Author Topic: Is it time to ditch the gas guzzler?  (Read 1877 times)

davef

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Is it time to ditch the gas guzzler?
« on: July 22, 2014, 04:38:24 PM »
So here's my situation.
I drive a 2007 Nissan Xterra offroad (4.0L V6) It gets about 18 city 22 hwy mpg.
I bought it new in 07 and had no issues with it whatsoever. I've done all the basic preventative maintanance. It's paid off.
I Just passed 80,000 miles. I drive it monday -friday on my 5 mile (highway except 2 stoplights) commute.
About once a month we take it up into the mountains for backpacking, and about once a month I take it to the airport 30 miles.

I only have been putting about 7-8k a year on it for the past few years. As it is now I get one tank (about $60 every 2 weeks) If I had a corolla I expect I'd be getting  one take at $40 every 2 weeks) at $10 per week thats $520 per year estimated fuel savings. Im not sure its worth it. Especially since I cant make it to may favorite lakes and trailheads in a Corolla. 

With that in mind is it worth ditching it to get something with better gas mileage?

Milspecstache

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Re: Is it time to ditch the gas guzzler?
« Reply #1 on: July 22, 2014, 04:46:55 PM »
At 5 miles my opinion is keep it for backpacking and airport trips and start bicycling it to work.  Forget trying to swap vehicles as that is expensive in itself.  You already know this vehicle and it sounds like you took care of it.

I've walked 5 miles to work each way in the past because I hated subways so biking it shouldn't be too hard.  Are there safe routes to/from?

davef

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Re: Is it time to ditch the gas guzzler?
« Reply #2 on: July 22, 2014, 04:59:08 PM »
No, 4 miles of it is highway, no shoulder for most of it and a bridge with no pedestrian acces.
That, and I dont want to be sweaty at work for an office job. I considered it many times....