Not Logged In Log In   Sign Up   Points Leaders
Follow Us    2:17 AM

Message Forum - Read Message

Category: General Gas Talk > Topics Add to favorite topics   Post new topicPost New Topic
Author Topic: If gas is $6, would we all bend over and take the beating? Post a Reply Back to Topics
DerekS

Champion Author
Seattle

Posts:3,751
Points:685,025
Joined:Mar 2008
Message Posted: Feb 16, 2012 8:46:30 PM

In Canada, gas is roughly $5/gallon. They drive just like they do in the U.S. In Europe, they almost drive like the U.S. The cars are a little smaller and people take the bus in cities but in smaller cities and towns, they drive a lot.

So if gas were $4 or 5 or even $6, wouldn't we just bend over and take the punishment? Based on the European price, I think we wouldn't do anything much different unless gas were $18 per gallon (except for getting smaller cars and trying to cut down on errands). Iran knows this.
REPLIES (newest first)
Profile Pic
BIRDlE
Champion Author Omaha

Posts:1,148
Points:1,617,440
Joined:Nov 2005
Message Posted: Jun 9, 2013 10:58:52 PM

we'd change our driving habits
Profile Pic
Saab93turbo
All-Star Author Washington

Posts:509
Points:89,335
Joined:Dec 2012
Message Posted: Jun 9, 2013 10:07:39 PM

It's about $9/gallon in Germany. People still drive at 100 mph, some people faster.
Profile Pic
jcpatriots
Champion Author Massachusetts

Posts:3,971
Points:624,020
Joined:Sep 2011
Message Posted: Jun 9, 2013 7:05:47 PM

I'd buy a bike and start biking to work at that rate. Only 11 miles to work and 5-6 miles to restaurants nearby. ;)
Profile Pic
blckwolf
Veteran Author North Carolina

Posts:413
Points:101,000
Joined:Nov 2008
Message Posted: Jun 9, 2013 6:32:27 PM

Yes, we would, because unlike Europe, we actually have it pretty cheap here, and since we're all about just accepting things when they're forced upon us, we will scream, cry, and complain, but in the end we really won't do anything novel, like drill for our own oil, because we allow a minority of people who scream that we're destroying the environment to out shout the majority and not let us do the one thing that will put this country back on top of the world fiscally, and politically!
Profile Pic
pkrpro
Champion Author San Bernardino

Posts:1,570
Points:525,200
Joined:Aug 2011
Message Posted: Jun 9, 2013 6:23:11 PM

Yes
Profile Pic
jack4141
Champion Author Alabama

Posts:3,127
Points:721,305
Joined:Mar 2011
Message Posted: Jun 9, 2013 4:51:04 PM

Hope not.
Profile Pic
PerspicacityJoe
Rookie Author Illinois

Posts:8
Points:385
Joined:Jun 2013
Message Posted: Jun 9, 2013 1:32:41 AM

I agree with Birdie, I think there are a few things that would inevitably happen, LOTS of car pooling happening for one, and even more portentously for the oil companies, a significant switch over to much higher mileage vehicles and LOTS of electric cars.
Profile Pic
BIRDlE
Champion Author Omaha

Posts:1,148
Points:1,617,440
Joined:Nov 2005
Message Posted: Jun 8, 2013 11:19:04 PM

no - we'd modify our driving habits
Profile Pic
WEPSMAN
Champion Author South Dakota

Posts:10,609
Points:2,049,025
Joined:Mar 2005
Message Posted: Jun 8, 2013 9:49:19 PM

The transportation infrastructure is very poor here compared to Europe. They have more options traveling around the country. We drive because of this. People will try and find ways to cut down, but will still end up driving.
Profile Pic
ozziebaby
Rookie Author Michigan

Posts:34
Points:7,755
Joined:Jun 2013
Message Posted: Jun 7, 2013 6:59:18 PM

really we don't have much of a choice , do we ?
Profile Pic
pkrpro
Champion Author San Bernardino

Posts:1,570
Points:525,200
Joined:Aug 2011
Message Posted: Jun 7, 2013 4:51:17 PM

years ago we said that if it hit $4
Profile Pic
jscdig
Champion Author Maine

Posts:7,322
Points:762,050
Joined:Apr 2004
Message Posted: Jun 7, 2013 3:03:38 PM

Can't use a bicycle when it's 0°F and snowing. Since I retired, I'm using 1 tank of gas per month unless I take a trip somewhere. 15 gallons at $3.50 is $49, at $6.00 it's $84, a $35.00 difference. I can cut $35 a month from something.
Profile Pic
Greenrancher
All-Star Author Indianapolis

Posts:648
Points:253,190
Joined:Apr 2007
Message Posted: Jun 7, 2013 3:03:16 PM

@ $4.25+ in Indiana, I feel like the bending over is already beginning...
Profile Pic
gasgzzlr13
Sophomore Author Ontario

Posts:105
Points:24,290
Joined:May 2013
Message Posted: Jun 7, 2013 8:52:09 AM

Yes, what choice do I/we have?
Profile Pic
2Tall
Champion Author Maryland

Posts:12,965
Points:2,969,080
Joined:Jun 2004
Message Posted: Jun 7, 2013 8:21:24 AM

yep
Profile Pic
toms1120
Champion Author Maryland

Posts:8,758
Points:1,835,720
Joined:Jun 2004
Message Posted: May 29, 2013 10:30:59 AM

Sure would! And buy a locking gas cap.
Profile Pic
forestghost07
All-Star Author Miami

Posts:604
Points:7,565
Joined:Apr 2013
Message Posted: May 24, 2013 12:31:33 AM

guess I'd use my bike even more than I already do
Profile Pic
sheba24
Champion Author Long Island

Posts:2,445
Points:659,755
Joined:May 2011
Message Posted: May 23, 2013 8:22:40 AM

You would have to, if you need to drive.
Profile Pic
gougenator
Champion Author Dallas

Posts:30,043
Points:3,271,045
Joined:Aug 2003
Message Posted: May 23, 2013 3:11:47 AM

it wont get to $6 MUCCCHHH LESSS $5

end of thread
Profile Pic
WhiskeyBurner
Sophomore Author Illinois

Posts:214
Points:3,405
Joined:May 2013
Message Posted: May 23, 2013 1:47:26 AM

I already bought a flex fuel car and regularly burn E85, if that happens and I finally have the financial means to do so, I'd look into rebuilding my non flex fuel Jeep to run the stuff too. When I bought my 200, one oc the reasons I wanted to get the V-6 is that it is a flex fuel motor, knowing that such a feature would likely be useful and have beenusinv the stuff pretty constantly since last Memorial Day Weekend and plan on continuing to do so.
Profile Pic
grampi47
Champion Author Illinois

Posts:5,946
Points:79,005
Joined:Apr 2006
Message Posted: May 22, 2013 10:58:40 AM

"I think as gas prices go up, people will become more open to the idea of alternative fuels and electric cars."

People are already open to the idea of alternatives. Problem is, little progress is being made in bringing the price of alternatives down. If/when alternative prices come down to the price of fossil fuels people will overwhelmingly use them...
Profile Pic
bluenvoy
Champion Author Nashville

Posts:15,171
Points:1,900,615
Joined:Oct 2005
Message Posted: May 22, 2013 9:32:44 AM

That's what Obama, the Democrats, and extreme environmentalists want is six dollar plus gasoline.
Profile Pic
grim_farva
Champion Author Kansas

Posts:1,630
Points:355,375
Joined:Jun 2008
Message Posted: May 22, 2013 9:27:07 AM

if gas got that high, I'd quit driving
Profile Pic
nichols
Champion Author Halifax

Posts:6,989
Points:1,859,615
Joined:Aug 2003
Message Posted: May 22, 2013 9:13:01 AM

cars a lot smaller in most of Europe except maybe Germany
Profile Pic
mnrick041
Champion Author Twin Cities

Posts:14,477
Points:1,396,760
Joined:Jun 2009
Message Posted: May 17, 2013 8:02:35 PM

For me I do not have a choice. If I want to get to work I am driving. I work two jobs and neither of them are even in the same County that I live in. I live in a Minneapolis suburb that has limited public transit.

If I want to get anywhere I am driving, I really have no choice. The higher prices will just result in me putting less of my money into savings, maybe spending less on leisure activities but gas is something that most of us cannot go without.
Profile Pic
Karyn2002
Rookie Author Minnesota

Posts:5
Points:7,325
Joined:May 2013
Message Posted: May 17, 2013 5:48:20 PM

I think as gas prices go up, people will become more open to the idea of alternative fuels and electric cars.

I ended up in a car accident that totaled my car in January. I was doing a lot of research into new cars, looked up my credit, and said "Screw it" and bought a Chevy Volt. It's one of the best decisions I've ever made. It's an amazing vehicle, I get the benefit of electric, but I can still drive home to Chicago. Even when just using gas, I still get great gas mileage. I let all my friends drive it, and they're all really impressed.

Yes, it was a lot of money, but I was able to get the zero percent financing, and I know that the car is going to pay for itself. Watching gas jump from 3.89 to 4.29 in a couple of days just underscored that I made the right decision. It was an expensive upfront cost that will save me so much in the long run. I couldn't have afforded and wouldn't have done it if I hadn't been in the accident, but it was a blessing in disguise. :-)
Profile Pic
jl1rp
Champion Author New Hampshire

Posts:1,978
Points:386,040
Joined:May 2012
Message Posted: May 17, 2013 5:42:15 PM

At 6 it would kill most of us.
Profile Pic
n2bama
Rookie Author South Carolina

Posts:92
Points:209,200
Joined:Jun 2012
Message Posted: May 17, 2013 4:49:36 PM

You almost have to.
Profile Pic
mybigtruck
Veteran Author San Jose

Posts:254
Points:225,715
Joined:Oct 2009
Message Posted: May 17, 2013 4:16:44 PM

$6/gal is still cheap compared to other countries. In Singapore, it's close to $8
Profile Pic
BartandLisa
Champion Author Newfoundland

Posts:2,286
Points:447,995
Joined:Feb 2012
Message Posted: May 17, 2013 2:12:17 PM

Not a great deal of choice
Profile Pic
dgsteven
All-Star Author Los Angeles

Posts:937
Points:234,500
Joined:Oct 2012
Message Posted: Apr 11, 2013 3:06:16 AM

yes, I will
Profile Pic
PassmyGas
Veteran Author North Carolina

Posts:375
Points:677,730
Joined:Jul 2010
Message Posted: Apr 9, 2013 8:07:44 PM

Absolutely! Don't have a choice. ... but would like to see European models on the market. Somehow they get a better gas mileage over there.
Profile Pic
FuelPump
Champion Author Los Angeles

Posts:21,609
Points:3,442,700
Joined:Apr 2003
Message Posted: Apr 9, 2013 7:27:16 PM

There was a time, seems not that long ago, that even the thought of a $1.00 gallon of gasoline was completely inconceivable. People said they would give up driving forever.

Here we are now, with the $4.00 gallon of gasoline quite common, and more cars and drivers on the road than ever.

My guess is gasoline will most certainly get to $6.00 per gallon, and probably even $10.00 and more per gallon, but as in the past earnings will adjust along with rising prices. Frankly no matter what gasoline costs I am sure we will all continue to buy it. Vehicle efficiency will continue to increase, when gasoline was $.80 per gallon, the average car got 15 or 16 MPG. Today its more like 25 MPG. Cost will continue to rise, but life will go on, just as it always has, somewhat modified, but it will continue.

The sky is not falling!!!
Profile Pic
EvPv
Champion Author Maine

Posts:1,181
Points:293,400
Joined:Feb 2011
Message Posted: Apr 9, 2013 6:39:16 PM

I went 4 years on bike in Maine. I asked a bike shop owner if there was an uptick in bike usage during the gas price spikes. He said no. After years of biking, the main reason people don't is one word: fear. Fear of traffic, of falling, of not having the ability, of the weather. Too me it is just an excuse to break out of the habit of driving everyplace.
Profile Pic
streetirsx
Veteran Author North Dakota

Posts:474
Points:149,440
Joined:Nov 2012
Message Posted: Apr 9, 2013 5:57:38 PM

probably would have to invest in an all electric car or a Volt
Profile Pic
aboutblank1
Sophomore Author San Jose

Posts:139
Points:25,735
Joined:Apr 2013
Message Posted: Apr 9, 2013 4:34:56 PM

I'd start biking more
Profile Pic
dvx4002004
Sophomore Author Medford

Posts:142
Points:280,495
Joined:Mar 2011
Message Posted: Apr 9, 2013 1:39:58 PM

Yes
Profile Pic
Saab93turbo
All-Star Author Washington

Posts:509
Points:89,335
Joined:Dec 2012
Message Posted: Mar 15, 2013 11:26:19 AM

If gas were $7, we would still buy it.

Look at Canada. It is slightly over $6 and they drive like Americans.
Profile Pic
Godozo
All-Star Author Gary

Posts:723
Points:582,340
Joined:Dec 2010
Message Posted: Mar 15, 2013 12:31:03 AM

Considering that my job is driving people (and packages) around, I expect to drive around about as much as usual...assuming, of course, that I have a job. My boss has already threatened to close up shop at $5/gal, maybe he'd mean it if the price made it up to $6; which would mean less driving by yours truly.
Profile Pic
Low_Prices_2007
Veteran Author Fresno

Posts:318
Points:124,820
Joined:Jun 2006
Message Posted: Mar 8, 2013 4:11:14 PM

i would bike into town with a sign saying not paying it morons :)
Profile Pic
2Tall
Champion Author Maryland

Posts:12,965
Points:2,969,080
Joined:Jun 2004
Message Posted: Mar 8, 2013 1:10:13 AM

if you wanted to drive...
Profile Pic
veloman
Sophomore Author Connecticut

Posts:196
Points:4,430
Joined:Sep 2006
Message Posted: Feb 18, 2013 4:43:54 AM

Maybe people would start feel more pressure to work closer to home. Or use a more efficient vehicle.

But yes, of course the general public will bend over. They got you by the balls because your life is built on high energy usage.
Profile Pic
sjhman
Veteran Author Atlanta

Posts:416
Points:298,840
Joined:Sep 2008
Message Posted: Feb 17, 2013 1:43:57 AM

Probably
Profile Pic
gas_phil
Champion Author Sacramento

Posts:2,001
Points:154,215
Joined:Aug 2012
Message Posted: Feb 17, 2013 1:26:09 AM

hmm... i'll have to take my bike down from the hanger in the garage:)
Profile Pic
paullypuiu
Veteran Author Georgia

Posts:263
Points:91,370
Joined:Jul 2012
Message Posted: Feb 16, 2013 9:45:34 PM

do we have a choice?
Profile Pic
RUsum1
Rookie Author South Carolina

Posts:13
Points:135,300
Joined:Dec 2012
Message Posted: Feb 16, 2013 9:10:35 PM

Is there anything we can do? What else will you fill your car up with?

You don't think public transportation will increase in price?

It's sort of like The Lorax. They have a product that we can't really live without and there's nothing we can do about the price since taking our business elsewhere only affects individual gas stations and not the actual oil company.
Profile Pic
sheba24
Champion Author Long Island

Posts:2,445
Points:659,755
Joined:May 2011
Message Posted: Feb 16, 2013 6:27:02 AM

you"ll find out soon!!!
Profile Pic
jack4141
Champion Author Alabama

Posts:3,127
Points:721,305
Joined:Mar 2011
Message Posted: Feb 16, 2013 2:02:31 AM

Hmmm
Profile Pic
2Tall
Champion Author Maryland

Posts:12,965
Points:2,969,080
Joined:Jun 2004
Message Posted: Feb 16, 2013 1:04:27 AM

getting closer
Profile Pic
TXBruin
All-Star Author San Antonio

Posts:772
Points:488,575
Joined:Sep 2011
Message Posted: Jan 21, 2013 6:04:04 PM

yes
Post a reply Back to Topics