Goodbye Truck

[Alan L.]

I've been involved in several discussions here about trucks and fuel prices. Last week I painfully traded my 2003 GMC pickup for a new Honda Accord. I drove the civic which is rated 30/40 but it was too small and too rough, so I chose the value pack accord for even less money than the civic. I commute 120 miles a day, and the gas was killing me and I figured it would go higher given all the stuff going on you know where.

First tank I got 34 mpg, but 2nd tank only 31. Compared to my truck the seat is hard, foot position is terrible and I feel like a puss. But it does have the airbags all the way around and has a decent ride.

Maybe I'll get used to it.

Fortunately I have my '94 F250 deisel 4 x 4 when I need a truck fix.

 

[jwstewar]

I know how you feel. I used to drive my truck to work ('99 Silverado) but actually stopped driving it in 2000 when I got married and inherited a '97 Accord. Money was tight and 32 MPG seemed a lot better than 20 - even at $1.30 gas. I'm still driving the Accord back and forth to work. I'm at almost 218k and still averaging about 32 - 33 MPG. Have had to spend a few $$ on it here lately, but still cheaper then a new/newer car. When I need a truck fix, I've still got the Silverado at home for weekend use. The wife usually drives it during the week as it does better on gas than our Trailblazer. I would like to get another 2 years out of the Accord (104 miles round trip 4 days a week) and then I'll look for something else - though not sure what yet (would love to have a Jetta TDI, but can't justify the cost for a commuter car).

BTW, I agree with you on the hard seats. My back hurt me for a couple of years when I first started driving the Accord. Now that the car is almost worn out, the seats are finally starting to break in enough so that you can sit in them comfortably.

 

[ronjhall]

Maybe I'll get used to it.

I do not think you will get used to it. But at the end of the month when you total your the fuel bill. You may have some money left over for the tractor and truck.

 

[Huckridge]

Alan

I think a lot of us are in your position. I've always owned full size trucks and cars. I commute 120 miles a day like you and I am facing the fact that I have to down size. When ever a friend comes by the farm and is driving something small, I say I've got to downsize then I get in their small car (if I can) then usually get right back out and think I'll just put it off a little longer.

How does it feel when your on the road with the other traffic?

 

[mikim]

My commute is only 70 miles a day but boy howdy - that monthly bill just keeps climbing. I've had thoughts of buying a fuel miser as well - but with only 41 months left to commute - I'm afraid the cost of buying wouldn't have time to realize the savings.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

I am also considering getting rid of my truck ('03 F250) but at this point would have a problem trying to find someone to buy it! I try not to let in go below 3/4 of a tank so I don't get the big shock of refueling. I know I am still spending the same total but it makes me feel better!

 

[dubba]

I feel your pain I traded my 01 Dog diesel for a Civic back in 03. I hate the thing. But it gets 44 MPG in the summer, 34 MPG in the dead of winter. That is the only reason I keep it around. I enjoyed my 80 mile commute in my Dodge, but I didn't enjoy the fuel bill.

 

[RockyMnt1]

On my 4 generation of Hondas. If I don't get at least 44 MPG in summer and 42 MPG (snow tires) in the winter I am disappointed. I also expect and get at least 225K miles out of the Hondas. I figure that I get my money's worth out of the things.

 

[hazmat]

I did the same in the spring of '05. So far 27,000 miles at 31 mpg (50/50 city/hwy) instead of 14 = 1,058 gallons saved @ $3 a gallon = $3,174

I got the 4cyl EX version with leather and sunroof - a steal at $22,000. With the exception of the veiw my truck offered, I much prefer driving the accord. I did find that the leather seats are significantly more confortable than the cloth ones when test driving.

 

[hazmat]

Forgot to mention that I don't really miss the truck at all. If I can't fit it in my wife's SUV (Honda Pilot) - I get it delivered.

Even when I had the truck, I got mulch etc. delivered - I'd rather pay $30 delivery charge for 6 yards, than make 3-4 trips and have to shovel it myself...

 

[goodoleboy]

I drive an accord and keep my 12 mpg truck at home for towing the trailer on the weekend to the property and to the ATV riding spots.

I enjoy driving the accord more since it has A/C, cd player, etc..

 

[Alan L.]

Alan

I think a lot of us are in your position. I've always owned full size trucks and cars. I commute 120 miles a day like you and I am facing the fact that I have to down size. When ever a friend comes by the farm and is driving something small, I say I've got to downsize then I get in their small car (if I can) then usually get right back out and think I'll just put it off a little longer.

How does it feel when your on the road with the other traffic?

Other than feeling inferior, being with other traffic does not feel unsafe. But I just can't seem to relax and get comfortable. I drove my wifes '01 Yukon XL with 100k miles on it today. Man how wonderfully comfortable that seat is. But it gets 16 mpg on a good day.

I might have to trade the accord before I even make a payment. That would be incredibily stupid. I should have rented one for week before I bought.

I do remember that it took a while get used to my truck at first, but after a while it became super comfortable. But it had a soft seat to begin with. The accord seat feels like it has about a quarter inch of padding, and you don't really notice it until you have been sitting in it 20 or 30 minutes, then you start shifting around trying to get comfortable.

 

[Alan L.]

I did the same in the spring of '05. So far 27,000 miles at 31 mpg (50/50 city/hwy) instead of 14 = 1,058 gallons saved @ $3 a gallon = $3,174

I got the 4cyl EX version with leather and sunroof - a steal at $22,000. With the exception of the veiw my truck offered, I much prefer driving the accord. I did find that the leather seats are significantly more confortable than the cloth ones when test driving.

Maybe the comfortable seat is the difference between the $22K EX and the $17,700 for the value pack (which is the cheapest accord you can buy). I'd pay about $10K for a good seat at this point....

My commute is almost all interstate, but sometimes the traffic stacks up. I was hoping I'd get the 34, but if I get 32 thats OK. If I can stand to drive it that far.

I had ideas of taking a road trip to Red River NM in a couple of weeks to save gas, but I don't think my arse can take it. The Yukon will get the job.

 

[hilld]

Why not just replace the seat. There are lots of aftermarket seats out there, one of them that used to install in my convertible were Recaro seats. I didn't do it by choice, but vandals sliced my top and seats one evening and the originals were leather and would have cost more to replace than a new cloth Recaro seat which was extremely comfortable and adjustable in every way possible. I even had the option to add heaters, which due to budget I passed on, but added later.

Check around locally where you can try to sit on some Recaro seats and find one that is comfortable for you. I think I paid around $400 for each front seat back then.

Derek

 

[Alan L.]

Why not just replace the seat. There are lots of aftermarket seats out there, one of them that used to install in my convertible were Recaro seats. I didn't do it by choice, but vandals sliced my top and seats one evening and the originals were leather and would have cost more to replace than a new cloth Recaro seat which was extremely comfortable and adjustable in every way possible. I even had the option to add heaters, which due to budget I passed on, but added later.

Check around locally where you can try to sit on some Recaro seats and find one that is comfortable for you. I think I paid around $400 for each front seat back then.

Derek

I'd replace the seat if I could be sure it would be comfortable. But I thought the original seat was comfortable during the 10 minute test drive. Its only after 15 or 20 minutes that it starts feeling uncomfortable, like I've been sitting on my tailbone too long.

 

[BillG_in_TX]

Maybe the comfortable seat is the difference between the $22K EX and the $17,700 for the value pack (which is the cheapest accord you can buy). I'd pay about $10K for a good seat at this point....

Alan,

I don't think there's much difference in the seats. Like Hazmat, I have an 2005 EX w/leather, and after 18 months, I still don't find the seats comfortable. I'm not a big person, but the seat is too small and too hard for me. I had a '99 EX w/leather and found the seats in that car much more comfortable. That said, I have taken lots of road trips in this car, and my back and buttox don't complain at all, as long as I use the cruise most of the time so that I can get comfortable.

Maybe the answer is to get one of these:

 

[wroughtn_harv]

Alan,

I don't think there's much difference in the seats. Like Hazmat, I have an 2005 EX w/leather, and after 18 months, I still don't find the seats comfortable. I'm not a big person, but the seat is too small and too hard for me. I had a '99 EX w/leather and found the seats in that car much more comfortable. That said, I have taken lots of road trips in this car, and my back and buttox don't complain at all, as long as I use the cruise most of the time so that I can get comfortable.

Maybe the answer is to get one of these:

Bill the thought of you climbing into or out of a Honda makes me smile. There's got to be some serious folding and unfolding in that event. (for those who haven't seen Bill he's a "too tall". I'd guess about six foot six inches and thinner'n a minute.

 

[BillG_in_TX]

Bill the thought of you climbing into or out of a Honda makes me smile. There's got to be some serious folding and unfolding in that event. (for those who haven't seen Bill he's a "too tall". I'd guess about six foot six inches and thinner'n a minute.

Harv,

You must have me confused with someone else. I used to be 5'9" before I turned 50 and started shrinking. And I haven't been accused of being thin since high school.

 

[Alan L.]

Harv,

You must have me confused with someone else. I used to be 5'9" before I turned 50 and started shrinking. And I haven't been accused of being thin since high school.

Well now I have a new complaint. I drove the accord on a 2-hour (one way) trip to a family reunion on Saturday. On the way home about midday in 100 degree weather I found that the air conditioner on the accord is inadequate. Had to keep putting it back on "max air", otherwise the air blowing out was not cold enough to be comfortable.

Never had the problem with my truck.

This car might never see the first payment. The decision to buy an accord might cost me a lot of money, when I was trying to save gas. Ultimately I'll probably burn up a years worth of gas savings just getting rid of it.

I am determined to get used to it, but its not easy.

My third tank was 31 mpg, same as the 2nd tank. First tank was 34. Looks like 31 will be pretty much it.

 

[dmccarty]

Alan,

I have a F350 Crew Cab SRW 4x4 Long Bed with a diesel and weighs in around 7500 pounds. Right now I'm at my maximum best milage which is 20.5/20.6 mpg that is hand calculated and has been done over months of driving. When the kids go back to school my driving changes and hte milage might drop to 19.5 but usually stays towards 20. At 30 mpg I would be saving 30% of my fuel bill which is between 200-300 dollars a month. I drive 75ish miles round trip per day. So I would save a maximum on fuel of $100 a month. That is a lot of money....

But for $100 I get the following.
- 4x4.
- 8 feet of bed for hauling all sorts of big stuff.
- A nice bed to haul the garbage to the dump every week.
- Crew Cab the sits my family very comfortably.
- A large vehicle that I can get in and out of without having the physical attrbutes that would allow me to join the circus.
- A large heavy vehicle to protect me and the family from idiot drivers. With 8 feet of bed and steel beams I just don't car if that moron behind me wants to tail gate. I get real nervous in the wife's car.
- Because of the 4x4 and the large size the truck is very easy to work on. Especially routine things like oil changes and fuel/air filter changes.
- This thing just cruises down the highway very nicely. The wife likes to drive it on trips though she is nervous in town since she is not used to it. But on road trips its awesome. And I basically do a road trip a day to work...

For all of these things who cares about $100? I'm getting my money's worth.

Later,
Dan