Soaring Gas Prices = Soaring Profits

[Asher]

Here's the perfect car for you, a Toyota Echo:

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2004_Toyota_Echo.shtml

39 mpg highway, 33mpg city

It's quite a bit worse on the environment though, its emissions are worse despite higher mileage.

[monkspider]

Diesel isn't tough to find, about 1 in 3 gas stations have it here.

[MrFun]

Asher -- if it's not as environmentally friendly as other cars, I probably would not be interested.

[Asher]

The VW GTIs are actually worse on the environment than most gas vehicles.

Diesel may get you more mileage, but the emissions are much worse.

[Asher]

Originally posted by MrFun
Asher -- if it's not as environmentally friendly as other cars, I probably would not be interested.

It's about average. The rating out of 10 is how friendly it is overall.

The Mazda 3 is both high mileage, powerful, full of features you won't find on anything in its class, and environmentally friendly.

[Imran Siddiqui]

I think I prefer a non-hybrid car

Why? The Prius isn't a bad looking car at all.

[Asher]

Originally posted by Imran Siddiqui
Why? The Prius isn't a bad looking car at all.

1) They're dangerous for rescue workers, who can't use things such as the jaws of life in bad accidents on cars with any kind of electric engine
2) The price premium takes about a decade to pay itself off, even with $2/gallon prices
3) They're gutless -- the Prius goes 0-60 in 12 seconds (Mazda 3 is about 7)

[MrFun]

Well, I am still unsure, I guess. I thought the fact that I would 50 miles per gallon with a hybrid would save me money. I'm going to get opinions from other people and weigh that with the research I have done so far, along with Asher's thoughts.

[Dauphin]

Originally posted by DanS


It's both the biggest consumer and producer.

Not according to the stats I saw last (admittedly 2002 figures). Saudi Arabia produced 1,000 barrels a day more, and the US was tied with the Russians for production.

As a side note, the US was consuming just under three times what is was producing.

[Asher]

Originally posted by MrFun
Well, I am still unsure, I guess. I thought the fact that I would 50 miles per gallon with a hybrid would save me money. I'm going to get opinions from other people and weigh that with the research I have done so far, along with Asher's thoughts.

The numbers are even iffy then -- look at the Time article I linked to.

A Prius advertises over 50, but it averages about 43 in the real world, which isn't that much better at all...

[Imran Siddiqui]

MrFun: Especially since I saw Civic Hybrids priced the same as regular Civics around my neck of the woods. You just have to see what the deals are where you are.

[MrFun]

Asher -- in regards to hybrids, I would likely go for a Honda Civic -- if I decide to go hybrid.

[MrFun]

Originally posted by Imran Siddiqui
MrFun: Especially since I saw Civic Hybrids priced the same as regular Civics around my neck of the woods. You just have to see what the deals are where you are.

Well in my local area, I can get a 2003 Honda Civic hybrid for under $15,000.

[Asher]

Originally posted by Imran Siddiqui
MrFun: Especially since I saw Civic Hybrids priced the same as regular Civics around my neck of the woods. You just have to see what the deals are where you are.

WTF?
I call BS...

Why would Honda price something that's supposed to be priced $2500 more, the same? Even with the price premium, the profit margins on hybrid cars are TINY for their costs of production. Either they artifically inflated the Civic's price, or you're not remembering correctly...Honda isn't going to sell the Civic Hybrids at a loss.

[MrFun]

Asher -- read my last post along with Imran's claim.