Gee, I didn't know we had a choice regarding gas...

[Deja Q]

:sarcasm:

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=1026362

...The heightened sensitivity comes amid strong demand in the United States and China, the world's top consuming nations, where high prices have tempered rising fuel consumption only slightly.

"People talked about $60 crude slowing economies around the world. But here in the U.S., (Federal Reserve Chairman) Alan Greenspan is telling us the economy is doing great and getting stronger," said James Cordier, president of Liberty Trading Group in Tampa, Fla. "It bodes well for crude testing the $70 range."

Even so, Cordier said he has been stunned by the recent runup in oil and gasoline prices and the apparent lack of any response from motorists. Gasoline prices averaged $2.37 a gallon nationwide last week, up 49 cents from last year. Demand picked up by 1.4 percent from a year ago, according to government data...

Article has more... if you have the stamina for it.

[benburch]

1. We don't...

The "choice" comes when the gas prices bankrupt businesses and individuals and we start to starve.

And that is coming.

[Nobody]

2. Damn I'm glad I drive an Insight

Had to retire my 15 year old 40+ mpg two-seater and the biggest requirement was that it had to get better gas mileage.

And it does, by quite a lot. Having a fuel consumption display right in front where you can't miss it also makes you very aware of how your driving habits affects your fuel economy.

I'm getting rid of some very bad habits and pushing my gas economy to the upper 70's/low 80's.

Hybrids rule!

[Deja Q]

3. WHat was your upfront cost?

In society, as they made it, it's about upfront costs and "ROI" (return of investment). Depending on the ROI, FEW (if any) would bother on the upfront costs as they stand. Everybody wants to save money on gas, so they're prepared to ultimately spend $35000 for a small car when, over the car's life, wouldn't make up the cost difference a standard 4 cylinder $17000 car would cost! (of course, that's assuming you live close to work as most do... but if you live 15 miles or more away, the cost difference would be made up within 1 to 2 years... assuming you still have your nice middle class job, mind you in order to pay off the car loan... and paying for the extended warranty because those batteries have something like a 5 year lifespan and those buggers are bloody expensive to replace...)

Depends on an individual's situation, of course... but hybrids are no cure-all to this mess our corporate and political so-called "leaders" gave us.

[Nobody]

4. There is no cure all

But hybrids are a step in the right direction. They are better on fuel economy than a gas-only car of the same size, and they pollute much less. Not to mention my car is absolutely silent when I'm driving down the road at normal highway speeds, even when accelerating. I've had passengers turn off the radio because they wanted to listen to the silence.

Anyway.... you wanted to know about upfront costs. My Insight cost when all is said, done, signed, and delivered about 23k. This is including sales tax, destination charge, all that other stuff.

The Prius sells for around 25k averaging out fully loaded vehicles and base vehicles. I tend to go base as much as possible. I don't have AC in my home, I don't need it when vents work just as well, and if you can drive a 5 spd, you get better mpg and the car is cheaper.

Your insurance is lower if your driving record is good, and mine is spotless. You get a break for getting an economy car (70+ mpg counts).

I do live 20+ miles from work and I carpool, doing 100% of the driving.

Middle-class job? Nope, I live in the inner city, commute to the suburbs, and make a fraction of what I made before my job and entire industry was exported. I just am a huge skinflint and lived on ramen noodles during my unemployment.

The battery is warranted for 8 years standard warranty. If you get a Prius, the batter is covered for ten.

With the latest jump is gas prices, I have a lot of envious co-workers.

[Deja Q]

7. NICE!! Awesome stats, thanks much!

:pals:

Wow. Great warranties on the batteries too...

[Nobody]

5. I should also mention flexible fuels

You aren't likely to find them in hybrids, but if you've got a car rated as flexible fuel, you can use E85, which costs far less than regular unleaded.

There is a website that lists them. If I have a chance later, I'll send the link to you if you're interested.

I remember several Ford models already existing have this capability.

[Deja Q]

6. I'm VERY interested!

While I can't afford a hybrid (and money, to me, is a bizarre concept so for that AND the sphere of environmentalism alone I'd buy a hybrid regardless!) I'd definitely do what I can to help.

[Nobody]

8. A few links for you

Here's one from the Dept of Energy with a lot of info. If you look in the vehicles section, you'll see a lot of pickup trucks and other larger vehicles. The cehicle specs are also given as well as links to finding gas stations that sell E85. If you live in the Midwest, E85 should be easy to find.

http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/

Look on the inside of your car door. There may be a decal that says whether or not your car is a flexible fuel car. If so, you might be able to save money, and feed the oil barons a lot less.