Have you stopped driving as much?
Discussion
With fuel costs as they are just now, £1.35 unleaded and £1.40 for diesel, what adjustments have you made to your driving habits?
I drive a V10 Touareg which gets a whopping great 21.7MPG combined and an Alfa Spider which gets late 20's, neither of which can be referred to as fuel efficient. I have cut down on small journeys ie into town and back or to the shops for small stuff and instead either walk or cycle.
We have reduced the amount of lets just pop upto Glasgow (80 miles return) and even the "lets just go for a drive somewhere" have been cut back.
Yes the obvious one is I could sell the cars and buy something fuel efficient, however I have these cars because I like them and life is dull enough without having to stop driving nice cars.
So has anyone else stopped or reduced their driving or is it just a too hell with it I would rather spend money on fuel that food attitude?
I drive a V10 Touareg which gets a whopping great 21.7MPG combined and an Alfa Spider which gets late 20's, neither of which can be referred to as fuel efficient. I have cut down on small journeys ie into town and back or to the shops for small stuff and instead either walk or cycle.
We have reduced the amount of lets just pop upto Glasgow (80 miles return) and even the "lets just go for a drive somewhere" have been cut back.
Yes the obvious one is I could sell the cars and buy something fuel efficient, however I have these cars because I like them and life is dull enough without having to stop driving nice cars.
So has anyone else stopped or reduced their driving or is it just a too hell with it I would rather spend money on fuel that food attitude?
I have stopped driving. In fact I've gone so far as to sell my car and now the only form of transport I have is a 90cc scooter. And I only use that once a week to nip into town.
I will replace the car, but not for at least 6 weeks and even then it'll be more of a toy than a daily driver. I really don't enjoy driving any more though, it's a horrible experience all round - the sheer cost of it, the congestion of the roads, the quality of driving from other road users, and the fact that on any road, at any time of day, in any weather there is always someone in front doing 45mph. (actually I find it's usually 39mph).
I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels like this, and I'm fortunate not to need the use of a car.
I will replace the car, but not for at least 6 weeks and even then it'll be more of a toy than a daily driver. I really don't enjoy driving any more though, it's a horrible experience all round - the sheer cost of it, the congestion of the roads, the quality of driving from other road users, and the fact that on any road, at any time of day, in any weather there is always someone in front doing 45mph. (actually I find it's usually 39mph).
I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels like this, and I'm fortunate not to need the use of a car.
I've stopped using my car for pleasure and just use it for going to work/shops etc. I've stopped going out for a drive 'just for the hell of it' Why? Well partly because of the fuel cost but mainly because it's rare around these parts to actually enjoy driving - there's always a dundering Rover doing 20mph or a tractor or a speed camera van..Argh! >mini rant over<
The Crack Fox said:
For longer journeys I just post myself in a big jiffybag. It's a bit uncomfortable but the cheapest way to travel.
This. I much prefer to spend three hours on the peasent wagon trying to avoid being stabbed so I don't have to waste the extra 50p by driving ten miles.EDLT said:
The Crack Fox said:
For longer journeys I just post myself in a big jiffybag. It's a bit uncomfortable but the cheapest way to travel.
This. I much prefer to spend three hours on the peasent wagon trying to avoid being stabbed so I don't have to waste the extra 50p by driving ten miles.I'm never going to give up the ease, convenience, comfort and speed of driving places - not to mention the fact that I get to drive - just because it costs a few quid more than it used to. Plenty on here have said they'd still suck it up and get on with it at £5 a litre.
Coming up the M6/42 last night, I was well aware that my speed has a dramatic impact on the amount of fuel my car gets through, but that didn't slow me down.
At the moment, my annual fuel bill is a little less than my annual insurance bill, and that still doesn't take account of tax, depreciation or maintenance. It'd be rather more of a waste for me not to use my car..
I will never stop driving. Not only is it the cheapest way of transporting myself (£35 from Torbay to Leicester compared to £100 on the train) I enjoy it. My journey may cost £5 more than it did 3 years ago but that's a cost I am willing to suck up due to the fact I can go wherever I want whenever I want without having to put up with other people.
I am a lowly student and yet I can still afford a 2 hour hard drive in Rutland/ Dartmoor, depending on where I am. I can honestly not understand why people like us, petrol heads, would give up an activity we love due to a trivial rise in the cost of fuel.
I am a lowly student and yet I can still afford a 2 hour hard drive in Rutland/ Dartmoor, depending on where I am. I can honestly not understand why people like us, petrol heads, would give up an activity we love due to a trivial rise in the cost of fuel.
Non essential trips are done with. No more going out for a pleasure drive. I only have an old 306 DTurbo, but it is still fun on the twisties. I cannot afford the fuel for things I need the car for, like shopping and going to Stratford. I used to go there loads as I have some close friends up there, but I cant go anywhere near as often as I would like.
I am sure it will be the same come summer. I can't see how I am going to be able to fuel the bike for more than an occasional hoon.
Feel free to donate any spare cash my way if you like. I don't mind
I am sure it will be the same come summer. I can't see how I am going to be able to fuel the bike for more than an occasional hoon.
Feel free to donate any spare cash my way if you like. I don't mind
Since getting my new car i haven't driven as much mostly down to car sharing with another guy at work and cutting out on short journeys. Im only doing roughly 300 miles a month where last year i would be up 600-800 miles a month which is a big drop for me saves about 100 quid a month or half a weeks wage which is spent on modifying my car.
Might start using it more when the weather gets warmer.
Might start using it more when the weather gets warmer.
There is another way of looking at this problem.
This is probably the best chance the majority of us have get to own a thirsty car. Fuel prices are only going one way and at the moment a 20mpg car isn't a financial impossibility, but it's almost guaranteed to be in our lifetime.
So if you ever want to own a Monaro or something, now is the time. It is your last chance. Do it!
Unfortunately, I bottled it and bought something reasonably efficient
This is probably the best chance the majority of us have get to own a thirsty car. Fuel prices are only going one way and at the moment a 20mpg car isn't a financial impossibility, but it's almost guaranteed to be in our lifetime.
So if you ever want to own a Monaro or something, now is the time. It is your last chance. Do it!
Unfortunately, I bottled it and bought something reasonably efficient
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