Fuel economy really does not matter....

You must be assuming that our mileage craze is grounded in reason. My sense is that it's more recreational, or a personal challenge to enjoy our new toys. Although some people do enough annual driving for it to actually matter (I've seen a few members of the 50K club here), for the rest of us I think it's just a hobby to keep us off the streets. Think of it as midnight basketball for nerds.

Sir Edmund Hillary, when asked why he climbed Mount Everest: "Because it is there."

 

But, But, But...Kirbinster...What about the fun...and the bragging rights? If we didn't care about the gas mileage, what would there be to care about. I find myself driving my other cars easier and more efficiently out of habits I developed in squeezing a couple of more MPG out of the Prius. :lol:

If 46 isn't bad, then why not drive like an idiot and get 43, or even..gasp...41. ukeright:

NO NO NO...you are wrong...It DOES matter. Every drop of gas has the right to it's fair share of mileage. Every milliamp of electricity should be used to its fullest.

MPG is the be all and end all. I stand up proudly and speak to all who will listen..I DEMAND EQUALITY...I DEMAND EQUAL REPRESENTATION. If Ray can get 818 miles in one tank, I should have the right to as well. I'll SUE Toyota if they can't make my car get great gas mileage.

If they can send a man to the moon, why can't I get 60 MPG...or even 70, 80 or 100....AHHHHHHHH

(we are sorry for this outburst, Karl is medicated now, g'nite)

 

A point that most people fail to realize is the "diminishing returns" of better gas milage. Consider that the fuel cost to drive a car 10,000 miles at $2.50/gal is:
10 mpg - $2500
15 mpg - $1667
20 mpg - $1250
40 mpg - $ 625
50 mpg - $ 500
80 mpg - $ 312

If you increase your milage from 15 to 20 mpg you save $417, but if you are already averaging 40 mpg, you would need to increase your mileage to 120 mpg to save $417!! At the current gas cost, I think the point of diminishing returns is about 40 mpg. After that, you don't gain a whole lot financially.

 

Great perspective<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kingofgix\";p=\"110876)</div>

Great perspective. I get a good laugh each month when my gas bill comes in at less than half the pre-Prius amount.

 

I can definitely afford the gas, but I never had this much fun when I was going fast and riding someone's bumper.

I drew a line in the sand and decided that my car should get at least 50 MPG. I never expected 60 MPG. The great thing about this game we play is that now that I've had a lot of practice with it, I easily get 58 MPG without trying at all and even doing a little hotrodding from time to time.