Bush to lift offshore drilling ban

[SlvrDragon50]

I think it's safe to say most familiesbalready own at least two cars with the exception of those in crowded cities like NYC.

It's also relatively safe to say that most SUV owners do not own a boat.. Especially those that are landlocked.

[OH-JJ]

Originally Posted by SlvrDragon50

I think it's safe to say most familiesbalready own at least two cars with the exception of those in crowded cities like NYC.

It's also relatively safe to say that most SUV owners do not own a boat.. Especially those that are landlocked.

oh so you are only allowed to own an SUV if you have a boat? and if you are not landlocked why do you need a SUV to haul your boat? I would think it was those who are land locked that need to haul the boat to the water.

[SlvrDragon50]

I don't think many people want a motorcycle though. If it rains or snows, the driver must stop if severe enough. Also people still don't like the risk of accident.

Originally Posted by OH-JJ

see the problem is that smart cars and such are still gas guzzlers. what I would like to get to save gas is a motorcycle, and get 60 mpg.

[SlvrDragon50]

Originally Posted by OH-JJ

oh so you are only allowed to own an SUV if you have a boat? and if you are not landlocked why do you need a SUV to haul your boat? I would think it was those who are land locked that need to haul the boat to the water.

or... Due to being landlocked, people probably won't own boats..

Im not saying you need a boat to own an SUV... It's just that a large portion of Americans drive tanks like a excursion when a simple hybrid will do.

[OH-JJ]

Originally Posted by SlvrDragon50

or... Due to being landlocked, people probably won't own boats..

Im not saying you need a boat to own an SUV... It's just that a large portion of Americans drive tanks like a excursion when a simple hybrid will do.

And I think your perception and reality are two different things. who is anyone to dictate what anyone else drives? If you need a SUV, or want a SUV it should not matter, kind of like who really needs a gas sucking V12 or V16 sports car?

[ReefHound]

Originally Posted by MSilvia

Of course... monthly gas for the truck commute might cost more than gas and payments for a fuel efficient car. I'm spending $120 a month on gas to drive 70 miles round-trip every work day in a new car that's going to cost me $250/month for four years to own. If gas for the truck commute is costing more than $100 a week, it could be cheaper to buy a second car. If it already costs significantly more than $100, and gas prices continue to rise, it could be a lot cheaper.

Maybe so now, certainly not 2 years ago. And don't forget auto insurance.

[Sasha_K]

It will take long time to turn new discoveries of reserves into actual oit. Nothing short of complete consumer attitude change and reduced spending/travel will even slow down the prices. Just politicians waving their hands, as if they are doing something.

[ReefHound]

Originally Posted by SlvrDragon50

I think it's safe to say most familiesbalready own at least two cars with the exception of those in crowded cities like NYC.

It's also relatively safe to say that most SUV owners do not own a boat.. Especially those that are landlocked.

I also think it's safe to say that both spouses usually drive in those families.

Who is landlocked? What does that mean? I don't know many places that aren't within an hour or two drive of a recreational lake or river. Boats aren't just for the ocean, you know.

[moosicman]

Interesting observation for you guys:

In writing my post earlier I should have pointed out more strongly that it takes SELF SACRIFICE to make some of these decisions. I think we are well-fed and over-bloated in our society on comforts, perks, convenience, and niceties to the point that we are pretty spoiled rotten (I am first in line on this--so don't take such offense if I step on your toes because I'm really preaching to myself as well as anyone else).

For instance, I mentioned the Smartcar. Of the many excuses for not buying one, the only viable one I really saw was that perhaps it doesn't perform as well as it could (and I'm not necessarily taking your word that it doesn't, I will be seeing for myself). It does lack on space but I was pretty much referring to a commuter car and not your weekend scubamobile, so I'm not including that one. But complaints about comfort in drivability, give me a break, or actually credit, because you proved my point. We're not ready to sacrifice a bit to make our world and environment a bit "greener" (I'm getting tired of that term). We want cheaper oil and gas, and we want everyone ELSE to be conservative but we do not want it at the expense of our own "sweet" ride. If it puts us out personally, then we are more likely to be "less engaged" in making the planet better. I mean, its ok up to a point, but.......

Now I'm not saying that you should run out and buy a Smartcar (or any other poorly performing uncomfortable vehicle if there is a comparable one on the market that can get the job done with style, comfort, and ease). What I am saying is that perhaps we are too spoiled as a culture to really, really, REALLY make any changes until it really hurts...and then we expect everyone else to change while we maintain our comforts (MORON AL GORE IS A PRIME EXAMPLE)! Perhaps I'll write more later when I've more time.

[georoc01]

Originally Posted by SlvrDragon50

or... Due to being landlocked, people probably won't own boats..

Im not saying you need a boat to own an SUV... It's just that a large portion of Americans drive tanks like a excursion when a simple hybrid will do.

When they start making hybrids that can handle 30% grades on icy roads in the middle of winter at 10,000+ feet above sea level, let me know. Unfortunately, many cities have abandoned good snow removal in the winter, and having a solid 4wd with snow tires is not just a luxury for those of us who have to drive in it.

But there are solutions like flexfuel vehicles and bio diesel that at least remove some of the oil requirement. The problem is finding service stations that carry them. When you start having to drive 5-10 miles out of your way to refuel, you have effectively eliminated any advantage you were getting to use them.