Privileged parking for fuel-efficient cars?

[OldGuy43]

Before multiple life changes necessitated my owning a more reliable vehicle I owned what I called "Partymobiles". There were only three requirements:

1. They run reasonably well.
2. They be legal. (i.e. kinda current registration and inspection.)
3. They cost less than $300. (Actually, the early ones were less than $125, but times change.
   
   )

Other than buying gas I would spend no money on them. No oil changes, no transferring the title, no insurance (at that time Texas didn't require insurance). I just drove them until they quit. Than I would abandon them where ever they were and start looking for another. Since the initial cost was less than one month's payment on most used cars, if they lasted 6 months I considered myself way ahead.

Not environmentally sound, but fiscally it made perfect sense.

Fun times.

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

My 1984 2500 diesel suburban makes 19 miles to the gallon an can hall 8 people and/or 1500# legally.

Even with pump fuel at $4 that comes to 2 an one half cents per mile per person or one an one half cents per mile per 100# of payload. An think what it would figure up to when pulling 10,000# of trailer or running non pump fuel...


So whats the cost per mile per person on these "hybrid" monstrosities? With the car payment included?

 

[Sunny Side Up]

The two main qualities I desire in a vehicle are reliability and economy. I want something that doesn't break down frequently and is easy on my wallet in terms of gas, tires, & parts. I imagine that some of these new fuel-efficient vehicles have issues that add to their cost, I hope that by the time I can afford one they'll have worked out some of these problems. More likely I'll be stuck buying one of these older versions used while other folks park their new-fangled flying cars that run on exhaled breath in the special privileged spaces.

I figured that these spaces aren't designated by law, there is no fine for parking a different kind of vehicle there. And here in South Fla the desired spaces are somewhere in the shade rather than up front near the building, unless it's pouring rain. I'm not the kind that trolls the parking lot looking for the closest spot, now that my kids aren't darting toddlers I don't mind the walk.

It just irks me to see these signs honoring those who drive new fuel-efficient cars, because that is a choice not everyone can make even if they wish. It is something reserved for those in a certain economic bracket. Never mind that for over 40 years I've been very conservative in my use of gas, water, and electricity, that I repair and reuse, and I carpool, compost, recycle, freecycle, upcycle, and bicycle. All of these are thoughtful choices that I can make. If I could simply exchange my current vehicle for a reliable & economical fuel-efficient one, I would certainly do that. But that can't happen, I'd have to pay a lot of money I don't have to do that.

Just don't rub my nose in that fact.

 

[OldGuy43]

My 1984 2500 diesel suburban makes 19 miles to the gallon an can hall 8 people and/or 1500# legally.

Even with pump fuel at $4 that comes to 2 an one half cents per mile per person or one an one half cents per mile per 100# of payload. An think what it would figure up to when pulling 10,000# of trailer or running non pump fuel...


So whats the cost per mile per person on these "hybrid" monstrosities? With the car payment included?

Nice start Reb, but you left out a few costs, questions and difficulties associated with a hybrid. The first is the battery itself. We all know that batteries wear out and replacement cost is anywhere from $1000 to $6000. I thought that $6-800 was outrageous for a "normal wear and tear part" when cars first came out with turbochargers. I can only imagine how I would feel being told that my $6000 battery had failed, and before you start on about them being warrantied read here:

http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f11/warning-honda-hybrid-battery-warranty-2817/

Next comes a question I've always wondered about. What is the overall burden on the environment from manufacture to disposal of those batteries, and what about the availability of those chemicals used in their manufacture? It could be every bit as bad as oil. (I emphasize could here because I've been unable to find a straight, unbiased answer to either of these questions.)

Next comes the cost of electricity for charging. One pro-hybrid site estimates it as the equivalent of 75¢/gallon. Certainly cheaper than gasoline, but an expense all the same, and that doesn't even address the rolling blackouts that some areas of the country are experiencing. "Hello boss, I can't come to work today because my battery's dead and the power's been shut off."

Next we have the issue of finding someone who knows how to work on your hybrid. If you read the link above you may have noticed this comment, "At this point he agreed that the battery system was not fine, but given the limited experience he had with hybrids, he needed to call Honda USA's tech advisors." 'nough said!

Than there's the additional hazards from hybrids if they're involved in a accident. ABC News did an article on that subject:

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Hybrid/story?id=99524&page=1#.T38Qw9m8jc5

One last comment and I'll get off the box; The hybrid advocates say they expect the costs associated with owning one to come down as time goes on. RIGHT! When was the last time you saw the cost of anything come down?

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

I also left out the fact that I only have to pay $4 a gallon for diesel cause its the law. There are hundreds of fuels that a diesel will run on, many of which are free waste products an cleaner than pump diesel but are illegal to use.

 

[hemet dennis]

Parking ? Really ?
You don't care about the up to $10,000 government rebate ?
You do know you helped pay for that car ?
I don't care where they park but I think I should be able to drive it an hour a month.


And the cost of things do go down when more people buy, I payed over $1,400 for my first VCR.

 

[OldGuy43]

Quote: One last comment and I'll get off the box; The hybrid advocates say they expect the costs associated with owning one to come down as time goes on. RIGHT! When was the last time you saw the cost of anything come down?

And the cost of things do go down when more people buy, I payed over $1,400 for my first VCR.

I did say last time, didn't I?

 

[EweSheep]

I also left out the fact that I only have to pay $4 a gallon for diesel cause its the law. There are hundreds of fuels that a diesel will run on, many of which are free waste products an cleaner than pump diesel but are illegal to use.

You're kidding me, right? I thought you can reuse, recycle or burn your own waste fuel in your truck anyway you see fit!

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

Getting caught running a alternate fuel is treated the sames as being caught running farm fuel. You are charged with tax evasion.

 

[hemet dennis]

I did say last time, didn't I?

At my age I don't always remember things in order
But video games have gone down i heard and hasn't the price of music gone down.