Oh, and one more thing

[xiphias]

There's a REAL temptation to say something to the guy filling up his Ford Expedition at the pump next to you when gas is over $3 a gallon. But, well, what would I say that he's not already thinking himself? He had the weirdest look on his face -- something like "sheepish annoyance."

Comments

[brooksmoses]

Yeah, I suspect I know the feeling. My truck has a 32-gallon tank; I'm thinking it might be wise to go get a locking gas cap for it, since it has to stay parked on the street.

I note, though, that I usually drive it at least once a week, and even at that I think I last bought gas for it in April.

[lietya.livejournal.com]

I'm already hearing from people (personally) who've traded in for more fuel-efficient vehicles. SUVs have been moved to the back of the lots in the local car dealerships.

I don't want to say this is a "good thing," but if it forces some people to rethink the gas guzzlers, that's a silver lining.

I know how he feels...

[rebmommy.livejournal.com]

I have a Honda CRV, which does *not* get the mileage promised in its sales hype. I have a mini-SUV because of my disability. I cannot drive sedans without pain to my legs and back. I *love* my little Honda. It feels good and drives well. But, the other day I put $20.00 worth of gas into it, and it barely made it to the half-way mark on the gas gauge. Would I buy this car again? Given the choices in 1999 - yes, I would. My next car, however, will be a Saturn mini-SUV hybrid. They will probably have one on the road by the time I'm ready to buy a new car.

[noveldevice.livejournal.com]

Oh, you don't have to say anything--just smile real big.

And be ready when they come at you swinging a fist. I'm waiting for the spontaneous outbreaks of violence at the pump when someone filling that second tank looks over and sees someone in a compact car who only put $25 in instead of $100. Many of the local redneck motherfuckers have absolutely no sense of self-control.

[xiphias.livejournal.com]

Well, that's the other reason I didn't say anything.

[solipsistnation.livejournal.com]

Heh. Yeh, see, I got this nice zippy little car then then drove to Pennsylvania the _day_ before gas prices started to jump. So I got there and the first news story I see the next day is something like "Gas prices jump overnight!"

"Oh good," I think, "Here I am 500 miles from home with a car that only takes the expensive stuff..."

At least I don't have to drive to commute. I think that if I still had a 45-minute drive each way I would have held out for a hybrid. Only needing a car for weekly grocery runs or lengthy road trips makes me feel a lot better about having bought a car with stupid gas expectations. At least it still gets 25-30mpg...

[jehanna.livejournal.com]

I lurve my Honda Civic. Costs between 20 and 25 dollars at current rates to fill the tank completely and I can commute and also drive around visiting for the better part of a week on that.

It's still more than my current budget would really be thrilled to deal with, but there you go.

[mattblum.livejournal.com]

I know what you mean. I've been feeling very, very good of late about my decision to change jobs, from one with a 23-mile driving commute each way to one where I drive at most 2 miles round trip and take the bus and subway the rest of the way.

[filkerdave.livejournal.com]

I decided to ride my bike to work today. 8 miles each way, but with gas at $3.30 a gallon, minimum...

[erin-c-1978.livejournal.com]

Yay for my little blue Honda Civic. Since I only have work three days a week, I can go three and a half weeks without filling up the car.

[hfcougar.livejournal.com]

When a gallon of gas costs more than a commuter rail ticket, it's time for me to stop driving.

My car has really good (highway) mileage for a car that's 11 years old, but the tank would still take 50 bucks to fill. I doubt I'll be seeing that happen again anytime soon.

I remember when 20 bucks not only filled my tank, but was more gas than I could physically get into my car.

SUV

[(Anonymous)]

Nothing says a-hole quite like driving/owning a Hummer in the city. :)

Karma, baby. Karma.

Re: I know how he feels...

[the-siobhan.livejournal.com]

I know this is pointing out the obvious (and I apologize in advance) but my MAS is itching like crazy.

Has it had a tune-up lately? Spark plugs check out, filters all new? Tire pressure good? (Most people drive around with under-inflated tires.)

How much it actually costs to fill is a function of tank size not of fuel efficiency, but it does sound like your car is under-performing for some reason.