recommend I do with this gun once I have it in my possesion?


http://www.creators.com/opinion/paul-craig-roberts-about.html

http://www.creators.com/opinion/paul-craig-roberts.html

[Here4Good]

After reading a couple of columns by Dr. Paul Craig Roberts, I am starting to think I know who Shelly is now...:D

Seriously, this is interesting reading.

[scooterbug44]

The fact that they may come out on the losing end in a collision w/ a larger vehicle is not a valid reason as to why people can't drive Smart cars. As long as there are semis on the road, any vehicle will come out on the losing end - even a supersized Hummer or Suburban. I've seen some horrific accidents (usually due to icy/snowy weather on interstates and highways) and even an old steel land yacht loses that battle.

Gas prices will not go down until people reduce the demand and the government makes the oil companies use their profits to maintain and upgrade refineries etc.

It costs me $ indirectly when gas prices go up, but because of my lifestyle choices I still spend less than $50 a month on gas - even at current prices. I'll pay higher prices if that's what it takes to make people wake up and stop being wasteful.

[JustaLocal]

The fact that they may come out on the losing end in a collision w/ a larger vehicle is not a valid reason as to why people can't drive Smart cars. As long as there are semis on the road, any vehicle will come out on the losing end - even a supersized Hummer or Suburban. I've seen some horrific accidents (usually due to icy/snowy weather on interstates and highways) and even an old steel land yacht loses that battle.

Gas prices will not go down until people reduce the demand and the government makes the oil companies use their profits to maintain and upgrade refineries etc.

Excellent point!

[seagrovegirl]

:whack: Yes, since big corporations can happily just take the same hit. :roll:

Let's take milk for instance. The cost has gone up as it is very heavy on the oil use. First, the obvious cost of transporting the milk. Both to a bottler and to the grocery store. Secondly, those milks "bottles" are generally plastic, plastic is made from oil.

I had to comment on the cost for transportation. My husband is an independant truck driver, (LandStar) fuel is 3.95 per gallon and he is being offered loads that are under 1.50 per mile, less than a year ago. Trucking companies are paying less to the drivers.....so what is the excuse for higher groceries, etc. It's B...S..T.............

[aleonard]

I had to comment on the cost for transportation. My husband is an independant truck driver, (LandStar) fuel is 3.95 per gallon and he is being offered loads that are under 1.50 per mile, less than a year ago. Trucking companies are paying less to the drivers.....so what is the excuse for higher groceries, etc. It's B...S..T.............

I read a really great article on MSN about independent truckers going out of business these last two years. Broke my heart. Truckers are the backbone of American commerce.

They cited gas prices, maintenance and being pushed out by big business that gets a break on fuel prices due to bulk purchasing. Many wish for the old union days and one was quoted as saying, "I wish Jimmy Hoffa was still alive.":(

[seagrovegirl]

I read a really great article on MSN about independent truckers going out of business these last two years. Broke my heart. Truckers are the backbone of American commerce.

They cited gas prices, maintenance and being pushed out by big business that gets a break on fuel prices due to bulk purchasing. Many wish for the old union days and one was quoted as saying, "I wish Jimmy Hoffa was still alive.":(

I was quite amazed to learn that there are no trucker unions! It's desperately needed.

[sandybanks]

63 Euro cents will buy you a whole US dollar. And she keeps going down lower and lower.

How low will she go?

[seaside2]

The fact that they may come out on the losing end in a collision w/ a larger vehicle is not a valid reason as to why people can't drive Smart cars. As long as there are semis on the road, any vehicle will come out on the losing end - even a supersized Hummer or Suburban. I've seen some horrific accidents (usually due to icy/snowy weather on interstates and highways) and even an old steel land yacht loses that battle.

Gas prices will not go down until people reduce the demand and the government makes the oil companies use their profits to maintain and upgrade refineries etc.

It costs me $ indirectly when gas prices go up, but because of my lifestyle choices I still spend less than $50 a month on gas - even at current prices. I'll pay higher prices if that's what it takes to make people wake up and stop being wasteful.


Scooter, you've heard me rant on this for some time, so don't get terribly offended. The REAL answer is not increased efficiency and more refineries. the real answer is to quit burning the stuff. Increased efficiencies, etc will help in the short term, but the real answer is to become self sufficient.

BTW, the balck stallion ate some $3.499 premium yesterday afternoon.

[seaside2]

The fact that they may come out on the losing end in a collision w/ a larger vehicle is not a valid reason as to why people can't drive Smart cars. As long as there are semis on the road, any vehicle will come out on the losing end - even a supersized Hummer or Suburban. I've seen some horrific accidents (usually due to icy/snowy weather on interstates and highways) and even an old steel land yacht loses that battle.

Gas prices will not go down until people reduce the demand and the government makes the oil companies use their profits to maintain and upgrade refineries etc.

It costs me $ indirectly when gas prices go up, but because of my lifestyle choices I still spend less than $50 a month on gas - even at current prices. I'll pay higher prices if that's what it takes to make people wake up and stop being wasteful.


Scooter, you've heard me rant on this for some time, so don't get terribly offended. The REAL answer is not increased efficiency and more refineries. The real answer is to quit burning the stuff. Increased efficiencies, etc will help in the short term, but the real answer is to become self sufficient.

BTW, the black stallion ate some $3.499 premium yesterday afternoon.

[Smiling JOe]

...

Gas prices will not go down until people reduce the demand and the government makes the oil companies use their profits to maintain and upgrade refineries etc.
...

Everyone has their own theories, and here goes mine. If the gov't dictates how a company's profits are to be spent, we will be living in a society where I will begin to seek a small island outside the USA, out of the hurricane zone. If the gov't demands that the oil companies spend their profits on refineries, the oil companies will just continue to pass 100% of those costs to the consumer, because they still have to make their profit margin to stay in business. If their profit margin drops, so does their stock price, and their investors pull out of the company, leaving the company high and dry, and eliminating competition for the other companies, which can weather more storm. That leads to monopoly or gov't bail out, neither of which work for society.

Automakers will produce vehicles which can turn a profit and consumers will purchase. In SoWal, I mostly see big vehicles, because that is what people buy. Even so, some small cars, like the Honda Accord, get similar gas mileage to a big Toyota Sequoia. If any of you guys can explain to me why the 2007 Honda Accord, which gets around 19 mpg (city), has more horsepower than a 1990 Porsche 911, I'd like to hear it. My former 1991 Honda Accord had about half the horsepower of the same 2007 model, and the gas mileage was much better on the 1991 model. Stop buying these new high horsepower autos, and they will stop making them, because they cannot turn a profit without sales. With increases in technology, there is no reason why an auto shouldn't get better gas mileage, have more horsepower, and have better fuel economy, as time passes. In addition, there is no reason, other than inflation, that the costs shouldn't decrease with time.

[ShallowsFuzz]

Well, we are all going to be in even deeper troubles if we don't find a way to get someone's attention about these gas prices. Everytime I look at the pump after I have finished pumping gas, or after (shallowsfuzzjr.) pumps the gas, the words, " I am being robbed ", :cry: comes to my mind. The American people should not have to put up with this type of highway robbery.
Seems like I heard about a year or so ago, out in Utah or somewhere out west they found a large reserve of oil. Of course you need a refinery to do what ever it is you have to do to get fuel, and from what I hear there are not too many of those in the US. WELL someone get off their butts and build one, maybe in the area were the oil was located, anything to save cost. I'm just flustered and angry. (My God where is the tylenol)
We all maybe using horses before long. But watch some fool raise the price of feed, then the horses will dye.:idontno: Thank you all for listening.

[Smiling JOe]

It isn't some fool who will raise the prices of the feed. Gas prices will increase the price of hay, corn, oats, etc, because they all require fuel to produce in mass quantities. If you have ever owned a horse, you would see that a $100 bicycle would be a much cheaper and less time consuming way to travel.

[soappedaler]

Dear John,
Ive been obsessing over this bike for a year. They just became availabe. Mine should be here next week. I'm saving for the blender attachment for next years parade. So buy some soap.8269

[scooterbug44]

Scooter, you've heard me rant on this for some time, so don't get terribly offended. The REAL answer is not increased efficiency and more refineries. The real answer is to quit burning the stuff. Increased efficiencies, etc will help in the short term, but the real answer is to become self sufficient.

BTW, the black stallion ate some $3.499 premium yesterday afternoon.

That's why I said people simply have to USE LESS and that if high prices were the only thing that would cause reduced use, I'd gladly pay more for gas.

I'm not advocating major gov't involvement in big business, just calling for an end to the free passes, tax breaks, special deals, and IMO price gouging that make it so easy for them to be irresponsible regarding maintenence and production. Taking away their gov't given benefits for is not free market Armageddon. ;-)

[ShallowsNole]

Well, we are all going to be in even deeper troubles if we don't find a way to get someone's attention about these gas prices. Everytime I look at the pump after I have finished pumping gas, or after (shallowsfuzzjr.) pumps the gas, the words, " I am being robbed ", :cry: comes to my mind. The American people should not have to put up with this type of highway robbery.
Seems like I heard about a year or so ago, out in Utah or somewhere out west they found a large reserve of oil. Of course you need a refinery to do what ever it is you have to do to get fuel, and from what I hear there are not too many of those in the US. WELL someone get off their butts and build one, maybe in the area were the oil was located, anything to save cost. I'm just flustered and angry. (My God where is the tylenol)
We all maybe using horses before long. But watch some fool raise the price of feed, then the horses will dye.:idontno: Thank you all for listening.

Dear, I'm sorry I traded the Camry for the SUV, but I fit in better with the other moms at SWHS now. :blush:

[seagrovegirl]

Dear, I'm sorry I traded the Camry for the SUV, but I fit in better with the other moms at SWHS now. :blush:

Maybe you need something stronger than tylenol...go ahead....I won't tell.:floor:

[NotDeadYet]

http://www.sowal.com/bb/http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/401/97800508jp2.png (http://imageshack.us)

[NotDeadYet]

Well I don't know why this is not showing up :confused:
It looked fine on the preview :idontno:

[John R]

Well I don't know why this is not showing up :confused:
It looked fine on the preview :idontno:

it looks like you only have half of the code. i assume you're using this http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e53/rosenrosen15/insertimage.gif

[ShallowsFuzz]

Hey Shallowsnole, forget the SUV, let's take Smiling JOe's idea and get a bike. You, me, shallowsfuzzjr, Daisy, Roo, Elba, Dexter and Angel, we'll go for a wild ride.:rolling: Now that would be a sight to see.

[John R]

Dear John,
Ive been obsessing over this bike for a year. They just became availabe. Mine should be here next week. I'm saving for the blender attachment for next years parade. So buy some soap.8269

oh yes, the big dummy. I bought the attachment and installed it on an existing bike. love it.

[NotDeadYet]

i assume you're using this http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e53/rosenrosen15/insertimage.gif

Correct. I may try again but I hate to clog up the board. I copied all the code, I thought :idontno:
Thanks, John.