Home > Jay Bookman > Archives > 2008 > July > 12 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHow to cut the price of gasoline by $1.15 a gallon
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I just filled up the family car again - ouch. At $4.16 a gallon, it adds up much too quickly.
We’re all now fixated on that $4-a-gallon figure — reportedly approach $5 in parts of California — and for good reason. When we’re standing at the pump, that’s the number that gets our attention.
But in many ways, it’s not the number that matters. The number we should really care about is how much we spend each week, a month, a year on gasoline. Not how much per gallon, but how much in total.
We can figure that out using a multivariable equation: M/mpg x P = C; where M is the number of miles you drive, mpg is your car’s fuel efficiency rating and P is the price of gasoline.
C, of course, is how much cash you end up spending on gasoline.
So, if you put 20,000 miles on your cars in a year, that means you drive about 385 miles a week. The average mpg rating for an American vehicle is 25 mpg.
Plug those numbers into the equation — 385/25 x $4 — and you get a figure of $61.60 a week on gasoline. That’s about what the average household spends on gasoline these days.
But what if you want to lower that number? You can’t change the price of gasoline. That’s a variable out of our control. We could cut back the number of miles we drivie, and many of us have. If you cut your driving by 20 percent, you cut your weekly gasoline bill to $49.28, saving about $11.
But let’s change another number. Let’s boost that 25-mpg figure to 35 mpg. Plug in the numbers, even at $4 a gallon, and all of a sudden your weekly gasoline cost is $44. You save $17.60 a week.
In effect, increasing your MPG to 35 produces the same impact on your family budget as cutting the price of gas by $1.15 a gallon, bringing it down to $2.85 a gallon.
Where am I heading with all this?
For decades, environmentalists have been pushing to raise the MPG requirements for US automobiles, and for decades conservatives — with a lot of support from Detroit labor unions and Democrats like John Dingell — have refused to accept that change.
We were told to let the market work. Government regulation was always bad; the free enterprise system would always solve everything.
Well, look what that got us: Because we didn’t raise the fuel efficiency of the US vehicle fleet, we’re sending billions overseas for foreign oil, the automakers are going broke and the union jobs are disappearing. Oh, and the price of gasoline is killing our economy.
It’s stupidity. With more fuel-efficient cars, the impact of $4 gasoline would be a lot easier to take, both in the household budget and on the national economy. We blew it, and the question is whether we’ve learned our lesson yet.
Comments
By The Choir
July 12, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this
Well, what can I say other than I feel like your preaching to me.
And then there are the thieves that have been taking gas from folks’ tanks in the middle of the night. I wonder if they did the math to figure out exactly how much to take so that they only paid an average of $3.00/gallon. After all, they weren’t stealing it a year ago so somewhere between $3.00 and $4.00 must be their threshold level.
And, what do you suppose was the threshold level for our fine outstanding politicians — 6 months before the election, 9 months?…We’ve already established that a majority voting bloc of average Americans can’t or won’t think past their next paycheck and so that’s how they vote. Don’t get me wrong, I know how tough it can be just to make ends meet on a weekly basis — been there. But, don’t these very people have an expectation and a right to some minimal level of decency and even quality from our governing bodies whether they be Senators, Congressmen, Judges, Boards of Directors, etc. I mean, these average Americans just want to make a decent living for themselves and they all know that they need good, educated, caring people in government to take care of business without giving them the business. Yet, far too often, I see what our elected officials (not that I’m letting the “Ken Lays” and others off the hook) are doing to their constituency — preying on them, as I like to say — and it really hurts my heart. You see, I just wasn’t raised that way. Now, I’m just an old cynic and I know damn well why.
By TopCat
July 12, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this
I guess your not one of the millions of capitalist entrepreneurs that ‘Has’ the ability to itemize on their income tax….I purchase a new vehicle every year over X amount of pounds, then write off every mile down the road. ….How does that Fair tax sound to you now dirt clod….( Nice and eloquent dirt clod, mind you) Where is my tooth brush….
By Eric
July 12, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
Makes a lot of sense to me. Thanks for bringing it to our attention, Jay. I do not feel you are preaching to us, but enlightening. Just wish our leaders in D.C. would pay attention.
By Taxpayer
July 12, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
Hopefully, Mr. Bookman understands that there was nothing derogatory intended by “The Choir’s” comments. Sometimes, he just gets carried away by the moment. Then, he comes back to:
[cue announcer’s deep throated voice]
Reality PC — It’s the latest in real time entertainment. It’s a real world filled with virtual kicking, screaming, fighting, loving, kissing and more and it’s all at your fingertips. So, come join the fun. Express yourself. Let it all hang out. After all, GodHatesTrash. So, let’s give him (or her) something to really rant about.
By Dusty
July 12, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
Well, I guess conservatives have known the meaning ofconservative for a long time. Thus they are ready when hard times come. (Would you like to hear the story of industrious ants and the lazy grasshoppers? NO? I didn’t think so.)
Here’s a few clues conservatives have REALIZED. You cannot buy a millionaire’s home on a sales clerk salary no matter what somebody tells you.
Any automotive vehicle as big as a tank is going to take lotsa gasoline, no matter the price. ‘Looking mighty’ won’t pay the bills.
Carrying lunch to work is not a disgrace.
Buying a bookcase at GoodWill is not a disgrace.
Ground beef tastes almost as good as steak.
The State Parks are more interesting than Six Flags.
You can live and breathe without the latest phone in your ear and plasma TV in the living room.
The library still has books, videos, computers and a wealth of information and helpful librarians.
Brand names are OK. They made a lot of Brand Name originators very rich.
The home is comfortable at 78 in the summer and 68 in winter. Sweaters and tank tops are comforting.
YOU will pay your credit card charges. They do NOT disappear when you leave the store.
You show up for work EVERY day unless you want to live without income.
But, most of all, conservatives know that a fight to keep freedom is never too expensive. Therefore they are willing to fight for it and pay for it. Many have paid the ultimate price.
Conservatives may save on their economics but they will not diminish freedom. It is somethng they never give up or cut short.
Good night Americans, you lucky dogs.
By RW-(the original)
July 12, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this
The price of SUV’s is dropping steadily while a used Honda is like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. In other words free markets work, or would if government and the sheeple that rely on government would ever give them the chance to work before government steps in to “fix” everything.
The only thing liberals are more scared of than their shadow is giving the free markets enough time to prove that they’ll solve any problem that comes along. That’s why you see liberals like Jay, that will cower before any enemy of our country, boldly step up to demand that government jump in and save you before you realize it’s an essential part of your freedom that you make the right decisions for your own situation. After all, if you lack the freedom to make a bad choice you really have no freedom at all because you’ll never think through the options.
By Ben
July 13, 2008 1:45 AM | Link to this
The free market you demonize, left unfettered, would have drilled for oil off our coasts and elsewhere years ago, and we would not be sending our money to the middle east. As far as gas mileage, now that there is an economic reason for higher mileage cars, manufacturers are scrambling to build them. All I see is governmental interference ruining what should have been a natural evolution over the last 30 years.
By lovelyliz
July 13, 2008 6:52 AM | Link to this
The liberals in places like France, the UK and the rest of Europe have magaed to produce car that have gotten better than 30 MPG for years. The auto manufacturers have the technology, they just aren’t adapting it for the American market.
By James Winslo
July 13, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this
You can also cut your driving expense 15-20% by how you drive ! I’ve tried it and it works. Just ease off the heavy pedal, keep the mph down a little, pull slowly away from stops, cut the engine at long lights, coast a little when you can, etc., etc.
If everyone would drive a few less miles, plan those trips for maximum efficiency and drive easier on the gas pedal those prices will come down.
By GOPs got to go
July 13, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this
Dusty you are such a sanctimonious windbag. Really, you have more air than a Scottish bagpipe. You make a blanket statement about Dems being fiscally irresponsible, when it could be said of this Administration more than any in American history. Do you even work outside of the home? Do you have a mortgage? What is parked in YOUR garage?
Well, I do not have a mortgage and I have worked steadily for the last 29 years. I pay cash for my vehicles and do not use credit cards thank you. I also managed to raise 2 drug and alcohol free young people who are on the Deans list at TECH. Actually, one is in the PHD program there trying to fix the non-existent problem of Global Warming.
I can afford all the gas I want to purchase, however, I can comprehend that fact that not everyone is as comfortable as I. The point of the article is to demand more fuel efficient vehicles coming out of Detroit. If you are trying to throw you big-spending umbrella out over Liberals, please madam, I have never met a Liberal who drives a Hummer. I know you Repubs love to keep your head in the sand concerning the environment, but even your Idiot in the White House has admitted there just might be a problem.
By GOPs got to go
July 13, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this
And as to your laundry list of Conservative traits, I do follow everyone of the above with one exception. Quinoa taste better than ground beef with almost as much protein. It has the added benefit of being good for you without increasing your risk of cancer and obesity. But I am quite sure your bathroom scales have already shown you that difference
By GodHatesTrash
July 13, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
The thought of obese trailer trash in a tank top just ruined my breakfast.
All that hamburger, macaroni, pork rinds, cheap beer and cheetos has created a huge national problem.
Most GOPers need the big cars, SUVs and trucks to hall their enormous bulk around. Smart cars and Priuses aren’t designed with the morbidly obese in mind.
By GodHatesTrash
July 13, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
If I wanted to see a walrus in a tank top, I’d go to the circus.
(Dustbrain has offered us a partial explanation why most GOP husbands end up in airport mens rooms…)
By Taxpayer
July 13, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
I still remember the first car that I bought with my own money (my dad had loaned me a car to drive until I could afford to buy something for myself). It was built in France by Chrysler — the Simca. It was a really cool little car and not much bigger than an old VW bug even though it was a 4-door. Water-cooled, rear engine with 4-speed stick. I can’t remember for sure but I’d bet that thing got at least 30 mpg. Now those were some good times. Back then, we sported around in MGs and TRWs and Fiats. The TR 3. Now there was a nice roadster. It was like driving a go-cart on steroids and yet it got pretty decent gas mileage with its 4-cylinder engine. I’d love to have one of those again only with fuel-injection and electronic ignition. Oh yes. Points and condenser ignition systems and side-draft carburetors. Kids today just have it too easy.
By getalife
July 13, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
While they are fighting and dying for our freedom and the criminals in Washington steal our freedom, China is buying the Buicks and we are buying the mopeds. Putin took over the Articand is drilling. China made huge oil deals. We keep talking.
Just another part of w’s destruction of our country. You know it is bad when an oil man is the only one with an energy plan.
Cool cars like the Chevey Volt will come out of this and muscle cars from the 60’s will expensive relics of the good ole days.
Yes, change is here and it sux.
By @@
July 13, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
Howzabout $90.00 a month Jay, in a vehicle that gets 28 mpg? This is nothing new for conservatives. We’ve always sought to conserve/protect our income. When you’ve got it in the bank, it’ll provide in the event of an emergency.
You neglected to mention those families who won’t be able to make payments on a new fuel-efficient vehicle. What’s the interest rate on a car loan if they qualify for a loan at all?
Getalife:
A muscle car will always be a good investment since they’re driven little. Semper bought a 58 Corvette for $8,000, applied a little TLC and sold it for $27,000 eight years later to a collector.
He bought me a 69 Kharman Ghia convertible for $1,800, WE applied a little TLC and sold it 5 years later for $12,000 to a collector.
None of the profit we made went to the government.
Believe it or not, there are those people who value the things of the past.
By Political Foreskin
July 13, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
My aunt had a ‘58 Carmen Miranda hat once. It got 40 bananas per mamba.
By Ben
July 13, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
Here’s how the free market works…. People likes SUVs and didn’t care about the mileage, so the manufacturers made a bunch of huge, low mileage cars. And anyone who says conservatives are the only ones who drive big SUVs is living in a fantasyland. Now that gas prices are up, people have finally stopped buying SUVs and high mileage vehicles, so the manufacturers have started building less SUVs, more high mileage vehicles, and doing research to build vehicles with even higher mileage. Why? Because they have an economic incentive to do so. They did not before. They had no reason to build cars that Americans weren’t buying.
I don’t see this as a liberal/conservative issue, but since people are throwing stones at Bush…. Why didn’t Clinton see this coming and do anything? I seem to remember the 90’s as the wonderful days of plenty where everything bigger was better and it was going to go on forever. Of course then the tech/internet bubble that was responsible for the good times burst, and we got back to reality.
By Political Foreskin
July 13, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Thank you, Dr. Keynes.
By Bud Wiser
July 13, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
UPS plans their delivery routes to take as FEW left turns as possible, in order to avoid waiting for traffic lights…it reportedly saves fuel.
Our electorate could learn from that example. Make as few left votes as possible to avoid waiting also; waiting for the government to get one single dam thing done about energy, taxes, welfare, etc.
Godhatestrash, you left (no pun intended) out a few things on your list: hot dogs, coca-cola, cheap whiskey, potato chips, Twinkies, and everything on the shelves at Flash Foods.
By @@
July 13, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
My aunt had a ‘58 Carmen Miranda hat once. It got 40 bananas per mamba.
That was a good’n PoliFore.
As a conservative, I have a big problem with those who would tell me or anyone else what they should drive.
You’re right Ben…..this isn’t liberal or conservative.
Ideas & Trends: Liberal Transit; Those Democrats and Their Private Jets
THERE are objects or possessions that scream ”I’m better than you” — items that remind the average Joe of a cultural and economic divide that cannot be crossed. It’s a $10,000 bottle of wine, a Hummer, a real Rolex. This year’s conspicuous object seems to be the private jet.
It’s about elitists talkin’ down to the Average Joe.
The Average Joe that buys it, supports it, condones it is a tool.
By Bud Wiser
July 13, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
UPS plans their delivery routes to take as FEW left turns as possible, in order to avoid waiting for traffic lights…it reportedly saves fuel.
Our electorate could learn from that example. Make as few left votes as possible to avoid waiting also; waiting for the government to get one single dam thing done about energy, taxes, welfare, etc.
Godhatestrash, you left (no pun intended) out a few things on your list: hot dogs, coca-cola, cheap whiskey, potato chips, Twinkies, and everything on the shelves at Flash Foods.
By gsn
July 13, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Best comment here: James Winslo @ 7:28. Amen, brother. I have a hard time feeling sorry for people whining about gas prices yet they still drive like fools. Slowing down helps immensely, and it’s about the only way you can help yourself in the short term w/ rising costs. (And here’s an added bonus: conservatives, liberals, Repubicans, Democrats, independents — everyone can do it.)
By Duhng Undone
July 13, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
When I see a red light ahead, I start coasting slowly toward it. The nascar drafters behind me get impatient and swing wildly around me cutting off traffic coming up on our right or left, and then they floor it all the way to the red light and then slam on their brakes, and they’re driving Escalades.
Now, to flip these people off, there’s an art to it. Remember that old move where you adjust your glasses near your temples? You do that with your middle finger. It’s a trap, and the most effective way to flip someone off, because that nascar drafter is going to look real hard at the idiot who is slowing down for the red light, and when he does, he’s going to get a real eyeful of the eyeglass adjustment you’re making with your middle finger. Trust me, it’s the best get-even on the roads.
I did it once, and the guy got so mad, he slowed back down to get abreast of my car and started to feint like he was going to sideswipe me. He didn’t see the cop at my five oclock, the fool. I could not stop grinning that day, my friends.
By GodHatesTrash
July 13, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
Alot of you Georgia lowlifes aren’t concerned about rising gas prices - gas is real cheap when you steal it.
Every redneck I know has jumper cables and a siphon hose, and reeks of cheap beer and gasoline.
And body odor.
By N-GA
July 13, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Let’s see now. If big government hadn’t stepped in and tried to control big business:
Our rivers would be completely polluted by chemical discharge.
We would still have lead in gasoline and paint.
We would not have seat belts or car seats mandated for use.
There would still be children working in US factories.
There would be no air bags required in automobiles.
We couldn’t look at a package of food and determine what ingredients were contained in there.
Our big cities would still be shrouded in smog.
Oil companies would be drilling anywhere they wanted without controls to minimize spills or any other environmental impact.
Corporations fear lawsuits and fines. If not for government rules and regulations, they would do little to ensure the safety and well-being of their customers or workers.
Yes, government should just let big business run free…and trample on the bodies of American citizens.
By Cy Brown
July 13, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
It’s hard to feel sorry for folks when you still see clogged roads on Saturday and Sunday mornings with people driving aimlessly. Don’t people have anything better to do on weekends than drive, drive, drive? If I were in the oil industry, I would have absolutely ZERO incentive to do anything to lower prices…apparently Georgians would rather drive the economy into the ground than give their vehicles a little rest. It’s an addiction, and it is going to have dire consequences for us all!
By Duhng Undone
July 13, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
New York City in 1890 had 100K horses everywhere, spreading manure on every square inch of street. Now, on hot dry summer days, the horses would pound the manure into a fine, fine dust that would rise up and get into every single pore and crevice in buildings and people. New york City inhabitants were covered in manure 24/7. They ate it. they breathed it. they smelled it.
Even that situation, however, is better than watching a soccor mom dismount her humvee with a Bush bumper sticker and taking up two parking places.
Note to all soccor moms: when you find that you are no longer a part of the coveted 18-49 year old demographic, stop wearing spandex.
Thank you, it’s already a better world.
By N-GA
July 13, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
Cy Brown,
You’re painting with much too broad a brush. There are many who are guilty of not caring about conserving, and their selfishness impacts everyone. But there are others who don’t drive at all, or who drive fuel-efficient vehicles. Are they guilty of enabling other people to waste gasoline by their effort to conserve? I don’t think so.
By ron
July 13, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
Good afternoon,My 94 Ranger gets an honest 27 mpg.Last week’s gas bill was $25.04.That’s about what it is every week.We have cut our driving by 60% since last summer.It costs about $2 per round trip to town,or to the beach,or about anywhere we go today.That $2 trip is about our limit.
My friend just purchased an F-150,4.6 liter,4 wheel drive.Not the best move I’ve seen lately.
My canoe gets about 10 miles per peanut butter sandwich.
I mow the lawn faithfully,once a month.It gets a little long,but I haven’t used 3 gallons of gas yet this year.
I want a Japanese mini-truck or an electric pick-up.They’ll be cost effective for me when gas reaches about $10 per gallon.
By Taxpayer
July 13, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
One way to reduce driving, at least temporarily, is to cut off cell towers for fixed time intervals. You could even pre-announce the times. People will be parked where they can carry on their conversations instead of driving while doing so.
By getalife
July 13, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
@@,
Semper should have kept that vette for another 20 years and you would be rich.
I love muscle cars. The torque is awesome when the front wheels leave the ground.
By Duhng Undone
July 13, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
Actually, RON, dodge is selling their $27K pickup trucks for $13K. You save more than the extra gas you spend by far.
Gas prices are a funny thing. We spend so much just for the car, why not spend less on the car, (hello KIA), and who cares about gas?
Gas is still cheaper than 1974 in today’s dollars.
Did you know that three nickels during world war two is now worth 1 penny in today’s money?
That a quarter in in 1970 is now worth a nickel in today’s money?
So, if you had a million dollars in world war two under your mattress you’d only have 70 grand in today’s money. Ouch.
Or, if you had a million under your mattress in 1970, you’d only have 200G’s today.
Double ouch.
By Taxpayer
July 13, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
Mr. Bookman,
I’m sure you didn’t want to get this detailed but I thought that I would throw it out just as food for thought for those so inclined to delve deeper into the issue. Anyway, for a more complete comparison of costs for two different vehicles, I would suggest something like the following:
Vehicle Operating Cost = Fuel Cost + Vehicle Cost + Insurance Cost + Ad Valorem Tax and Tag Cost + Maintenance Cost +(Costs for comparing to transportation methods not requiring licensed vehicle ownership such as Parking Fees, Driver’s License, etc.) - Income Tax Benefit
Of course, the individual terms can be expressed as Average Cost per mile, Cost per Year, etc., depending on your needs. Comparisons between cars can differ considerably depending on one’s “situation” such as whether you need to finance the vehicle and your interest rate if applicable, your insurance premium requirements such as full coverage versus liability only and even Ad Valorem Tax differences between a new versus used vehicle. Oh yes, there’s also the potential for an Income Tax deduction. You could even add an extra layer to the equation by introducing a “location term” to account for miles driven for a given place of residence and work location or even a term to evaluate the impact of telecommuting, etc. Of course, the vehicle cost must take into account the expected life of the vehicle and maintenance cost is a function of the particular vehicle, it’s age and mileage, how it’s cared for, etc. Finally, Congress and the President could do a lot to help the consumer if they wanted. It just depends on what sorts of incentives they offer. The possibilities are just endless. Then again, why bother. For as soon as this effort is completed, our geniuses in office would introduce the FairTax[tm] or something equally absurd and just screw up everything.
By @@
July 13, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Getalilfe:
Naahhhh, he sold it at the right time. They kinda peak in value.
The saddest thing was that he had driven three homecoming queens in parades when asked. He sold it the year our daughter made it.
She didn’t complain; the back of his 59 Chevrolet Apache pick up was just fine with her.
The parts needed to refurbish the Ghia were twice as much as the parts for the Vette.
Both projects were fun. I learned a lot.
Believe it or not, I can do body work. Bondo is my friend.
By Benevolus
July 13, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
M/mpg x P = C leaves out 2 important variables; PPV (people per vehicle) & S (safety). As a father of 4, a car that can haul my entire brood safely is what matters the most to me. I will cut back in other areas before I sacrifice these.
By Hillbilly Deluxe
July 13, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
A few random observations.
Nobody should own a French car unless they live in France. It’s kinda like English cars and their Lucas ignitions. (Lucas by the way is the man who invented darkness-If my buddy GS that I stole this line from reads this I hope I am still your hero). Many are familiar with the 3-position English Headlight switch: Off, Flicker and Dim. (I stole that line too, from DR but hey at least I acknowledge it).
I’d rather eat steak fried than any other way. (This refers to the preparation of the steak and not my mental state while dining).
If there comes a time when fuel prices come down, people will go back to big vehicles. They always do. The population is aging and a very important factor in vehicle choice for us aging folks is how easy is it to get in and out of said vehicle. (I am 5’ 11” and weigh 165 so don’t give me any obesity lectures).
What is the point of discreetly flipping someone off? If you’re gonna do it make it obvious; leave no doubt. (One must be prepared to suffer the consequences though as said Flippee might not agree with your view of your moral superiority).
I was trying to think of something that has been done right in our energy policy in the last 40 years. Sorry I’m drawing blanks.
The liberals in this blog say the Republicans are fiscally irresponsible. The conservates in this blog say the Democrats are fiscally irresponsible. Hell you’re both right. (That one is a no brainer).
I saw Ken Cook on TV telling me I would save 15% by driving the speed limit. How does he know how fast I drive? (The key here is compared to what. Ken you gotta have a base to work off of. 5mph over? 10 mph over? 50 mph over? Help me out here.)
Any grammatical, spelling, punctuation, or typographical mistakes in this post are intended to drive certain unnamed people crazy.
Have a chuckle and enjoy your day.
By Dusty
July 13, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
PoFo@10:05
My aunt had a ‘58 Carmen Miranda hat once. It got 40 bananas per mamba.
Oh that was such a good one, PoFo. I’m inspired! Could we have a little contest to see if we can come up with any more? Mine are pret-tee BAD….but it’s a start…
I kept my old Tostado until it was full of chips. It got one crunch per crisp..
The Gore Fatmobile got only 10 carbon footprints per gallon because of Green House gases…
I kept the first Alexander Hamilton model until it was shot.
The new Jolie-Pitt design has twin carburetors at last count.
I tried a Obama 2008 Democrator but it kept running off the road and under the bus.
The new John Edward TRY1 runs fine but it keeps chasing ambulances.
The alternative fuel BarbBoxer car runs on tranquilizers.
The Pelosi-Reid P U needs to be traded after only one year. The speedometer stays stuck below ten.
The Bookman batmobile is fueled by beleaguered batboys lost in space.
The Bill for the Hillary Hiatus PU showed too many gals per mile.
NOW YOU TRY IT…….
By ron
July 13, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Dear Duhng Undone,I don’t follow your reasoning.If I buy a $27k truck for $13k,I have $14K to spend on gas?Why don’t I not buy a $100K Mercedes and have all that money to spend on gas for my Ranger?
By PoFo
July 13, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Phasers on stun…….
By Dusty
July 13, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
blazers for fun….
By GodHatesTrash
July 13, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Then there’s the Foleymobile - they are marketing it towards young Republicans - but it just plain sucks.
And the Craig Widetrack Senator - it just sucks too.
They’re coming out with a new Karl/a Rover, and the Bush President - soon.
(Would it surprise to find out that they suck too? Nope.)
By Taxpayer
July 13, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
Embarrassment is having the French beat us at anything. They were building little 30 mpg cars back in the sixties and selling them over here. Then, there were the Germans. They sure had some good engineers and scientists. The VW was just plain cheap, simple transportation. The US automakers responded to the scare from the oil embargo with marvels such as the Chevy Vega and the Ford Pinto. Actually, the Pinto was not that bad of a cheap car. The Fantastic Three however would always get it confused with their Number 4 whenever it was involved in a rear-end collision. The Vega never was allowed to reach its full potential. Floridians, for example, loved them for their mosquito fighting abilities. Unfortunately, the Vega actually caused a net increase in US oil consumption even though it got better miles per gallon than other GM vehicles.
By Dusty
July 13, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
Oh dear, now where was I . Sorry I had to toodle-oo for a while but I am the President elect of The National Society for the Advancement of Tolerance of Fat People.
As this weeks hostess I had SO many snacks to prepare for the members. I am cutting back though. For patriotic reasons I now only serve ground beef balls instead of steak on a stick. And our cheery chubbies go gaga over my fried pork chops. I had to make a Little Debbie run in my Hummer, Sissy must have her HoHos.
Oh back to the point. I find it totally American and Patriotic to drive the bestest, greatest car ever to roll off the assembly line. A HUMMER. Just typing the name gets my grannie panties moist. Mr. Dustmite drives one too. He says it make him feel like a man. I know one thing for sure, it definitely make me feel more girlie and petite. Not that I have a problem in THAT department though. As my mama always said, I’m not fat, I’m just big boned.
I intend to vote for the candidate that supports my God given American right to drive the most humongous car I WANT to drive, and the rest of you all can just go to H-E double hockey sticks.
Have a nice day!!
By Gop's got to go
July 13, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
PoFo,
Fry her like her pork chops
By chuckling out loud
July 13, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
The Reagon Racer just kept putting along and it came with an old bat in the back seat
Some “Theif” kept stealing my Nixon Nascar
By Midori
July 13, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
hahahahaha
someone sure has Crusty pegged!!!
By Dusty
July 13, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
4:55
Listen, if you are going to steal my ID try to be a little more erudite. Thank you. Id Thief @4:53. If only he were entertaining!!
To the other duds of abnormal psychology here including Midol, not worth a comment….
By ron
July 13, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
The Obamamobile only turns left.
The Billmobile is due for a new moniker.
The wheels fell off the Hillarycar.
McCain drives an OLDSMOBILE,
Karl drives a Rover.
The Alvehicle is four wheel drive and runs on Electricity.It uses 216,000 KWH per annum.
The Jimmycar costs only peanuts to run.
The Obamaslama will be fueled by campaign donations.
One needs to keep one’s shirt on while riding in the Mittmobile.
Someday these will all be parked in Jay Leno’s garage.
By Midori
July 13, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
speaking of “duds”, that 4:55 sure landed with a resounding “THUD”
Crusty — I’ve always envisioned you with a huge, enormous posterior. It has to be as that’s where you store all of your simple minded talking points and shrieking, high handed rhetoric.
you’re just mad that the 4:53 fits you to a tee.
everyone has you pegged. a 5 year old makes more sense.
By Midori
July 13, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
There once was a clown named Crusty Whose talking points were always most rusty When confronted with a view, her retort was “I’m more patriotic than you” She always stuck with that line, no matter how musty.
By NRB
July 13, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this
Jay in the next few years, because of the free market, we’ll be seeing electric cars hit the market. The first of which will be the Chevy Volt in 2010. Other automakers are scrambling to do the same.
People are also trading in their gas guzzlers for smaller cars at such a pace that the car lots cant even keep up.
Sounds like the free market is working to me? Or was your rant another excuse to stand on your elitist soap box and wag your finger at us capitalists?
Do us a favor man…get it over with and move to Cuba with your other “comrades”.
By NRB
July 13, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
And another thing Jay, people have always been able to purchase cars that get 35 MPG…Civics, Sentras, etc.
We dont need the worthless government telling people what they can and cannot buy….no matter how much a commie like you would want that.
People, I think it’s time we started boycotting the AJC even more. I’m sick of the anti-American propaganda. Time to get serious about shutting them down for good and putting tools like Jay homeless on the street.
By Dusty
July 13, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
Hey Ron @5:56
You’ve got some good ones.
The Jimmycar costs only peanuts to run.
Karl drives a Rover.
The Billmobile is due for a new moniker.!!!
The Obamamobile only turns left. (You can say THAT again.)
Looks like you’re the winner here. Jay Leno couldn’t do any better.
By GOPs got to go
July 13, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
Yes, please NRB, by all means, PLEASE boycott the AJC. And start today!
By Abomi Nation
July 13, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
How about these Dusty?
The Dodge Dusty- Not to be confused with tho old Plymouth Duster, this car dodges the truth with GPS, George Positioning Satellite. Only car in America still sporting a “W” sticker. Driver side hot airbag. Drivers seat has 1,000 pound capacity.
The Chicken Hawk- This hybrid is a favorite among young Republicans and runs on chickenshi t. Pre-equipped with handicap parking passes.
The Bonzo- Famous for its rear view mirrors that make things seem better than they were.
The Straight Talk Express Bus- Currently running on fumes. Will not stop near a Bush. Once flip-flopped 64 times.
By Dusty
July 13, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
Abomi Nation @9:51
Hey, that was pretty clever for a lib with a GED. Congratulations on using your mind on this rare occasion. I kinda liked your post even with all its faults. Thanks for participating in the fun.
Come to think of it, my sons bought an old Dodge Duster one time. And a SuperBEE,a cute blue Chevy and a VW among others and a variety of motorcycles. My sons love automotives. The one in the army bought a car overseas, a pickup truck in the USA and left his Datsun at home. Now he has a Ford sedan and a pickup truck. Somebody here is always swapping out or bringing home a new one. The Mustang got traded the other day and I hated to see that cute one go. Oil change stickers are the only ones we put on our vehicles. We treat them nicely.
I can see you are familiar with handicap parking, weight problems, fumes and flip flops. But I am glad you can still drive and get in the driver’s seat, even if it is a 1970 VW Bug. Hang in there, buddy. You still have a bit of a spark left. As PoFo often says: You’re doing the best you can!
By Lewis
July 14, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this
For 30 years sensible people have been pushing for increasing fuel-efficiency standards… and for 30 years, regardless of which party was in power, the oil and auto lobbyists have been working against America’s interests.
Had enough yet?
By Dennis
July 14, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this
There are high milege vehicles available. They have been available for a long time. However, people, humans, US Residents, have not chosen to buy and drive them.
Hence Democrats see the only option as: The Federal Government must inject itself into citizens decision making. And require that people do what they clearly do not want to do.
Ditto with Health Care, Social Security, Oil Exploration and Refining, etc., etc.
By Copyleft
July 14, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
Dennis, the PEOPLE have wanted a large number of changes that have been thwarted by lobbyists and special interests… do you really see that as a “Democratic/Republican” problem?
By GodHatesTrash
July 14, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
I bought a New Beetle in 2003. In 2004-5 I lived in Dahlonega for a little while, two-three times weekly I would head down 400 to Atlanta, happy with my 30+ mpg, a little bit better than the 26 my A8 got. But oftimes I wondered, looking at all the drunken rage-filled rednecks in their pickups and the Stepford wives in their SUVs, is this safe, what with their inability to drive?
Morons in two-ton pickups and SUVs (or retired old coots in their Crown Vics) chatting on cellphones, swilling beer, playing with their handguns, bumper riding my Beetle at 65 mph, blowing by me at 90, bobbing and weaving like Muhammad Ali with Parkinsons… it was uncomfortable, to say the least.
I survived unscathed, and changed my life and location. I sold the A8, and I’ve put 4K miles on my Beetle since moving out of Dixie in Jan 2007. Living in a more rural area, there are lots of bumper-riding rednecks here, too - at least they don’t run the government - but I am off the road, out of their line of fire.
Thankfully, my Beetle does great in crash tests - but I am leery of getting anything smaller - traveling extensively in Europe the last few years, the Smart Car is a cool ride, but I wonder how it would fare in a high-speed tangle with one of your moron redneck rides…
We are trading my wife’s Subaru for a Prius - we’re on the waiting list for mid-August…
And we buy all our gas at Citgo, to avoid trading with people who support Islamic or Christian fundamentalists.
By Citizen of the World
July 14, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
If you want to see how the public’s desire for high-mileage vehicles has been thwarted by the government, car manufacturers and big oil, watch “Who Killed the Electric Car.” Then maybe you’ll understand that there are now, and have always been, other than market-forces at work in what’s available and sold in this country. Even our current dependence on cars was brought about by a government that, in cahoots with the oil and car industries, undermined railroads and commuter trains.