| selborne |
| Just crossed the $75.00 mark on fillups. Think I may be drving my kids Civic a lot more. |
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| phins2rt |
| Just wait until $150-200/barrel oil!!! |
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| gsMDoX |
quote:
Originally posted by selborne
Just crossed the $75.00 mark on fillups. Think I may be drving my kids Civic a lot more.
OUCH!!! I just did my first fill and it came out to only $53.00 (yes 91 octane). I should be driving a Civic .... you should perhaps be workin' something spelled V-E-S-P-A. :D |
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| ncelk |
| I am afraid that as gas prices go higher, the resale value on all SUVs will continue to suffer, even highly rated ones such as the MDX. Sad to say, but their days may be numbered even more at $200 per barrel oil. |
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| selborne |
I guess we may be driving the most agile dinosaur in history..
:p
[QUOTE]Originally posted by ncelk
[B]I am afraid that as gas prices go higher, the resale value on all SUVs will continue to suffer, even highly rated ones such as the MDX. Sad to say, but their days may be numbered even more at $200 per barrel oil. |
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| hipcheck |
quote:
Originally posted by ncelk
I am afraid that as gas prices go higher, the resale value on all SUVs will continue to suffer, even highly rated ones such as the MDX. Sad to say, but their days may be numbered even more at $200 per barrel oil.
Just read an article over the weekend where some southern dealers are not taking SUVs in on trades due to a stagnant market. SUV values are also declining faster than cars for the first time in a long time. At $3.75 here for a gallon of premium, it is starting to really hurt.
Off topic, what do you think of your 2009 Camry Hybrid? What type of MPG are you getting? |
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| MDX Piotr |
| I paid $4.03 yesterday at my local gas station. Ridiculous. Also crossed the $75 per tank fill up. |
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| ncelk |
quote:
Originally posted by hipcheck
Just read an article over the weekend where some southern dealers are not taking SUVs in on trades due to a stagnant market. SUV values are also declining faster than cars for the first time in a long time. At $3.75 here for a gallon of premium, it is starting to really hurt.
Off topic, what do you think of your 2009 Camry Hybrid? What type of MPG are you getting?
We have about 2500 miles on it in less than a month.
I am seeing 34-35 mpg in city, bumper to bumper traffic, and between 38-42 mpg on the highway. 38 mpg is around 75 mph, 42 is running 62-65, so it depends on the speed you are travelling on the highway. However, it is the first car I have owned in a LONG time that exceeded the EPA estimates. |
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| ncelk |
[QUOTE]Originally posted by selborne
[B]I guess we may be driving the most agile dinosaur in history..
:p
Agreed there.:D
It is one awesome vehicle. |
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| FountainMeister |
Truckers must be ready to chew nails with diesel at $4.23.
93 is $3.99 in CT, but Stop and Shop gives you 10 cents a gallon off if you use your card and another 10 cents per gallon gas coupon if you buy $50 in groceries. This puts premium at the price of reqular.
...so after shopping for the mrs. I wandered the aisle and carefully selected and added the 28lb super size cat litter to put me over the top of $50. Pathetic.
I've hit 1,200 miles and the commute to work CAN be done at 21.9 mpg. But having successfully proved this, I have to compare the sound of VTec to the Ron White quote:
"I Had the Right to Remain Silent…But I Didn’t Have the Ability" |
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| cardingtr |
For the past month, I am riding my FJR more often. The price of gas really hurts to look at while it topped more than $60 a tank.
At 35-40mpg I enjoy the ride, out accelerate everyone and still get the grin on my face. Those are the feelings I don't want taken away from me, the joy of driving.
With this price of gas, I can really notice everybody is driving like in a funeral. |
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| HwyRogue |
| Mine was hard on "E" and it cost me $92 to fill it with Supreme..don't complain about $70ish :-) |
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| s2k000L |
Yeah, I think the 'king of the road' SUV's are really hurting! I keep reading articles online that people are trying to trade in their SUV's for smaller econo cars and are being denied by dealerships cuz they can't move them either!
Glad that I didn't sell my S2000! She gets better fuel economy outta that 4 banger, and will decimate the MDX on the road ;). Only problem is one kid can sit in the passenger seat, one strapped to the hood, and the other velcro'd to the trunk :D. Jeez, these kids sure do cut down on aerodynamics!
All kidding aside, we're all really in pain, and no relief in site! Guess the whole green thing's definitely here to stay. |
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| ncelk |
| I find myself parking the Nissan a bit, driving the Miata and the wife driving the hybrid, but one way or another, the gas prices are affecting all of us. |
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| hipcheck |
| I'm looking at a Nissan Altima Coupe (4cyl) as a second car for commuting and keeping the MDX in the garage a little more. |
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| BlackMDXRider |
I may look for a 2003 TL-S that does 32+ MPG on the HW and 18 MPG in traffic driving. Still driving in class, 4-door and a sanppy 260 HP to kick some tires.
Best thing next to my old 01 CLS. Willing to pay less than $10K. |
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| bigpecs1 |
| its $3.75/g of supreme here...:( |
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| PaulaiPrive |
| We all knew what we were getting into when we bought the MDX. We knew it requires premium gas. If you can't afford to pay for the gas, then could you really afford the MDX in the first place? When shopping for a car, people don't keep in mind the cost of ownership that goes along with it. It could be worst...ask what the GX470 and LX570 owners feel when they fill up.:) |
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| selborne |
Gas was about $2.50 a gallon when I bought my 07'. it is now over $4.05 and going up everyday. That is not a change in the "cost of ownership" that anyone was predicting. :eek:
quote:
Originally posted by PaulaiPrive
We all knew what we were getting into when we bought the MDX. We knew it requires premium gas. If you can't afford to pay for the gas, then could you really afford the MDX in the first place? When shopping for a car, people don't keep in mind the cost of ownership that goes along with it. It could be worst...ask what the GX470 and LX570 owners feel when they fill up.:)
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| bigpecs1 |
quote:
Originally posted by PaulaiPrive
We all knew what we were getting into when we bought the MDX. We knew it requires premium gas. If you can't afford to pay for the gas, then could you really afford the MDX in the first place? When shopping for a car, people don't keep in mind the cost of ownership that goes along with it. It could be worst...ask what the GX470 and LX570 owners feel when they fill up.:)
Of course I knew that I will be using premium fuel in the MDX before I bought it, but premium then in our area was still less than $2.20/gallon. Heck Ive been using premium in my 04 Maxima for the past 4 years! Your remark (If you can't afford to pay for the gas, then could you really afford the MDX in the first place? is not the real issue for me. The issue for me is that the rise in gas prices is uncalled for! Outrageous! Dont you think those people who drive Tahoe's and F150's who use REGULAR are not complaining too??? |
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| Dishoom |
quote:
Originally posted by selborne
Gas was about $2.50 a gallon when I bought my 07'. it is now over $4.05 and going up everyday. That is not a change in the "cost of ownership" that anyone was predicting. :eek:
i can't even remember when the avg price of premium was $2.50/gal...when did you buy your MDX? |
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| bigpecs1 |
quote:
Originally posted by Dishoom
i can't even remember when the avg price of premium was $2.50/gal...when did you buy your MDX?
I bought mine last November 2007. And the price went up by $1.50/gallon since then...and its not even summer time yet! |
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| LionSpeed |
| For the whiners out there, we are very lucky. In Europe & Asia, they're paying close to TWO times than us here. I just filled mine yesterday at $4.25 for premium, yields $85 to fill up. Some other parts of the city close by, 91 octaine go as high as $4.59. |
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| Dishoom |
quote:
Originally posted by bigpecs1
I bought mine last November 2007. And the price went up by $1.50/gallon since then...and its not even summer time yet!
ORLY?
according to this chart the avg price of regular gas was not even close to $2.50 last November.
from GasBuddy.com |
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| Fabvsix |
STOP YOUR WHINING AND READ THIS!
Makes you think no matter your political preference. . . we are a blessed people so be thankful!
This should be required reading for everyone in the USA
Very interesting perspective by Jay Leno...
I hope you will all read to the end. Jay Leno puts it into perspective and makes us think about the pathetic negativity. That's right, Jay Leno!!
Jay Leno wrote this; it's the Jay Leno we don't often see....
"The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true, given the source, right?
The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed, and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence, 2/3's of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.
So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ''What are we so unhappy about?'' Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?
Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?
Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time, and see more food in moments thanDarfur has seen in the last year?
Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state?
Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?
I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough.
Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all, and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings.
Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.
This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.
Fact is we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.
I know, I know. What about the President who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The President who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same President who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11?
The President that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks?
The Commander-In Chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much , make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad?
Think about it...are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.
Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go.
They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig..
So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds, it leads; and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by "justifying" them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about "how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way"...Insane!
Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.
We are among the most blessed people on Earth, and should thank God several times a day or at least be thankful and appreciative.
"With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, "Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"
:1: :1: :1: |
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| LionSpeed |
| Thanks Fab for such great story/insight from Jay. Every paragraph/phrase/sentence is so true. We sometimes forget where we live & how lucky we are comparing to the rest of the world. I don't want to go into political aspect, but I do think that our Department of Defense is doing an outstanding job keeping us all safe & sound. So there is a little hiccup in our economy, so there is a little increase in cost of living... would you rather have cheap gas & live in fear? I think not. |
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| bbmd |
I always say: "Instead of complaining, spend your time thinking about better ways to improve your life (and make more money if that's your thing)".
If it takes $50 more to fill up in a month, just think and improve your productivity by $1/hour. You'll even be ahead about $100 at the end ;) Worrying and whining never helped anyone.
And yeah, gas is still cheaper in the US than other parts of the world. |
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| bigpecs1 |
quote:
Originally posted by Dishoom
ORLY?
according to this chart the avg price of regular gas was not even close to $2.50 last November.
from GasBuddy.com
That's because I dont live in a big metropolitan city. And also, that's why they call it AVERAGE...;) |
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| keremoner |
Fabvsix:
What Leno said is very true. People have tendency to be so spoiled that just because we are somewhat worse of at this moment than a couple of years ago, they act like the world is coming to an end. 90% of the rest of the world would give their right arm to be in our current situation. |
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| Fabvsix |
| When was the last time you turned off the TV, didn't read those magazines and go in your back yard and listen to the birds, listen to the dog barking, look at all the beautiful plants, weeds, flowers and appreciate the good we have?????? Instead most are complaining because they are living BEYOND.....as I say we have good problems. Count your fortunes and be thankful for what you have....Can you believe COSTCO is out of RICE! What another political move! My dad says Louisiana has more rice than the US has....total BS! So how is your rice supply in your local store? :mad: :mad: :mad: |
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| jhue |
quote:
Originally posted by Fabvsix
STOP YOUR WHINING AND READ THIS!
Makes you think no matter your political preference. . . we are a blessed people so be thankful!
This should be required reading for everyone in the USA
Very interesting perspective by Jay Leno...
Jay Leno didn't write that. Craig R. Smith did. http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/hitnail.asp
I'm spending about $15 a week on gas. It's insanity, I tell you, insanity. |
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| jhue |
quote:
Originally posted by ncelk
I am seeing 34-35 mpg in city, bumper to bumper traffic, and between 38-42 mpg on the highway. 38 mpg is around 75 mph, 42 is running 62-65, so it depends on the speed you are travelling on the highway. However, it is the first car I have owned in a LONG time that exceeded the EPA estimates.
Our mileage is about the same. We did manage to average 47mpg on a 20-mile expressway (55-60mph) drive to the airport once though. The reason you are easily exceeding EPA mileage is because the tests were recalibrated to better reflect typical driving conditions (higher speeds, faster acceleration, A/C on). Last year the Camry was rated at 40/38, this year it's rated 33/34 city/hwy. For reference, the MDX went from 17/22 to 15/20.
I'm impressed with the combination of performance and economy of our Camry Hybrid. It does 0-60 in 7.7 sec and the quarter mile in the high 15s, which is just a couple tenths slower than a new MDX. You make far fewer sacrifices driving it than a Prius. Plus:
1) No one thinks you're a tree-hugging hippie
2) You don't drive a car that looks like an alpine cable car
3) You're not subject to anti-hybrid rage
4) You're not lumped in with all those greenies that think they're entitled to drive 65mph in the fast lane
5) You don't get ripped off by paying extra for what has to be the world's worst "premium" OEM stereo |
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| selborne |
Ist day of issue in I think October 0f 06'. If you look at gasbuddy.com, you will seee the price was that low back then.
quote:
Originally posted by Dishoom
i can't even remember when the avg price of premium was $2.50/gal...when did you buy your MDX?
|
|
|
| s2k000L |
quote:
Originally posted by Fabvsix
STOP YOUR WHINING AND READ THIS!
Makes you think no matter your political preference. . . we are a blessed people so be thankful!
This should be required reading for everyone in the USA
Very interesting perspective by Jay Leno...
I hope you will all read to the end. Jay Leno puts it into perspective and makes us think about the pathetic negativity. That's right, Jay Leno!!
Jay Leno wrote this; it's the Jay Leno we don't often see....
"The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true, given the source, right?
The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed, and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence, 2/3's of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.
So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ''What are we so unhappy about?'' Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?
Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?
Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time, and see more food in moments thanDarfur has seen in the last year?
Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state?
Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?
I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough.
Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all, and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings.
Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.
This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.
Fact is we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.
I know, I know. What about the President who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The President who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same President who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11?
The President that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks?
The Commander-In Chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much , make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad?
Think about it...are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.
Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go.
They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig..
So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds, it leads; and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by "justifying" them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about "how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way"...Insane!
Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.
We are among the most blessed people on Earth, and should thank God several times a day or at least be thankful and appreciative.
"With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, "Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"
:1: :1: :1:
Fab,
I commend you for posting such insight--regardless of who the actual original author may be.
Like i always reinforce with my kids--stop whining, and do something about it! Be glad for what we have--health, family, and friends. For without those, what is life truly about? |
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| HwyRogue |
I bought the MDX for its safety, reliability, safety, looks and did I mention safety? Fuel economy did not enter into the equation. Face it, if you can afford it, you can afford to put gas in it. Whether I pay $80, $90, or $120 to fill it, while not pleased about it, will fuel it up because I know that my family will arrive at its destination safely.
And, as the other posts already said, stop whining. If you hate it that much, sell it and get a Lexus 400h. |
|
|
| ncelk |
quote:
Originally posted by jhue
Our mileage is about the same. We did manage to average 47mpg on a 20-mile expressway (55-60mph) drive to the airport once though. The reason you are easily exceeding EPA mileage is because the tests were recalibrated to better reflect typical driving conditions (higher speeds, faster acceleration, A/C on). Last year the Camry was rated at 40/38, this year it's rated 33/34 city/hwy. For reference, the MDX went from 17/22 to 15/20.
I'm impressed with the combination of performance and economy of our Camry Hybrid. It does 0-60 in 7.7 sec and the quarter mile in the high 15s, which is just a couple tenths slower than a new MDX. You make far fewer sacrifices driving it than a Prius. Plus:
1) No one thinks you're a tree-hugging hippie
2) You don't drive a car that looks like an alpine cable car
3) You're not subject to anti-hybrid rage
4) You're not lumped in with all those greenies that think they're entitled to drive 65mph in the fast lane
5) You don't get ripped off by paying extra for what has to be the world's worst "premium" OEM stereo
Your Prius comments REALLY made me laugh.
:D |
|
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| Fabvsix |
Leave it to JHue for dotting the i and crossing the T...........
Glad most like what was written by whomever! |
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| hpowders |
Ah yes. This is just what I had hoped to see.
I will be shopping for an MDX in July. I want people throwing up at the very sound of "MDX" so I can offer at least $1000 under invoice (and perhaps, less) to all Florida Acura dealers for the MDX I have in mind.
I want gas so high that those huge piles of MDX's will be slowly oxidizing from the Florida heat on dealers' lots, with no buyers in sight.
Add to that the pressure of all those 2008 MDX's just sitting around with those nice new 2009 MDX's about to be distributed.
The money I save on the MDX's price this summer should pay for my future gas quite handsomely.
A perfect opportunity this summer I reckon, to pick up a 2008 MDX on the cheap.
Is this a great country or what?
:2: |
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| HwyRogue |
quote:
Originally posted by hpowders
Ah yes. This is just what I had hoped to see.
I will be shopping for an MDX in July. I want people throwing up at the very sound of "MDX" so I can offer at least $1000 under invoice (and perhaps, less) to all Florida Acura dealers for the MDX I have in mind.
I want gas so high that those huge piles of MDX's will be slowly oxidizing from the Florida heat on dealers' lots, with no buyers in sight.
Add to that the pressure of all those 2008 MDX's just sitting around with those nice new 2009 MDX's about to be distributed.
The money I save on the MDX's price this summer should pay for my future gas quite handsomely.
A perfect opportunity this summer I reckon, to pick up a 2008 MDX on the cheap.
Is this a great country or what?
:2:
Now THAT is an optimist! :D |
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| hipcheck |
I'm not complaining about the price of gas at all. I'm just deciding if owning a second car makes sense for me personally -- I'd rather spend less on my daily commute.
My MDX is paid for and owned, it's not going anywhere. I'm just concerned about gas prices and figure it can't hurt to burn a little less gas every now and then.
Plus -- I would get to shop for another car! :2: |
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| hpowders |
Someone mentioned we are "wimps" for complaining about fuel approaching $4, because folks in Europe are paying much more for vehicle fuel than we are.
Let's not forget that in Europe, SUV's are virtually unheard of. Folks over there are mostly driving small, light diesel-powered vehicles that get very high mpg.
It's not like the macho-Europeans are forking over $7 a gallon for their MDX's. They don't drive vehicles like the MDX.:rolleyes: |
|
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| jhue |
quote:
Originally posted by hpowders
It's not like the macho-Europeans are forking over $7 a gallon for their MDX's. They don't drive vehicles like the MDX.:rolleyes:
A few do. Later this year the congestion charge for driving something like a Range Rover into London will be $50/day (well, 25 pounds sterling, who knows how many dollars that will be in October). I saw a woman on the news behind the wheel of a supercharged Range Rover stating she didn't care how much it cost to drive her Range Rover into London every day, she was going to keep doing it since she could easily afford the fuel and congestion charge. |
|
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| hpowders |
Well, I still plan on getting an MDX this July. I've been wanting it for over a year now. Drove it twice recently and liked it.
I intend not to use it too much for local errands.
Mostly highway driving to shopping malls and restaurants where I can squeeze out 20 mpg.
If regular gas hits $4, this so-called "mild" recession may turn into one of the worst ever as it will hit the middle-class working folks very hard. There is nothing permanant the feds can do about arresting the price of oil as it is being driven by world-wide supply and demand plus speculators. |
|
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| Dishoom |
quote:
Originally posted by HwyRogue
I bought the MDX for its safety, reliability, safety, looks and did I mention safety? Fuel economy did not enter into the equation. Face it, if you can afford it, you can afford to put gas in it. Whether I pay $80, $90, or $120 to fill it, while not pleased about it, will fuel it up because I know that my family will arrive at its destination safely.
And, as the other posts already said, stop whining. If you hate it that much, sell it and get a Lexus 400h.
Yeah man, I agree with you. I was in no way one of the whiners. If I cared so much about the gas mileage, I probably would've bought a MB ML320 CDI. However, I bought the MDX because of the relationship I had with the Acura dealer and its service level, along with the MDX's value considering its features and its reliability. Though it's costing more to fuel in general, I've cut down in other ways to offset the cost. |
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| carli123 |
| Very few complaints where heard when gas was $2.50 a gallon or even $3 (demand never budged downward at this price, or current prices for that matter). This is an MDX board, presumably a group of reasonably successful and educated folks that have the means to own a very nice car, albeit one with average fuel mileage. $4 must be some kind of magic number. For the average driver of a large SUV, that represents about $1,000 per year more on gas. Sure, it's a sum of money, but gas is a commodity and the price is going to flucuate (remember $.99 per gallon the 1990's?). It would take years to recoup the depreciation costs of selling an almost new MDX simply to save $1,000 a year in fuel costs. We purchased MDX's knowing full well the expenses involved in operating such a vehicle. One variable changes and now everyone wants to dump the vehicle that otherwise fulfills all our practical and emotional needs? Gas prices are not going to change the vehicle I drive. It will change whether I drive or not. |
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| LionSpeed |
Next Generation Prius Hybrid Is Bigger, More Powerful, With More MPG.
AutoObserver reports that the next generation Prius will be four inches longer, get a more powerful 1.8 liter gas engine that when combined with electrics will do a total 160 horsepower (compared with 110hp in the current 1.5 liter setup). The kicker is that it'll be more fuel efficient, too. Using Japan's metrics for fuel economy, the current setup gets 84mpg, but the next gen has been reported to run 94 miles under the same conditions. The car is set to be unveiled in 2009. [AutoObserver, photo below of the Prius Concept, not the next gen model.] |
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| steeling_away |
Traveling to work and back can be expensive. Here's how to avoid over paying.
Just getting to work is getting more expensive. But there are ways to cut down on commuting costs. Here are some top tips on how to save while driving to work.
1. Calculate Alternatives
Do you know just how much money you're using by commuting back and forth to work?
The typical commuter pays over $200 per month just to get back and forth to work. That's over $2,400 per year, or put differently, the same as a $3,500 raise in your salary.
So, think about how much you would save by taking mass transit instead.
Check out this calculator from commuterchoice.com that lets you see what the cost benefit could be if you hopped on the train or the bus.
2. Improve Your Mileage
Getting the most out of your gas tank is a priority.
Here's how to do it:
First, simply maintain your car. One of the most important things you can do it to make sure your tires are inflated properly.
According to tests done by Edmunds.com, driving with tires underinflated by 25% caused a loss of fuel economy on an average of 3.75%.
If you have a roof rack that you're not using, take it down. It can cause a fuel loss of 1%.
And if you have a lot of junk in the trunk, make sure you get rid of it. That heavy load can really add to your gas bill.
If both spouses drive to work in separate cars, use the more fuel-efficient one for the longest commute.
3. Look to Your Employer
The federal and most state governments offer big tax breaks for commuters.
If your employer offers a flexible spending plan for transportation, take advantage of it. This program lets you put pretax money away for your transit passes or parking expenses.
And the money you contribute to this fund lowers your taxable income, so you'll be shielding the cash from Uncle Sam.
Make sure you ask your employer if this perk is offered.
4. Find a Buddy
Driving to work may be a drag, but you can drastically cut down on your mileage by sharing the ride with a colleague or a buddy.
Sign up for the free service http://www.erideshare.com/ to find fellow travelers who are looking to connect and share rides.
You can also check out commuterchoice.com or your state's department of transportation for more information.
5. Call Your Insurance Company
If you do cut your commute, let your auto insurer know.
You'll generally get a low-mileage discount if you drive fewer than 40 miles per day.
You may also be able to cut down on your mileage by pitching the idea of telecommuting one or two days a week to your boss. We'll have more on that next week.
Copyrighted, CNNMoney. All Rights Reserved. |
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| m500 |
Too late to compliant now. I just wish T-Rex can make a low entry level 3 wheel super commuter car for people like us to look good and have fun at going to work.
I can't justify the price tag of $43k for the t-rex. I would pick one up for $15k or less.
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| bimmerguy288 |
quote:
Originally posted by Fabvsix
STOP YOUR WHINING AND READ THIS!
Makes you think no matter your political preference. . . we are a blessed people so be thankful!
This should be required reading for everyone in the USA
Very interesting perspective by Jay Leno...
I hope you will all read to the end. Jay Leno puts it into perspective and makes us think about the pathetic negativity. That's right, Jay Leno!!
Jay Leno wrote this; it's the Jay Leno we don't often see....
"The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true, given the source, right?
The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed, and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence, 2/3's of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.
So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ''What are we so unhappy about?'' Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?
Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?
Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time, and see more food in moments thanDarfur has seen in the last year?
Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state?
Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?
I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough.
Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all, and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings.
Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.
This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.
Fact is we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.
I know, I know. What about the President who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The President who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same President who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11?
The President that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks?
The Commander-In Chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much , make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad?
Think about it...are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.
Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go.
They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig..
So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds, it leads; and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by "justifying" them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about "how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way"...Insane!
Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.
We are among the most blessed people on Earth, and should thank God several times a day or at least be thankful and appreciative.
"With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, "Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"
:1: :1: :1:
Thanks Fabvsix for posting this. Whoever wrote this, it's some of the best stuff I have read.
I too would like to pay $2/gallon instead of $4 but I am not whining. I don't think the OP was whining. I count my blessings. I grew up in communist China and I had never been in car until I was 18. For me, it's a privilege to live in the U.S. and I am thankful for that everyday.
What I am going to say below is my general feeling and it's not meant to direct at anyone in this forum.
America is far from perfect, it has a lot of flaws and has made its share of mistakes in its short history. There are things we want to see changed/improved and we are rightly unhappy with some stuff... But by and large, this is still a great country, it has done a lot of good things for the world, sometimes with the lives and blood of its sons and daughters. It offers opportunities that if anyone studies hard, works hard, takes risks, he/she is likely to be able to make a decent living. Our living standard is among the highest in the world, our air is relatively clean, our roads are better than roads in most parts of the world, we can travel anywhere we want, move to anywhere we want, buy anything we want, say anything bad about the government/politicians we want, believe in any religion we want. Our citizens are treated fairly for the most part. How bad is that?
A lot of people who were born here take all these things for granted and think they are entitled to something or they are owed something. For those who live here yet hate this country, and those who want to say "GD America" instead of "God bless America", stop torturing youself, just pack up and leave.
Sorry for the rant and to be off topic. |
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| Blackura |
Don't mind paying $4 a gallon? Well that's not all it's costing you. SUVs are plummeting thousands of dollars in value as used vehicles. Some dealers won't take them in trade at any price.
This is from "The Truth About Cars":
As U.S. fuel prices head for $4 a gallon, US News and World Report takes a look-see at SUV resale values. The mag divines that weakening demand has dramatically eroded resale values. (Ya think?) Citing a CNW Marketing Research study, USN&WR says March sales of used SUVs are down 14 percent from last year, after dropping eight percent in the first two months of this year. The story also kicks some journalistic tires at used car lots, where dealers no longer want to stock large vehicles.
A Sales Manager from a Florida Chrysler/Jeep dealer says "some large vehicles are dropping thousands of dollars in value each month... Anything diesel has dropped $5,000 in the past five months." |
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| Blackura |
According to Auto, Motor Und Sport (paper version), Toyota has achieved its most important goals for the gen3 Prius: a 50 percent reduction of the hybrid components' weight and cost.
In the words of a Toyota manager: "Our hybrid will then be cheaper than a modern diesel." Given that the new Prius will have a substantially more powerful electric motor and battery range than the last gen, this is impressive stuff.
Last month, in a VERY down market, Prius sales rose 7.7 percent to 20,635 units. |
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| bimmerguy288 |
Interesting read from Leftlane.com:'
"We know that hybrid vehicles are better for the environment, but could they pose a health threat for occupants? While it may sound silly, scientists have a legitimate reason for posing such a question. As with all electronic devices, hybrid vehicles emit electromagnetic fields, which have been proven to cause serious health risks. The real question is, do hybrids create a big enough E.M.F. to pose a health risk to those inside?
While we're constantly bombarded with E.M.F.'s throughout our day-to-day lives — produced from everything from cell phones to light bulbs — there is no federally mandated standard for acceptable levels of exposure. But some organizations, such as the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute, do recognized that long-term exposure to a strong E.M.F. can lead to cancer, says the New York Times.
So while the risk is there, there is no smoking gun to link hybrids to cancer-causing levels of E.M.F.'s. That being said, more research still needs to be done to conclude that there are no health risks involved in driving a hybrid vehicle. “It would be a mistake to jump to conclusions about hybrid E.M.F. dangers, as well as a mistake to outright dismiss the concern,” Jim Kliesch, a senior engineer for the clean vehicles program at the Union of Concerned Scientists, told the New York Times. “Additional research would improve our understanding of the issue.”
Toyota and Honda — the two leaders in hybrid vehicle production — both claim that their hybrid vehicles are safe and emit about the same level of E.M.F.'s as gasoline powered cars, although it's hard to validate this claim since there is no standard for a safe level of exposure.
For those hybrid drivers that spend an above average amount of time behind the wheel, the concern grows.
So while it remains unclear if hybrids are actually hazardous to our health, it's fairly obvious that more testing needs to be done." |
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| FountainMeister |
| I realize it has 4 out of 5 crash ratings, but somehow I would be more concerned about other risks than EMF with a Prius. Still as a radio amateur I went hands free on my cell phone years ago with an isolated headset and am currently happy to keep Bluetooth in the dash and not strapped to my ear. Fields drop by the square with increasing distance so a bit of separation is a good thing. |
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| jhue |
A few things to keep in mind:
1) The strength of the earth's magnetic field ranges from 300-600 milligauss at the earth's surface (~500 milligauss for central USA). This is many times the field strength ever measured inside a Prius or any other car.
2) The Toyota Prius has been sold since 1997 in Japan
3) Pure EVs with much greater power output have been sold for decades
4) The wiring that runs near the passengers in any EV or hybrid only carries DC - it's turned into AC by an inverter in the engine compartment. Most health risks of EMF are associated with AC, not DC.
5) A hair dryer puts about 700 mG right at your brain |
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| HwyRogue |
| So - filled it up tonight, $100... :-) Well worth it for the comfort, safety, looks, etc, imho. |
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| bimmerguy288 |
quote:
Originally posted by HwyRogue
So - filled it up tonight, $100... :-) Well worth it for the comfort, safety, looks, etc, imho.
$100? I thought gas in Canada is about the same like here in the States. Doesn't Canada have the second greatest supply of oil in the world? |
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| kaiserseal |
| Went to trade in our perfect 01 with 62K miles and were offered $7000.00 Since I have never had a mechanical failure, and get 21 MPG, I think I am going to drive this one to death. |
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| keremoner |
quote:
Originally posted by bimmerguy288
Interesting read from Leftlane.com:'
"We know that hybrid vehicles are better for the environment,
I beg to differ. The batteries that they use are much more environmentally damaging to produce and dispose than anything else. |
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| jhue |
quote:
Originally posted by FountainMeister
I tell people a Hummer is less of an impact and just get stares.
http://www.impactlab.com/2007/03/14...nmental-damage/
That report has been debunked numerous times. Some of the claims in that report are completely ludicrous, which should be obvious to anyone with at least half of a functioning brain. CNW is a paid shill for the Detroit automakers. |
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| jhue |
quote:
Originally posted by keremoner
I beg to differ. The batteries that they use are much more environmentally damaging to produce and dispose than anything else.
Can you support that statement with any quantifiable data? Or are you just repeating something you read on the web?
I hope you're not going to mention that nickel mine in Sudbury, Canada to support your claim. The majority of that damage to the environment occurred in the 1970s.
I can't refute your claim, since I can't quantify the damage to the environment done in the lifetime of a NiMH battery pack, but I do know the following:
1) NiMH battery technology is considered far less damaging to the environment than NiCd, since cadmium is a toxic metal
2) The nickel in NiMH batteries is easily and economically recycled, and Toyota pays a $300 bounty for used battery packs |
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| FountainMeister |
Yes. It was indeed a lopsided article and they certainly took the worst possible case for the Prius while expecting the Hummer to happily go 300,000 miles (probably without maintenance and on the same set of tires). Consumer Reports top rates the Lexus RX-400H but then notes how far you would actually have to drive it to break even over the RX-350. The CT Lexus dealer said they fly off the lot as soon as they get them it.
If I had to do a lot of city driving in the MDX the mileage would not be encouraging. (Many happy Prius owners cruise past me at 80MPH on I-95!) Buying the MDX was a calculated decision. I spend 8 hours commuting every week and $12 a day in gas is worth it to be happy. |
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| craniotes |
Yes, I can afford to fill up my MDX at $4.00/gal. Does this mean that I enjoy spending $4.00/gal for gas to fill up my MDX? Hell to the no. Am I seriously eyeing a hybrid to replace my E420. You better believe it.
As a side note, I spent this past week staying with friends at their condo in Naples, FL. Of the two cars that they keep down there, one was a Camry Hybrid, which I drove on several occasions (most of the time I was behind the wheel of their Audi S4 Cabriolet, but that's for a different thread...). I must say that I was quite impressed with the Toyota. It was smooth and quiet, and certainly doable as a primary vehicle. There was plenty of room inside for me, my wife and our son; the navigation system was easy enough to intuit; and its overall fit and finish was top notch. True, it wasn't without it's quirks (CVT drone, gutless acceleration at highway speeds, artificial steering/braking feel, too-soft suspension, boooooring exterior styling...), but given the gas mileage you receive in return, it seems like a worthwhile trade off to me.
All you big spenders can do what you want with your hard-earned bones, but as for me, it's looking as though a next-gen Prius will be in my garage before long.
Regards,
Adam |
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| bigpecs1 |
quote:
Originally posted by craniotes
Yes, I can afford to fill up my MDX at $4.00/gal. Does this mean that I enjoy spending $4.00/gal for gas to fill up my MDX? Hell to the no. Am I seriously eyeing a hybrid to replace my E420. You better believe it.
As a side note, I spent this past week staying with friends at their condo in Naples, FL. Of the two cars that they keep down there, one was a Camry Hybrid, which I drove on several occasions (most of the time I was behind the wheel of their Audi S4 Cabriolet, but that's for a different thread...). I must say that I was quite impressed with the Toyota. It was smooth and quiet, and certainly doable as a primary vehicle. There was plenty of room inside for me, my wife and our son; the navigation system was easy enough to intuit; and its overall fit and finish was top notch. True, it wasn't without it's quirks (CVT drone, gutless acceleration at highway speeds, artificial steering/braking feel, too-soft suspension, boooooring exterior styling...), but given the gas mileage you receive in return, it seems like a worthwhile trade off to me.
All you big spenders can do what you want with your hard-earned bones, but as for me, it's looking as though a next-gen Prius will be in my garage before long.
Regards,
Adam
Im with you brother! The hospital I work for reimburses me for mileage, which more than covers my gas expenses. So the issue really is whether I can afford the gas or not! But I certainly do not enjoy paying that much money for gas when I can use the money to buy food/clothing for my family, or for utility bills and other essentials. But that's just me... ;)
Oh, and yes I am thankful for all the blessings God has given me; the freedoms we all enjoy and the conveniences that we experience every day. :2: |
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