[quote="azsnowman"]I wonder how many are ready to sell their gas guzzling SUV'S now
Cracks me up, I see these *yuppies* drive up from Phoenix, Tucson in their Ford Expeditions, GMC Yukons, drop $60 to fill those suckers now, wonder how this will effect the summer driving season, I doubt we'll see to many of those HUGE RV'S on the road!
Dennis 8)[/quote
Dennis,
I remember,not too long ago,your concern over the very existance of your little MountainBurgs during the draught and the devastating fires.
You mentioned the need for tourism,as a staple of your micro and macro economies.Why then do you judge,snicker and belittle us pathetic 'City Dwellers'?The very hand that feeds your economy?
I am a suburban 'City Dweller' and do not find a any snide snickering to outrageous gas prices as being humourous in any way.The truckers..the independent truckers in particular are really feeling the crunch,as Diesel costs are out of control..which means for them,bankrupcy.Which means,the hardworking Trucker 'City Dweller' from Phx or TUS won't be able to afford a trip to the White Mtns..or anywhere else for that matter.
I happen to own a Ford ExplorerXLT 4x4 and love it.It has been the best car I have ever owned.It has a 4.0L V-6 and although the mileage is not terrific,it is as Ticka says,all in the way one drives it.I think twice on I-10 or I-19 to do the 75mph posted speed limit.I may set the cruise at 66mph and arrive a moment or two later.It makes a difference in milage,no doubt.I know that SUV bashing is all the rage now.Enjoy it.Next summer,when the SUV/'City Dwellers' catch the attitudes of the locals up there...they may find San Diego as a viable alternative in which to spend thier City Dwellin' SUV Gas Guzzlin Yuppie Tourist $$$$$$$$.
As for JQ's remarks,I find Honda drivers just as obnoxius in city traffic,whizzing by with reckless abandon.Or is the term for those Rice Rockets,'Zippy'?
Moreover...I have no idea what your neighbor does for a living Dennis,howver..I can tell you this.Diesels have incredible low end Torque Ft/Lbs vs BHP.Which means,they are terrific towing vehicles.They also,if properly taken care of,good for 3-400,000 miles before an engine rebuild.
Also,they rely on high compression via high pressure ignition of the fuel,as opposed to spark plug low compression engines.This requires at times,a warm up of the engine,to bring her to full operating temperature.The knock on Diesels is that below 15deg F,the Fuel,which is exposed to elements such as water and condensation,can turn to a semi gel-like substance,clogging the Fuel Injectors and overworking the fuel pump.This is why the idea of an Aircraft Deisel Engine,never really 'took off'.The remedy is parking it inside,or using a block heater,as I had on my Mercedes Turbo Diesel.When I would go to Lake Tahoe,the Valet at the Hotel would just plug the 'Benz into a reg outlet for the block heater,and I was on my way in the morning.
Lastly,I suppose that some ppl don't really 'need' to buy anything.I also know that some will never take an off the beaten path route in the Jeep or Hummer H2.So what?Last time I checked,this was America...not Communist China.We could all just ride State Sponsored Bicycles and Yuppie City Dwellers would be eliminated.Would'nt that be boring.
That said,Dennis...I consider you a dear freind and a genuine Christian man.I am sorry if this came off as less than friendly,that was not my intention.My very livihood and ability to visit with my children are at stake.
The economy as a whole is a mess,and I am concerned.My children's education comes before any SUV or material goods...unless it aides us in being a family.At 49.00 to fill up the Explorer..'Chaser 1' is indeed for sale.
It is sad,because my 16 yr old son has wanted it for years.I cannot afford to insure and put gas in such a vehicle any longer.
I would like to by a Toyota Precis Hybrid Car.Bob Walkup,Mayor of Tucson drives one and loves it..and he's a conservative Repulican!If it's good enough for a former Hughes Engineer and now Mayor if Tucson,it's good enough for me!
Take care Dennis,and I hope your foot is better.Hi to Michelle as well!
so they often are making purchases for them, sometimes large items. Their SUV has come in handy numerous times. And yet, only 28,000 miles since 1997! And now when she does go somewhere, she feels like she ought to hang a sign on the window saying how many miles are on her car and what year it is because so many people like to harass SUV owners. 
my Cowboys 
