Comments on: I Just Traded in My Fuel Efficient Car for a SUV

By: tom

tom — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:42:46 +0000

This is a response to lisa in post 26 about the fuel economy of the impala. I have an 03 impala in which i achieve mid 20’s in town and 32 on the highway. Thats why you havent heard anybody bashing them.

By: TopWaysToSave

TopWaysToSave — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:37:59 +0000

I don’t think your idea is that far fetched. CNN had an article similar a week or so ago. It def seems like you thought out your decision which is the most important thing. I don’t think gas is gonna hit $6 or $8 per gallon. Yes you never know though. People are paying full price for fuel efficient cars and you can save thousands right now on a SUV. If you don’t drive that much i agree it can be a good economic move. Saying how you’re helping the environment might be pushing it, but I like your reasoning behind everything else.

By: subscriber

subscriber — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:36:44 +0000

I purchased a brand new 2007 Toyoto Prius in 2006.

The gas mileage ISN’T what Toyota promised.

The battery died TWICE in the first year leaving me stranded far from home. They told me to use my Triple A coverage. I told them to come get the car or the newspapers would get a story. They pick it up.

Another unfortunate consequence when the battery dies is that ALL of the doors automatically UNLOCK. Leaving my valuables vulnerable to thieves.

Do yourself a favor and get a REGULAR small car until Toyota works out the bugs.

I drove a Chevy Metro that got better gas mileage than this.

By: Mrs. Micah

Mrs. Micah — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:49:49 +0000

First thought: Could you have gotten a good fuel-efficient car for less than your discount SUV?

The answer is more than likely yes. So really, I don’t see why saving money on the SUV is a big deal. If it actually cost significantly less than all the other available and more fuel efficient cars (we’re not talking about awesome efficiency, just better) in your general area do…but you haven’t really demonstrated that. So I remain unconvinced. Sorry.

Plus, Angie has an excellent point that if you aren’t going to be using it much anyway, it’s even better for the environment if you’re driving a small car.

By: Allen

Allen — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:54:18 +0000

When I first read the title, my first thought was, “What an idiot…”

But after reading through the entire article, actually paying attention to what was written, and keeping an open mind to another viewpoint, I can honestly see how this choice could be the correct one for the author.

I’m far from being perfect, but after reading the comments posted,
it appears that quite a few people need to learn to be a little open-minded and alot less judgemental of others.
hout wanting to sound condescending or anything, but it would be nice if pe

By: Frances

Frances — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:23:31 +0000

I kinda agree with him, the best part of my SUV is “Paid For”. It has over 100000 miles on its engine, never gives a moments grief. I think the “paid for” part of the car justifies its gas usage. If your car isn’t paid for it is hard to justify the gas costs in addition to the car mortgage.

By: Randy

Randy — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:58:17 +0000

I know each person has to do what they must for their situation.

I am now biking 4 miles to work. 1. I get about 15-20 minutes of exercise. 2. It’s cheaper than spending almost the same about of time in a car at lights, drive-thru windows (which I think are a terrible energy waste). 3. I like to think I’m doing my part to reduce oil consumption.

I don’t think it’s just the cost to our pocket regarding SUVs and bigger than necessary vehicles. They use much more oil than a smaller car.

By: NtJS

NtJS — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 20:55:12 +0000

Wow! So much negativity! I wouldn’t be so quick to say it was a bad move. We did this about 2 years ago. Sold a 4-cyl car, and bought a 6-cyl, full-size truck. It’s worked out great for us.

>One car sits in the driveway most of the time (the truck). Fuel mileage is irrelevant when it’s not running.

>We don’t have to borrow/rent trucks for hauling, which is great because we do need a truck on a regular basis.

>Book value aside, what is a vehicle worth if it doesn’t do what you need?

>Our other car gets great mileage, so when we need to go somewhere, it gets driven.

>The big secret is that gas prices aren’t killing the average American. Debt is. Out-of-control spending is. Lack of a budget is. These gas prices are not the end of the world.

Actually, it may not be a bad time to sell our pick-up and look at trading up.

By: Carnival of Personal Finance #158 : Vampire Slaying Edition

Carnival of Personal Finance #158 : Vampire Slaying Edition — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:53:19 +0000

[...] Shugars of Saving Advice has a strange strange idea trading in a fuel efficient car for a “huge” SUV. She thinks it’s a good deal. Commentors aren’t so [...]

By: Perry

Perry — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 17:18:11 +0000

Congratulations for doing what suits your situation. My wife and I bartered for a one owner 89 mercury Grand Marquis wagon. We have four children, little league etc. and it suits us perfectly, since we only use it when we need to(about 100 miles/month).

It only gets 20 MPG, but I can’t see a car payment of ANY amount offsetting the mileage gain by a newer import that would meet our needs, and it is in pristine condition.

besides, ours has wood paneling on the doors, where can you get that nowadays?:)