Reatta Man:

You know what, I don't post that much, but I like to read this site, and always am interested in everyone's opinions, which all keep me informed about what people are seeing and thinking around the country. What an incredible resource we have here as BCA members! I check the site almost every day. What a pleasure, one we could not imagine 15 years ago. Many people here contribute interesting insights, including Dave and you. I don't know either one of you, and don't necessarily agree or disagree with either of you consistently, but I respect his opinions and I respect yours.

However, I think I probably speak for more than one person here when I say that your sarcasm, sniping and general personal attacks directed at Dave detract/distract from my enjoyment of these threads. If you disagree with him, go ahead: refute his positions and give your own opinions and evidence. But really, would you please cut it out?

Best regards,
Steve Robin
Mpls, MN
BCA 33891

Lucky you....here we pay over $9.00 per US gallon for regular and even worse: 98% of the cars here are Jap/Korean/German/French/Italian

Those kinds of comparisons are largely apples and oranges comparisons, however. Netherlands has one of the highest fuel taxes on earth (roughly $3.50/gal PLUS an additional 19% VAT), as well as having to import 100% of its oil.

We still produce about 1/3rd of our own oil (and get most of the rest from nearby Canada and Venezuela), which helps keep the price down somewhat here. And while our taxes (both in fuel cost and overall tax burden) are considerably less, we have to buy many services individually that you otherwise buy in bulk via taxation. To tell you the truth, I'm not so sure that our insurance and health care costs (individually) would be something a Dutch person would want to live with more than $9 gasoline!

Well, I don't know about anyone else, but---------- I think I would pretty nearly be willing to pay MORE for gas than to suffer the consequenses of a forced government run health care system. That would be the surest way to f*#@% it up that I can think of.

Reatta 1,

Don't worry; pretty soon you will get BOTH; higher gas prices AND free government-run health care.

Joe

I guess I really can't complain then since local gas here went to $3.98 today. The two local stations are 10 miles apart and they complain that they are going out of business because most people fill up every time they go across the border into Oregon. Wouldn't you if you could save 50 cents a gallon?

He's moving to Canada?



Actually, it's not bad...I won't say any more as it will get into a political discussion.

Dan, would you be willing to come to Bend with your Reatta the end of May to join a cruise in at the Buick dealer. The Portland Chapter is coming over on the 31st.

My uncle lives in California. When he came to visit a couple of years ago, he asked why all the cars driving around had their headlights on in the daytime. Was it a law?

He was, of course, referring to the GM cars with DRLs. In California, there are apparently so few GM cars that he never noticed this before. Wow.

In the vein of expensive gas and mileage, I have discovered to my amazement that using the cruise control has added a good 25% to my mileage. Seriously. My car isn't all that efficient (two turbos and 4200 pounds, requiring $0.20 more expensive premium fuel), and I routinely saw about 20 MPG on my 40 MPH country-road drive to work each day. Because of increased speed enforcement along the way, I started setting my cruise control at about 40 MPH and lo and behold, my mileage jumped to about 24.5. Of course, all this is according to the on-board computer, but even if it is inaccurate about the overall numbers, a delta of nearly 5 MPG is astounding. I went from about 300 miles to a tank to nearly 360. Double wow.

If there isn't much traffic, I ALWAYS use the cruise control these days, even if it's for just a mile or two, and I coast whenever possible. As a side benefit, my brakes will probably last a lot longer, too.

One last thing: my car has an instant fuel economy reading so I can see how my driving affects mileage from second to second. Going up hills, I often see single digits. I work to keep those numbers high. I wonder what would happen if automakers started putting such a gauge on the dashboard of every car, perhaps under the fuel gauge and make it impossible to change or shut off? There are huge SUVs that hammer up the 1.5-mile hill to my house at 60 MPH (in a 35 zone). I bet they're getting 2-3 MPG along the way. Perhaps if they could see that number on the dash, it would change their driving habits. I know it affected mine in a big way.

Interesting, no?

Sure, Bend would be a good trip that time of year. Just let me know when and where to meet you.

Dan,

It will be Saturday May 31 and the Portland group will be arriving mid afternoon at the Murray and Holt dealership on NE third and Franklin. Third is business 97 through Bend. Looking forward to seeing you.

I shouldn't have any trouble finding it. I have been through Bend quite a few times over the years. It's only a 2 1/2 to 3 hour drive from here.

I assume the dealership is on the the North side of the RR overpass. No matter, I'll find it. Dan

Dan,

If memory serves me right, it is the first light after the underpass going north. The dealership will be on your left.

Good, I will see you on May 31. I'll check with you before then just to make sure nothing has changed. I have the '72 Electra if you would rather have that car.

Dan

Matt, that's a great idea. But woe to those following some of our more frugal citizens with that number in their face.

I try to drive conservatively and keep to the speed limit. This was hard when I commuted everyday as all the late people wanted to drive over my car to get to work faster ( as if they would somehow benefit from that I suppose). Now the shoe is on the other foot and I often find I have little patience for the senior set going 10-20 mph UNDER the speed limit. I can't imagine how much slower they would go if that number on the dash sent any positive reinforcement that slow = increased MPG.

Maybe they can program that computer to trick them into going a bit faster

I'm trying to get as many Reatta's there as possible. There is another guy here on the Ranch that has one but unfortunately it got wrecked and I doubt he'll have it fixed in time. The dealership's owner has one and I think he will have it there. That would make three but I'm still looking.

Jim

JohnD1956,


What 'senior set' are you talking about? I'm past 70 and consistently drive 10 to 15 over the limit. Most of the pokey ones I see around here are mexicans. Probably slow cause they are illegal and have no license or insurance. The cops here don't bother you at those speeds unless you are really moving or ducking in and out of traffic.

The Reatta it shall be then. I actually have two Reattas but more than likely will bring the '89 coupe. I have a '90 convertible that I'm getting fixed up but it probably won't look as good as it should by that time. Anyway the coupe is quieter driving on the highway.

GREAT! I'm looking forward to it. Will keep you updated.

Jim