ajtj99's Market Pulse

[caddman]

I am still amazed at peoples' 'MPG' irrationality.

Going from a 1999 Buick Regal 3800 v6... 18/26 mpg
considered a new Camry Hybrid, very nice 38/38 mpg (close from what I remember)
ended up with a 2005 BMW 545i Sport/Prem/Nav/Sat Radio for 3k less than the Camry. Even with the stupidly fast 8 cyl., the BMW gets 18/27 mpg. The big engine hardly works at all for slower city speeds. Only when I drive aggressively do I really suck down the gas.

Also, wife drives 20 mile round trip for work in our Tahoe. We get about 15 mpg overall. I looked at Civic special for $189/month lease. At $4.00 gas I think I would save about $800 for the year in fuel. Not worth the extra vehicle. But yet I am seeing a few neighbors and friends thinking they are "saving " money by picking up the econo car.

The EASIEST and cheapest way to save gas money is to combine some of your weekly driving trips to reduce the times you drive by 2-3 trips. You will save more money doing that than worrying about 2-3 mpg difference in your car choice.

caddman