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Originally Posted by DarkSunrise
I like that disclaimer.
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Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkSunrise
Re. saving the planet, I think (hope?) manufacturers are starting to realize that lighter cars are the future, as they are more eco-friendly AND more fun. We're starting to see that trend with the next-gen GTI claiming 150 lbs weight reduction, next-gen Miata claiming 250 lbs weight reduction, launch of BRZ/FR-S, etc. The vicious cycle (manufacturers making cars larger and heavier each generation) has to stop! /end rant
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I agree in principal but at the end of the day (at least to me) weight and size don't matter as much as fuel economy and emissions. If Chevy built a Suburban that got 30MPG and had lower emissions (or just emitted water, hydrogen fuel cell) I may have bought that instead.
Let's face it, auto companies, like any other business, manufacture what their customers vote for with their pocketbook. Smaller/lighter just doesn't always work.
Case in point, I bought an FR-S now because I didn't need the Astro daily any longer now that the kids are mostly out of the house. As little as 5 years ago, I could not have purchased it because it would have been impractical. When the SonHawks were all in the nest, we had to have two cars, and one of them had to fit 5 people, luggage for a week, and/or all the baseball/soccer/hockey gear it could carry. Our budget did not support the cost of 3 cars, so 2 had to do. Nor did it support "renting on demand" or the other things that are often pushed as alternatives.
Even with the FR-S, I will now have to have a second heavy hauler because I have hobbies and not quite daily family needs that will require a bigger vehicle. So, in the end, I will have a truck or larger SUV in the driveway. That was going to be the Astro until it unceremoniously ate its motor bearings on the way back from the airport after Long Beach (full story
here). I won't drive it as frequently but I will drive it.
Oh, and as full confession, it will probably be an older vehicle so there go the actual savings I was doing for the planet anytime I drive it!