$40,000 in Gas

[KCcarguy]

Being green is not limited to emissions, but glad to hear your point nonetheless.
Here is what it means to be green in building construction, and I think it is the same in car manufacturing.
Being green means:
1. Efficiency
2. Durability
3. Low embodied energy
4. Lower environmental impact
5. Less or no air-borne pollutants

In cars, I am not an expert, but it probably is easy to see where that may apply. Better fuel consumption, lower emissions, longer vehicle life, environmentally friendly finishing material, more power for less energy, higher safety standards, etc..
What to hate about that?

Absolutely nothing if it can still haul five people and all my gear/ luggage, tow my boat, and occasionally drive across rough terrain. I would LOVE for there to be such a vehicle, but for now it's just not reality. I'm sure the next 4runner will be better in at least categories 1 and 5, but by how much? If it becomes a crossover with a macho bodywork, it loses it's whole reason for existing, IMO....why not just get a highlander. Even if it retains all the positives of the current model with, let's say a 20% increase in efficiency, is that really worth another 5 years of payments? That should really be up to the consumer.

Speaking of environmental impact; I'd be curious how much of an increase in efficiency would be required in a new vehicle to offset the impact of the new vehicle itself being produced vs just keeping an old one over a 5 year period. Anyone?

 

[JayG]

I understand...but a modern hybrid highlander drives just like a regular highlander. That's my point. Coming from a Camaro, I understand your point...but I am not sure that hybrid technology had anything to do with your perspective. I believe that the Highlander hybrid comes with V6 + hybrid tech...so, it ain't underpowered in its class. In fact, I think that Highlander Hybrid is faster than the gas Highlander.

I know you're correct Thai. And my buddy is coming from a twin turbo BMW X5 that his wife made him sell for the Highlander. But I love giving him crap about having no sack, getting his Beemer taken from him and driving a golf cart! Poor bastard!

 

[KCcarguy]

I know you're correct Thai. And my buddy is coming from a twin turbo BMW X5 that his wife made him sell for the Highlander. But I love giving him crap about having no sack, getting his Beemer taken from him and driving a golf cart! Poor bastard!

Ouch! She better be REALLY hot and REALLY good in bed.

 

[Bitsphere]

Speaking of environmental impact; I'd be curious how much of an increase in efficiency would be required in a new vehicle to offset the impact of the new vehicle itself being produced vs just keeping an old one over a 5 year period. Anyone?

Your argument is quite correct from a sustainability point of view. As it is well known that a durable well maintained vehicle even with an 8 Cylinder engine is far more sustainable to the environment than a newly manufactured hybrid. That goes with new buildings too versus existing stock. But that requires a good car or building to start with.
Having said that, we know well that cars are manufactured to a different standard nowadays than they used to, and they do not last as long.

 

[Jayhawk5G]

I know you're correct Thai. And my buddy is coming from a twin turbo BMW X5 that his wife made him sell for the Highlander. But I love giving him crap about having no sack, getting his Beemer taken from him and driving a golf cart! Poor bastard!

If we had a three car garage, I would happily trade the 4Runner on a new Pathfinder for the wife... as long as that meant the third spot was reserved for my Corvette Currently the boat is on one side, and the 4Runner is on the other.