Attitude At the Gas Pump

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Boulder Bum @ May 2 2007, 01:30 AM) [snapback]433808[/snapback]</div>

Percentage wise, compared to the number of Prii they see on the open road or in parking lots, no they don't see Prii at the pump as often.

In fact, neither do I.
It's kind of a lonely feeling when you are the only Prii at the pumps and are surrounded by tons of gas guzzling SUVs and trucks.
Without the backup of a fellow Prii, my 'tude turns more toward, 'keep head down, don't make eye contact, don't provoke them.'

Actually, with the rise of gas prices, so do the inquiries by those poor slobs who have nothing better to do during their extended time at the pump. They are just looking for a way out of their predicament .

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Boulder Bum @ May 2 2007, 04:30 AM) [snapback]433808[/snapback]</div>

I liked a previous post on this subject where the Prius guy said he often only put a few gallons in and then remarked to the SUV guy that it would hold him for another 500+ miles. Then he'd drive off to another station to finish his fillup. Nice way to mess with their minds. (Geeze, almost cost me $10 this time!)

- Tom

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tom_06 @ May 2 2007, 06:46 AM) [snapback]433823[/snapback]</div>

My only 'tude at the gas pump is at those that I want to do an actual fill-up and the gas station has a policy of not letting anyone fill-up without pre-paying. I hate having to walk in and give them a twenty and then pump my gas (fill-up cost 17 the other day) so I have to walk in again to get my change.

As for the SUV's at the gas station, I believe I have a permanent smirk when at the station and filling up next to one.

 

I always make a point to fill up next to one of those big a$$ SUVs when I can. While they are putting the family bank into the tank, I can pull up, get out, fill the tank, pay and leave while they are still filling up. Usually I just tip the head and wish them a happy day!

 

I pulled up next to a guy in his F250 4x4. He saw that I only put in 9 gal and said "I think I need to get deployed again to pay for the gas on this truck :-(" (Deployed soldiers get a tax benefit and combat pay)

Sticking it in Chavez's eye..... :lol:

 

While I'm sure some on the road resent my hybrid, it's not happened in the 6.5 years I've pumped gas. In fact, no less than a dozen inquiries have been made.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Sufferin' Prius Envy @ May 2 2007, 04:02 AM) [snapback]433809[/snapback]</div>

I own a Prius -- but I also have a lot of friends and family members with jobs, business, or very large outdoors oriented families who are completely satisfied with their SUV's or dualie trucks and don't (nor do I) consider themselves as poor slobs in a predicament. I know the comment is in jest and I'm not really thin skinned but, jeez, why do so many Prius folks tend toward the holier than thou? Whether you are in the construction business or have 4 kids and 6 kayaks, a Prius ain't gonna cut it. Then there are millions of folks who are stuck with their gas guzzlers because they don't have the cash or credit to buy an alternative.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(RinMI @ May 2 2007, 07:25 AM) [snapback]433832[/snapback]</div>

I hate filling up downstate just for that reason. On trips I usually use a credit card at the pump to avoid the double march into the station. Up here we can still pay cash after the fill-up.

Tom

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mootsman @ May 2 2007, 08:34 AM) [snapback]433874[/snapback]</div>

Noted, many people need something larger than a Prius for their work. I don't know if you can remember 1980 or earlier, but why has the proportion of trucks/SUVs grown well past the growth of the jobs that need them? The answer is not difficult.

 

I get MY kicks by pulling into gas stations with my EV, finding a Prius driver filling up, and yelling, "Oops, I almost forgot... I don't need to plug it into the pump!" and then quietly continue on with my day. Around here I can easily do that 20 times/day.

Yeah, I've got "pumpt attitude" - because our main car never has to go there!

 

I always pull in on EV mode, AC off, windows down and circle past the other people filling up. Then I fill up and after I normally can call to my wife who is sitting in the car. "This paying $25.00 bucks every two weeks is really getting old. These prices are crazy." Then I pull my receipt from the pump, get in, and drive off in EV mode again.

Don't get me wrong, when I have to take my truck or SUV and fill up and I see some Prius driver with "'Tude," I normally walk over and say "So do you like that thing?" The answer is always, "I love it." "What kind of mileage do you get with it?" They say something like "45 to 50 mpg. " That is when I say, "Really, I get 55 to 60 mpg in my Prius. " Then I tell them about Priuschat.

EDIT to add this:

No Darlldd, I can't top that yet, but one day soon you will hear from me asking about putting solar on my roof to charge my car.

 

Try to keep your 'tude under control, everyone... Remember that you are in fact still using petroleum, and there are vehicles out there that don't. Some people would laugh at YOU for even going to the pumps in the first place.

Like everyone in my homebrew biodiesel club who drives Jettas and Rabbits that get nearly the same mileage as the Prius, on biodiesel from waste oil.

Of course, they would get laughed at by all the people in my commuter cycling club who don't even own cars. Like the guy who even moved across town by bicycle, using these humongous bicycle trailers he made (even moved his fridge!).

The Prius is great, and is way better than normal gasoline cars and trucks for most purposes, but there are people who work harder, and do more for the environment than just driving a Prius. Efficient vehicles are just one small part of the puzzle, don't overstate their value.

Just be glad for the small ways that you can help. Don't spend your time gloating over those who do less, spend your time thinking about how you can do more.

peace,
Sam

P.S. I was filling my fuel injected 50cc scooter the other day, next to a Prius. My scooter has a 1.5 gallon gas tank, and gets 110MPG (and goes 55mph), so it takes about 4 seconds to fill up. I pulled up while they were pumping, filled up, and then was pulling away while they were still working the pump. I smiled at them, because I was glad to see another Prius on the road, but I hope they didn't think I was gloating.

 

I pulled into a gas station just yesterday. I bought a cherry pie and a bottle of iced tea, and was on my way.

:lol:

Harry

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mootsman @ May 2 2007, 08:34 AM) [snapback]433874[/snapback]</div>

It makes more economical sense to sell the SUV with an upside down loan, borrow the difference to pay it off (plus a few thousand more to buy a 95 accord) than it does to stick with 2 tons of depreciating metal and a monthly payment that is draining your bank account.

 

What are you guys talking about?!!! You mean we have to add gas to this car? I thought it was supposed to get better mileage than that!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Cheap! @ May 2 2007, 08:23 AM) [snapback]433963[/snapback]</div>

Excellent! We just finished up my Dad's house. How cool does that look?


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(phidauex @ May 2 2007, 08:40 AM) [snapback]433970[/snapback]</div>

Now I'm confused. This is my 'tude! And I DO laught at people at the pumps.

But alas, every couple of months, even *I* drive a gas car. It shouldn't have to be like that!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mootsman @ May 2 2007, 08:34 AM) [snapback]433874[/snapback]</div>

Moots:

I would suggest that a lot of the attitude is a result of the attitude that is often projected upon Prius owners, especially from heavy SUV and pickup drivers (and especially the "redneck" crowd). Now, I don't exactly look like the stereotype some folks have about who should climb out of a Prius (I'm a 6' tall, 205# Marine Corps Colonel), but I've still gotten a snide comment or two from such people. My car has the max allowable tint on the windows, so I'm essentially invisible in the car unless the lighting is just right. I've seen the looks as I pull up to a pump. I've seen the look change real fast when I emerge from inside the car, especially if in uniform. I find this particularly amusing, since I'm actually a pretty laid back person, and certainly not looking for trouble from anyone. But one steely eyed glare seems to deflect the crap from most of the folks who seem to be inclined to give Prius drivers undue grief. I just put on a tight, thin smile, pump my gas, and leave (usually while they're still pumping...).

 

Awesome! A few more panels and you wouldn't have had to pay for the shingles.