All I can say is "Mad Max"!! :P I think it'* time to paint the Ranchero flat black get some air shocks and a huge tank in the back fill it with 93 and call myself Max. Lol!

My dad is itching to get the Volt as soon as it comes out to replace his 97 Seville. The idea of not having to pay (much) for gas is exciting.

Yeah but horses have always been known to be really fuel efficient

To bad they didn't stick to the EV-1 program, imagine the advances in electric car technology including long distance and/or self recharging batteries, and the economic effect of creating new infrastructure, home recharge stations, tax credits for low or no emission vehicles and putting gas tax money into developping technology to create electricity from natural and renewable resources?

Oh, ya...tried that...

Actually at one time Michigan had one of the best public transportation systems in the country. At one point there were 5 different interurban lines running on Woodward Ave, back in the 20'*.

The state legislature under the guidance of the auto makers passed laws forcing the interurban lines to give up the land where the tracks were located. Imagine that a perfect graded roadbed for a new road with minimal work by the highway department. Oh and the Interurban lines could still compete but they would need to build all new track systems.

Many of the existing highways today in Michigan were once interurban lines.

I did not know that. It'* too bad that it was all let go. We are in dire need of a mass transit system.

I picked up a nice book in Caseville Beach one summer titled "When Eastern Michigan Rode the Rails" it is an interesting read. The network was very extensive reaching up into the Thumb as well as up to Travers City. Most of the light farm commerce was conducted over the Interurban lines.

As you know farming is still alive and well up in the Thumb.

If anyone wants to take a nice relaxing vacation or 3 day holiday the Thumb is very affordable and relaxing. The Huron Community Fair, in early August, is a great way to spend half a day. My son just loves climbing on the farm implements. The FFA and 4H participants are very friendly and are knowledgeable concerning the livestock they are showing. Last year one young 4H boy invited my son into the pen to feed his sheep. That kind of experience does not carry a price tag. Also these young men and women are very serious about the livestock and they should be as it is their future livelihood.

Gas just rose to 3.79 here for 87, the apocalypse is near...


(I filled up my tank for 3.41)

It'* $3.90 in MI for 87 octane. Still only cost me $28.50 to fill up the Honda yesterday.

Drove 110 miles so far, and still have 3/4 of a tank.

you would think it would bother me but it really doesn't bother me that much.

expensive, yes but if you have a relatively fuel-efficient car, it shouldn't be a huge issue.

EDIT: I actually have to thank the price of gas, it has helped change my driving habits and showed me what I actually prefer. What good is a V8 car if you just do regular commuting, sure you could use the power to merge on highways but almost all cars can do that good enough. I've gone from fast as a **** in a straight line to a sweet looking car with a powertrain that can move the car out of its own way but handle like a **** because you can use that handling ability a lot more than straight line performance.