Grass as Fuel

[apothanein kerdos]

What is the average income though?

The problem in the US is that gas prices are going up while income is stagnating...that is not a good thing.

[eric]

The average wage down here, from memory is about thirty five grand, give or take a couple. The Kiwi dollar is currently trading about 70 to 72 cents to the Greenback.

[Cerran]

For some of us, the gas hikes are really killing our check book. Think of it this way:

Gas prices are rising an average of 68% a year. Imagine what it will be next year, ot the year after.

I welcome the high gas prices, I think it will force a shift in the auto market that has stagnated because the US government has artifically held down gas prices for so long. People will drive less and start switching to cars that use less gas.

Gone will be the day of the single person driving the surburban to work or to the grocery store.

[Gerioke]

my car's in the shop

I'm saving big bucks

[ted]

Gone will be the day of the single person driving the surburban to work or to the grocery store.

Nah, never happen.

Remember the gas crunch of the early 70's? Lot's of people were carrying on about the sky falling, but it was only temporary. Look where we are today. Aside from the past few months, I'd say we haven't learned a thing.

Japan will make another run at our market with newer, fuel efficient cars like 30 years ago, and some country like Kyrgystan will make a one cylinder wonder that will sell for $30 bucks. That will last for a while and then we will recover again.

Unless, of course, Jesus comes back before then.

And then, my friend, it's all moot!

t.

[Cerran]

There are several factors that will prevent a 1970's similar recovery:

Refinery Capacity - Currently at the maximum and no refineries are being built in the US.

China - Already doubling consumption of oil every couple years. Market prices are going to continue to go up due to increased demand for oil.

US Currency Dominance - Our currency has devalued over 35% since the 70's and soon will no longer be the world exchange basis. I predict the Euro will become the new exchange basis.

Japan is already a dominant car maker in the US, and with good reason.

And last but not least, poor US policy in the middle East could turn against us and stop oil imports to the US. Even demand from China could do this if the marketplace dictates it.

As for Jesus coming back, I personally don't think it'll happen anytime soon.

[Gerioke]

over 1 dollar per litre Yikes!!! Now I'm really glad my cars in the shop

I think I may revert back to my thumb for fuel

[Guest Thomas I believe]

Gas jumped 20 cents today in Rochester , Minnesota. I am all for any alternative fuels. I guess I won't be doing much stormchasing in kansas this year with gas this high

[Cerran]

1991 Gran Marquis - 20 MPG on the road

1981 Chevrolet Caprice Wagon - 22 MPG on the road

1969 3/4 Ton Chevrolet Truck - 375 HP 350 c.i.

Reb:

I think you'll actually find that most of the smaller cars on the market outperform all three of these in crash tests. Remember most injuries don't occur directly from the other car on older ones but from pieces of your own car. Especially the steering column on older cars. Not to mention side curtain air bags, crumple zones and anti-lock brakes on newer vehicles. If it was a surburban and a metro, yeah but that would be like a semi and a suburban and there is always that risk.

I have a 1977 Jeep Wagoneer with a 401 V8 as well but it never gets driven except to the dump and to get firewood.

[Imamom]

Went up to $2.43 per gallon yesterday. I live in the country and the car pool thing just doesn't work. I live 35 miles from where I work, It takes me about 2.5 gallons each day just to work. I work 35 miles from home for the extra $1.00 to $1.50 hr. that I would not get near home. Seems with gas prices and wear and tear on my vehicle it's almost not worth it anymore. I'd look for something that pays less and is closer to home if it weren't for the fact that I will have low cost insurance (Medical and Dental) soon.