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I'll miss my SUV

I used to drive an SUV. I loved my SUV. It was part of my family. My wife nicknamed it "Moby" in honor of another enormous, white whale. On a good day (going downhill and wind at my back) I'd get 18 maybe even 19 miles a gallon. On a bad day, I did much worse. I usually fill up every other day. I work about 60 miles from home and average about 130 round trip miles. I did the math to find that I am solely responsible for the gas shortage. I was going through about 50 to 60 gallons of gasoline a week. I multiply that figure by the ever increasing barrel of crude to find that I could probably support a third world country with what I spend on gasoline. But those days are history. I am now the proud owner of a compact fuel efficient, planet loving, 2 door coupe. I purchased the car 2 days ago and on 3/4 of a tank, have already traveled over 300 miles. (I offered to take an extra trip to the airport, hence the discrepancy on the miles). That's about 30-35 mpg. What a difference! My SUV was big and powerful. I could plod through the snow with the greatest of ease. Now, I'm cramped and somewhat perplexed as I look up at all the "big" cars pass me up. I think it will just take time for me to get used to being so close to the ground. But with the rumors of gasoline hitting 4 bucks a gallon, I'll get used to it real quick!

By the way, My wife still drives an SUV (a small, compact SUV). So now, at home, I'm the one that went green for a change. And that feels great!

Posted by Eduardo Alvear - Albert Lea Coldwell Banker Holtan Real Estate on 03/13/2008 04:20 PM

Comments (10)

suv, going green, gasoline

10 Comments on I'll miss my SUV

Congrats on going green! A wash and fill up is getting way too close to $100 so I'm beginning to eye those hybrids and compacts also.

03/13/2008 04:25 PM

by Norma Toering Rolling Hills & Palos Verdes Property (REMAX Palos Verdes Realty Lic# 01147470)

Me too Norma, I LOVE my suv but what's the point when the kids are teenagers & would rather perish than ride with you & gas prices are totally blowing the budget!

03/13/2008 04:30 PM

by Kathy Fisher Lexington's ePRO Realtor (RE/MAX Unlimited)

I love my Jeep Grand Cherokee, just not the gas mileage. When my lease is up, I will go for the smaller engine.

03/13/2008 04:30 PM

by Lee Morof, Associate Broker/Attorney (RE/MAX Showcase Homes)

I can imagine how you feel! I drive a Jeep and it burns enough gas but it is not extremely small. When I ride with someone in the small cars I feel as if I'm going to be run over. Pick-up truck drivers seem to be the worst. They come flying down the road and run right up to your bumper as if to say, "Move!! This is my road!" Thanks for changing to green.

03/13/2008 04:31 PM

by Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage)

Happy to report that after doing my math, my new car is averaging 34.89 miles per gallon. About twice what I was averaging!

03/14/2008 02:21 PM

by Eduardo Alvear - Albert Lea Coldwell Banker Holtan Real Estate (Coldwell Banker Holtan Real Estate - Albert Lea, MN)

I know exactly how you feel, I traded in my extended cab pick up for a tiny little gas saver. I really miss my truck. But lots cheaper to fill up.

03/14/2008 11:21 PM

by Virginia Parker-Magnolia Texas Real Estate (Realm Real Estate Professionals-Magnolia)

I did the same thing recently. What a savings! The thing I miss most, though is the lack of space.

And since there's no place to put my purse and still reach it conveniently except on the passenger seat, I have to buckle the sucker in so it doesn't empty all over the place.

Plus I have to store everything in the trunk, which is also a pain, but better mileage is worth it.

03/15/2008 10:57 PM

by Dee Nofziger, Toledo OH Real Estate (Danberry Co., Realtors)

Eduardo-Congratulations on the wonderful turn of events. I am jealous. You and I both know that I can either drive the smaller vehicle and get rid of my kids or I can stay with my suv and keep them around. I wish they gave gas discounts to parents of kids who participate in activities. That would help. At least I have a bff who helps the economy. I take solace in that.

03/17/2008 10:09 AM

by Kisti Skaar (Coldwell Banker Holtan Real Estate)

Eduardo..good for you. The best part of going green this way will be the green that stays in your pocket!

03/17/2008 10:13 AM

by William Feela Owner/Broker North Branch,MN (Whispering Pines Realty)

Eduardo - Congratulations for going green. I have a XC70 Volvo that I usually drive and I really like it. I also need a cargo space because I love to garden and need it when I go shopping for plants. My husband drives S60 Volvo but since he just retires and does not use his car too often, we change cars.

03/20/2008 04:32 PM

by Rosalinda Morgan, "The Rose Lady", Brookville NY Real Estate Professional (Century 21-Laffey Associates, Licensed Associate Broker)

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