Comments on: Two Tours in Iraq Give One Ex-Marine a New Perspective On Saving Fuel

By: greg45

greg45 — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 20:51:02 +0000

I think getting a perspective from a solider is so good. He really knows how much that we have get away from oil. More people need to read this article. Business Start Up Tips

By: Number Cruncher

Number Cruncher — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 18:31:38 +0000

I guess other alternatives such as walking, running, riding a bike, purchasing a vehicle independent of gasoline or even consuming less gas were not viable options for him.

By: Capt. Concernicus

Capt. Concernicus — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:55:18 +0000

I'm sure that money was burning a hole in his pocket. I remember coming back from an 8-month cruise, there were so many guys ready to spend their money that they saved during those 8-months. They went and bought cars and other expensive things. I remember the big thing was to buy a brand new 1994 Chevy Corvette for $25,900. You could buy it with $94 down and $94 a month. A couple of the younger guys went and they each bought one. If you do the math, it'll take you almost 23 years to pay off at that rate. That's not including interest or any other charges and believe me, Virginia Beach dealers don't charge 0.9%. They charge interest rates that make even the less reputable credit card companies blush. Oh the Command Master Chief ripped them a new one for being so stupid.

I'm not saying this guy is stupid, but I'm sure there was some money burning in his pocket after being overseas for a while.

By: Rich Cooper

Rich Cooper — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:36:21 +0000

The Volt is obviously more of a statement than a pure financial choice. But what car isn`t? Men spend trillions of dollars annually to look cool or project an image with their cars, and I am hugely encouraged by this vet. He`s found a car that hugely supports American labor, promotes new technology and really puts the economic choke on foreign oil. He`s great.

By: perfectapproach

perfectapproach — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:06:59 +0000

@Number Cruncher:

“Having fought overseas twice, I have strong opinions on oil and its effects on international politics and policies. A [big] decision to drive an electric vehicle was the fact I’d be using less gas,” said Tanner.

He didn't say he wanted to save money. He said he wanted to use less gas.

By: durhamsgoodoil

durhamsgoodoil — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:46:48 +0000

I think regardless of what he paid, he cast his consumer vote for hybrid, he reduced his demand on petroleum, and he seems to be happy. So, in achieving all of those things simultaneously, I'm happy too, happy for all of us, and happy for him.
If I see somone in a Karma as opposed to a Masserati they would have purchased, I'm not going to worry that it is overpriced. I'm going to be glad, that compared to what they would have normally done, their chioce is better for all of us.
I use the same mentality at my distributorship that sells Bio-Based motor oil. I can't get everyone to make the best decisions, but I generally can get everyone to make BETTER decisions.
The great thing about this forum, is that in general everybody here to tilting the scales to a petroleum free and cleaner future.

By: Number cruncher

Number cruncher — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 23:56:06 +0000

How much did he pony up for this vehicle? How much did his OVERALL cost rise in comparison to the ownership of the Volt?

2011 Chevrolet Volt
MSRP: $40,280.00
5 Year Fuel Cost: $7,390
5 Year Interest: $5,106.91
Total: $52,776.91
1 Year Fuel Cost: $1,478

2011 Toyota Corolla
MSRP: $17,300.00
5 Year Fuel Cost: $8,325
5 Year Interest: $2,193.39
Total: $27,818.39
1 Year Fuel Cost: $1,665

45% Highway, 55% City, 15,000 Annual Miles
Gas Price p/g: $3.44 and $3.76 (Volt takes premium)
Electricity Price p/kW: $0.12
5 Year Loan, 4.89% Interest Rate

Price Difference: $22,980
1 year Fuel Savings Difference: 187 gal.
1 Year Fuel Cost Difference: 643.28
Years it will take to recoup the difference in vehicle price in gas: 35.72 Years

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 23:52:25 +0000

How much did he have to pay more for the cost of the Volt as compared to the vehicle he owned, or a new vehicle such as the corolla?

Cost comparison:

2011 Chevrolet Volt
MSRP: $40,280.00
5 Year Fuel Cost: $7,390
5 Year Interest: $5,106.91
Total: $52,776.91
1 Year Fuel Cost: $1,478

2011 Toyota Corolla
MSRP: $17,300.00
5 Year Fuel Cost: $8,325
5 Year Interest: $2,193.39
Total: $27,818.39
1 Year Fuel Cost: $1,665

45% Highway, 55% City, 15,000 Annual Miles
Gas Price p/g: $3.44 and $3.76 (Volt takes premium)
Electricity Price p/kW: $0.12
5 Year Loan, 4.89% Interest Rate

Price Difference: $22,980
1 year Fuel Savings Difference: 187 gal.
1 Year Fuel Cost Difference: 643.28
Years it will take to recoup the difference in vehicle price in gas: 35.72 Years

By: Capt. Concernicus

Capt. Concernicus — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 22:47:34 +0000

The weight of the Volt is closer to 3,800lbs. About 600lbs. heavier than the Prius.

I wouldn't say it's worth every cent. It's too expensive now and for the the forseeable future.

By: Airton

Airton — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:01:19 +0000

Actually at 3500 lbs. it’s not bad compared to our 4000 lb. BMW ActiveE and neither car feels heavy when driving. The Volt is an awesome car and worth every cent but don’t worry the price will come down soon enough.