A Thought on Motor Vehicles

There are so many reasons why I'm proud/happy that I drive a small, fuel efficient vehicle.

First, gas prices are at an all time high in 11 states, Illinois among them. I am getting 30+ miles/gallon - and thats city driving! Its no Prius, which is averaging 51 city and over 60 highway, but we simply couldn't afford that vehicle. Still, while everybody else is fuming over gas prices, I have the luxury of knowing that my gas tank is only 12 gallons, so even at a $.30/gallon increase, its only costing me an extra $3.60/fill up - and these only occur every 2 to 2.5 weeks!

Second, almost a third of the air pollution in the United States comes from passenger vehicles. Small vehicles = fewer emissions. I like that.

Sometimes I wonder if the majority of consumers consider little outside of the 'coolness factor'. What about your environmental footprint? While standing in the lot filled with shiney machines, do people stop and think, 'Do I need a car to commute to and from work?' or 'Do I need a second car for quick errands around town?' Or, 'Do I need a vehicle that you can pile the whole family into on a regular basis?' I think far to many people are blinded by the 'bling'.

Don't get me wrong, I think that people should enjoy what they drive. A car is a big investment, after all. I just think bigger isn't always better, or 'cooler'.

*Clarification: I think families need SUV's - hence the 'Do I need a vehicle that I can pile my whole family into on a regular basis?' question. I don't think that my single male realtor neighbor needs a four wheel drive SUV gas guzzler.*

You know what else I don't get? Rims. Whats the obsession all about, anyway? I find it particularly interesting when I see fancy spinners so shiny they could B-L-I-N-D a person on a piece of crap old car (headed towards a rougher neighborhood). Personally, I'll stick with my factory installed beauties, thanks.