THIS is hilarious in a sort of "Doom the Planet" sort of way. I would like to see an actual unbiased report that would show actual costs.
Posted by Jeff Raven (Member # 20) on :
I was reading about that too. I like what Dennis Miller said; the quicker we use up the oil the more necessary cheap alternative fuels will become. Using less gas just postpones the inevitable.
I like to think I'm contributing to progress by driving my gas guzzler Posted by Da_bang80 (Member # 528) on :
295 ft/lbs of torque isn't too shabby for an electric motor.
Ya, and the Prius is a goldmine, for the Toyota execs that is. The batteries cost over $10,000 and any damage to them (especially water damage) and the car has to be totally written off. Also, they only last for about three years I believe. Those cars are full of hidden costs that the buyer isn't aware of when he purchases the car.
Oh, and those cheap alternative fuels, when they become the mainstream how cheap do you think they'll be then?
Posted by Diane (Member # 53) on :
Scroll to the bottom of the article and read the reader's rebuttal. It is equally interesting.
Hybrids suck. Diesels rule Posted by Da_bang80 (Member # 528) on :
Yes, Diesels do indeed rule. Diesel fuel is just a hair under a dollar here, while gasolene fluctuates between $1.09 and $1.25. But it doesn't matter to me sine I ride a motorbike, and it only costs me $12 to fill my tank every week. Hahaha Suckers!
Posted by Fabrux (Member # 71) on :
Laugh now but just wait until those cold cold prairie winters.
Posted by Da_bang80 (Member # 528) on :
That's what snowmobiles are for dude!
Posted by Lee (Member # 393) on :
At night, the ice-weasels come.
Posted by Daniel Butler (Member # 1689) on :
In my day, we filled our tank up with hard work and determination!
Posted by Saltah'na (Member # 33) on :
quote:Originally posted by Fabrux: Laugh now but just wait until those cold cold prairie winters.
To clarify: Hybrids have a far worse time than diesels when it comes to cold weather. In many cases, the batteries in the hybrid do not perform well in cold weather situations. This means you burn more gas in the winter months as your batteries need time to warm them up.
Diesels on the other hand, do have a bit more noticeable diesel clatter in cold weather starting. This is why diesel engines have glowplugs to assist in the ignition of Diesel fuel. Diesel engines have no sparkplugs, they operate on the principle of compression-ignition. But the glowplugs are there to assist in cold weather starting, after a few minutes when the engine is warm, the glowplugs shut off.
I've had the pleasure of driving my friend's 2006 VW Jetta TDI. This vehicle moves like a dream. Sure, it's a little slow getting to 100 km/h or 60 mph, but it's the launch from zero that is the best part.
I'm waiting for the new 2008 Jetta TDI to come out. It's supposed to offer flavours of 140 hp and 170hp. All in all, it is designed to compete with gas engines that are 200 hp and 250 hp respectively. Now if only I could find a way to get rid of that blasted Chevy Cobalt.
I'm getting old.... Just last week we had to sell our 1994 Nissan Pathfinder (4WD) for a 2003 Honda Odyssey minivan. It's very nice, has good acceleration, and keeps the kids apart so they don't fight constantly, but it's a MINIVAN!!! *whimper*
Posted by Da_bang80 (Member # 528) on :
I've had the pleasure of driving a big honkin F-450 diesel truck as part of my job. I think I ran over a Geo Metro because there was this slight jolt that I can't explain. I don't much care for the sound diesels make, and I think I'd go crazy if I had to drive one for more than a couple hours.
But I just went to the local Yamaha dealership and I fell in love with a pewter '07 YZF-R6. It's a rare color the salesman told me, yeah ok...
It's $12,099 which is $400 less than the MSRP. And I can't get it out of my head.
Posted by Fabrux (Member # 71) on :
Oh, I know a lot about diesel vehicles, trust me. My dad has an 06 2500HD with the 6.6L Duramax. That thing goes like a bat out of hell. Very quick on acceleration (from any speed) and he can run faster at lower rpms than Dodges and Fords with their diesel offerings. Unfortunately he's only ever let me drive it in the driveway to move it (its his means of making a living, after all). I'm trying to get my mom to spring for a VW TDI when the lease is up on her Focus...
Posted by Da_bang80 (Member # 528) on :
The Focus is a really nice car. I always had the preconception that it was crap. Then I drove the sport model and damn that things mighty quick. Haven't had the chance to drive a VW yet since I work for a Ford dealership (I'm not a Ford guy so don't say a word ). I know those big trucks have a shitload of power to lay the rubber to the road. But I don't like them because they're too big. There's all that mass to try to maneuver and all those blind spots that may hide something. Not to mention they're a bitch to squeeze through the garage door at work.
I got the chance to drive a Dodge Charger R/T, that thing really moves! And that 5 litre HEMI really sounds heavenly. And the colour! A rich deep blue. It's a rolling orgasm if there ever was one.
Posted by Fabrux (Member # 71) on :
Charger? Pfft. I'm waiting for the Challenger... Posted by Mikey T (Member # 144) on :
I drive a Toyota Corolla now because I'm too lazy to take my [insert German automotive company here] to the shop every day for repairs.
That and I want a Civic Hybrid soon.
Posted by Da_bang80 (Member # 528) on :
quote:Originally posted by Fabrux: Charger? Pfft. I'm waiting for the Challenger...
Dude. That is exactly what I said when that Charger came into the shop. The Challenger's just beautiful eh?
Posted by Omega (Member # 91) on :
I want a diesel vehicle. And some place to buy B100. Cheaply.
And a large room full of gold, while you're at it.
Posted by Malnurtured Snay (Member # 411) on :
Gold? Isn't that the worthless metal they wrap Latinum in?
Posted by Mikey T (Member # 144) on :
No, the iPhone is...
Posted by B.J. (Member # 858) on :
quote:Originally posted by Da_bang80: The Focus is a really nice car. I always had the preconception that it was crap. Then I drove the sport model and damn that things mighty quick.
I had the same preconception until I saw several of them being driven in the World Rally Championship. It even won the Manufacturer's Championship last year.
Posted by WizArtist II (Member # 1425) on :
I drive a "Millenium Falconized" version of a 1992 Dodge Dakota. The way I view it, I'm only a few more replacement parts away from having a new vehicle.
Posted by Mars Needs Women (Member # 1505) on :
Can we have some pics of it?
Posted by Fabrux (Member # 71) on :
quote:Originally posted by Da_bang80: Dude. That is exactly what I said when that Charger came into the shop. The Challenger's just beautiful eh?
It is a truly beautiful car. At least, the concept car is. I saw a spy shot that looks like the rear is more like the Charger than the concept vehicle. A little undecided yet how that's going to look.
Posted by Diane (Member # 53) on :
I want a Yaris! It's cute and cheap and fuel efficient. But mostly cute.
Posted by B.J. (Member # 858) on :
There's a Honda commercial where two women are describing their cars as "cute". After seeing that, both my wife and I agree that we'd never own a vehicle that could be called "cute".
Posted by Da_bang80 (Member # 528) on :
Yeah, Cute = Unmanly. Unmanly = waste of steel. If you're going to make a car, at least put a 440 big block in there. And some mag wheels, yeah baby!
I saw a Yaris yesterday, actually I was stuck behind one while the driver couldn't decide which pedal made it go faster. They look like clown cars in a way.
Posted by Jason Abbadon (Member # 882) on :
I drive a Junkion- I even have a metal Decepticon emblem covering the Buick hood ornamant. It used to be grey, but now it's mostly bare metal and suck trivialities as a muffler and gas cap have been sacrificed in favor of the perverse desire to ram into an expensive car who's owner is yakking away on a cell phone.
Freedom is knowing that your car is paid for and can be left at the side of the road to explode without so much as a look back.
Posted by Da_bang80 (Member # 528) on :
What do you think boyos? I'll hopefully be taking the keys to that sometime next week. I still have to talk to the bank about a loan, but I've got pretty good credit so there should not be any problems. I can't fucking wait to take that baby for a ride. I'll make sweet sweet love to it!
Posted by Sol System (Member # 30) on :
We don't doubt it.
Posted by The Ginger Beacon (Member # 1585) on :
Don't worry. It'll buff out.
Posted by Saltah'na (Member # 33) on :
quote:Originally posted by Diane: I want a Yaris! It's cute and cheap and fuel efficient. But mostly cute.
quote:Originally posted by B.J.: There's a Honda commercial where two women are describing their cars as "cute". After seeing that, both my wife and I agree that we'd never own a vehicle that could be called "cute".
My brother said that too! But I'm a girl so "unmanly" is actually a plus. I also think the hatchback Yaris is very sexy -- so sexy I want to lick it.
I also consider the VW Bug and the Mini "cute" cars.
Saltah'na: I'll have to read through that article some time. I wouldn't rule out the Fit when considering a purchase, but it's not as cute as the Yaris (at least the exterior). Actually I rather think the design is something I'd get sick of looking at after a few years.
Anyway, I'm not in the market for a new car, but I do like to goggle at the hatchback Yaris whenever I come across one .
Posted by WizArtist II (Member # 1425) on :
Well, "Blue Thunder" my old 1992 Dodge Dakota just blew the water pump. I'm getting the feeling that its time to achieve my life goal of owning a car made in the same decade I happen to be living in. Perhaps something with an I-beam bumper so I can start ramming all the Jacko's in Kelifonya that insist on making that left turn in front of me even though their light has been red for a good 10 seconds.
Posted by Da_bang80 (Member # 528) on :
Lol, that was exactly my thought when I bought my new bike, to get something from this decade. I mean, there's nothing wrong with owning a 26 year old motorcycle. It's just nearly impossible to find parts for it anymore. Unless I travel 200+ Km to the nearest motorcycle salvage company. And even then there's no guarantee they'll have what I need, or what condition it's in.
I say go for it and find a new car, even though they're mighty pricey, the sacrifice will still be worth it to have a reliable and fun automobile. And think about getting the top of the line model of whatever car you choose. Not only will it have better resale value when you decide to sell it, but if you're going to spend a bucketload of cash, then you might as well have something that's more enjoyable than the bare-bones model.
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
My dad has an 06 2500HD with the 6.6L Duramax. That thing goes like a bat out of hell. Very quick on acceleration (from any speed) and he can run faster at lower rpms than Dodges and Fords with their diesel offerings. Unfortunately he's only ever let me drive it in the driveway to move it (its his means of making a living, after all). I'm trying to get my mom to spring for a VW TDI when the lease is up on her Focus...
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
). I know those big trucks have a shitload of power to lay the rubber to the road. But I don't like them because they're too big. There's all that mass to try to maneuver and all those blind spots that may hide something. Not to mention they're a bitch to squeeze through the garage door at work.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
.