Date:         Wed, 25 Feb 2004 22:10:20 -0500
Reply-To:     John Runberg <jrunberg@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Runberg <jrunberg@MAC.COM>
Subject:      Re: gas prices..
Comments: To: Stan Wilder <wilden1-1@sbcglobal.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

> VW Busses, Vanagons are special interest vehicles.
> I just don't see everybody on the list using their Vanagons as exclusive
> daily drivers.
> If anyone expects a 80-91 Vehicle to remain dependable under heavy daily use
>they better be thinking twice.

Many people I talk to think any car over 10yrs old is a 'special interest' vehicle, and in a way they're right. All components on a car have a definite lifespan and after 10 or 20 years they need replacing (substitute 30-60k for head gaskets :). It's all a matter of what tradeoffs you're willing to take. Personall, I bought a new car once and won't make the mistake of being tethered to a payment too quickly again. Right now I like my Vanagon. Later, I might get an old eco-diesel.

One arguement which rarely gets heard is the fact that we are addicted to driving, or more specifically the feeling of control that spped and mobility offer. Our whole culture revolves around being able to go anywhere at any time (24/7 shopping, drive-throughs, suburbia in general) and changing that will be difficult to impossible.

So if we really want to improve things, the first (and most impossible step) is to simply drive less - THEN think about what car you're gonna take the remaining trips in. Buto do that we'd have to change everything - where we live, what we do, when we do it. And THAT is never gonna happen.

john