transport & mpg poll
July 31, 2006
34 posts
21 users
13k+ views
Since the price of gas question keeps popping up and people keep talking about"SUV'S", Integras, etc, I thought it would be fun to collect a list of what people drive to the slopes and how many miles per gallon they are getting.
Subaru Outback, about 24mpg +roundtrip to CV costs 15 gallons = $45
2001 Subaru Outback Wagon Limited Edition
5 Speed Manual Transmission
16.9 Gallon Tank
25.0mpg - City
29.8mpg - Highway
Prizm, 31 mpg, RT mileage to CV=372 miles, Cost=$36.84 ($3.07 per gallon).
2004 Pontiac Grand Am, 5pd manual Trans, 4 cyl Ecotec engine. Using Royal Purple synthetic oil and a Fram "Air Hog" air filter, I get 37 to 40 miles per gallon on the HWY and 32 to 34 mpg in the city. [When driving up and down on mountain roads I usually average about 34mpg, unless it's REAL cold, then the gas mileage drops to 32mpg.] Plus, the Grand Am is a mid-sized car with a fold-down rear seat. Heck, my 7'4" surf-boad even fit's inside my car. Who says that American cars can't compete in the mileage department! I might add that I bought the car new and it's never needed to go back to the dealer for warranty work. Unfortunately, you can't get a manual trans in the Pontiac G6 that replaced the Grand Am, although the 4cyl Ecotec engine is still available.
Audi A4. 30 mpg highway. About $35 round trip.
There's about two dozen different routes between Blacksburg and Snowshoe and some of them can be pretty fun on dry roads.
Jeep Wrangler, about 21mpg, around $75 r/t to Snowshoe. When it comes to driving there in the Winter, I wouldn't want anything else. You wouldn't believe these guys with Yuppie-mobiles that want me to pull them out of the parking lot where they're stuck. I wouldn't! I tried to save some lives - if you can't negotiate the damn parking lot, how are you planning on making it off the mountain! Stay an extra day at least til the roads are cleared and hairpins are graveled. Some don't. I've seen them on their side in a gully on the side of the road, seen them "ride" the guardrail around (uh-oh, better call Maaco). I'd rather be doing the WV mountains in a gas-guzzlin' SUV then some yuppie-mobile. Jeeps are cheap, but if you're paying $50k for a luxury SUV - who cares about mpg! Notice, its really only the yup's in a Prius that are concerned! LOL
2000 VW Passat, 5 speed 4 cylinder turbo.
Back when my trip computer used to work, it displayed getting around 34 mpg highway, which is not bad since I have total disregard for safety and traffic laws. (I ski the same way but I am safer than Crush and Jimmy!) Plus the Passat is a fairly roomy 4 door sedan with a decent size trunk.
Ski related: all season radials, no ski rack (use split fold-down rear seat.) Stowes enough gear for day/weekend trip for 3 people.
On my rear winshield: have the infamous Alta blue dot sticker and a Solitude eagle decal. If I get any rust spots or scrapes on my bumper, I think a MRG "Ski it if you can" sticker is in order...
On my old Celica, used to have vanity VA plates: SKI 2DAY. Still have the old plates.
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2004 Pontiac Grand Am, 5pd manual Trans, 4 cyl Ecotec engine. Using Royal Purple synthetic oil and a Fram "Air Hog" air filter, I get 37 to 40 miles per gallon on the HWY and 32 to 34 mpg in the city. [When driving up and down on mountain roads I usually average about 34mpg, unless it's REAL cold, then the gas mileage drops to 32mpg.] Plus, the Grand Am is a mid-sized car with a fold-down rear seat. Heck, my 7'4" surf-boad even fit's inside my car. Who says that American cars can't compete in the mileage department! I might add that I bought the car new and it's never needed to go back to the dealer for warranty work. Unfortunately, you can't get a manual trans in the Pontiac G6 that replaced the Grand Am, although the 4cyl Ecotec engine is still available.
Dang, I'm disappointed! I thought you'd be driving an old VW Microbus converted to run on bio-waste. (Remember, this is just in phun. 
)
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Jeep Wrangler, about 21mpg, around $75 r/t to Snowshoe. When it comes to driving there in the Winter, I wouldn't want anything else. You wouldn't believe these guys with Yuppie-mobiles that want me to pull them out of the parking lot where they're stuck.
I think a Passat prolly qualifies as a Yuppie-wannabie-mobile versus a true Yuppie-mobile. In the winter, I carry an LL Bean 2-piece shovel in the rear trunk (along with duct tape and some booze in the event of an emergency.) Never had to use the shovel when driving the Passat, but I did have to use the shovel when I was driving the Celica. At a ski clinic in Sugarbush Vermont, I had to shovel out an SUV who got caught in a snowbank. 
JohnL, I have a few friends who still drive old VW buses. I have an old rusty Subaru 4WD wagon for when the roads get really bad; however my Grand Am goes so well in the snow that I've never really needed to use the Subaru.
"In the winter, I carry an LL Bean 2-piece shovel in the rear trunk (along with duct tape and some booze in the event of an emergency.) Never had to use the shovel when driving the Passat..."
LOL LOL LOL I thought for sure you were going to say: "Never had to use the shovel ...but the booze...that's another thing" LOL
You know, they DO close the mountain at Snowshoe occasionally. This year I was there when a storm came in and the State Police closed 219S to Marlinton except for "legitimate" 4-wheel drive (AWD were NOT allowed thru). 'Course when it's THAT bad - I just stay an extra night.
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LOL LOL LOL I thought for sure you were going to say: "Never had to use the shovel ...but the booze...that's another thing" LOL
LOL myself. Wuz thinking of typing that, but hit the submit key too soon. 
1986 Jetta diesel, 43 mpg city/highway combined. Fuel cost would now run about $9 RT from my home to 7S or LM, more to BK or T-line. I thinking about converting to waste Veggie oil.
From house to condo (Baltimore to Canaan) is 420 miles r/t.
Past 2 years drove '98 Acura 2.3 CL), averaged about 23-24 mpg. So at $3.00/gallon that's about $30.
Now I have an '01 Jetta 1.8T that averages the same but requires premium. It's a blast to drive on the mountain roads!!
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From house to condo (Baltimore to Canaan) is 420 miles r/t.
Past 2 years drove '98 Acura 2.3 CL), averaged about 23-24 mpg. So at $3.00/gallon that's about $30.
Now I have an '01 Jetta 1.8T that averages the same but requires premium. It's a blast to drive on the mountain roads!!
I believe that Jetta has essentially the same engine that is in both JohnL's car and my car and we get over 30 mpg on the highway. Either you drive like a wildman, carry a big cargo box on top or need a tune-up. Based on your last comment I might be able to guess which one. 
ps. we must be bored when a topic like this gets this much attention.
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From house to condo (Baltimore to Canaan) is 420 miles r/t.
Past 2 years drove '98 Acura 2.3 CL), averaged about 23-24 mpg. So at $3.00/gallon that's about $30.
Now I have an '01 Jetta 1.8T that averages the same but requires premium. It's a blast to drive on the mountain roads!!
I believe that Jetta has essentially the same engine that is in both JohnL's car and my car and we get over 30 mpg on the highway. Either you drive like a wildman, carry a big cargo box on top or need a tune-up. Based on your last comment I might be able to guess which one.
ps. we must be bored when a topic like this gets this much attention.
Hmmm....I just checked and the 01 Jetta 1.8T automatic is rated 22 city 28 highway. So, my 24-25 sounds about right. And on top of that, my car is in tip-top shape and I've been told I drive like a little old lady. I don't, the person who said that drives like a maniac.
Can't believe I have nothing better to do on a Sat. night than look up gas mileage figures 
1998 Chevy Tahoe
350 V8/300HP/5600 lbs
15.5 MPG to Canaan
370 miles round trip
Avg Gas Price (High test only please) - 3.259
Total Cost per Trip - $77.80
Jobs exported from the US to produce - 0 (not true, but it sure sounds good)
C'mon, I know someone on this board's got to have a 'burban, Hummer, Excursion???? We who drive real trucks aren't scared of these yippies and their rice burners with grossly inflated MPG estimates!!
Usually carrying -
3 souls (2 girls - you know how they pack), 2 full-size dogs (Labrador Retrievers)
Summer - add mountain bikes
Winter - tow chain to haul little gas chizzlers out of snow banks.
Actual cost per capita cost for a trip to Canaan: $25.93
Count dogs too: $15.55 (why not, they like the snow too, and besides makes my numbers look better)
How much will $5 gallon gas effect my ski experience - NONE.
I figured it out a few years ago, if gas prices bug you, the best thing to do is invest - let your quarterly dividends from Exxon pay for your ski trips!
Trade-in value? 121K miles and 9 years of service have done more for my trade-in then gas prices.
2005 Dodge RAM 1500 4x4
5.7L Hemi V8
20 inch rims
24 gal tank
I get about 16 mpg so a trip to the condo in CV costs about $60 with gas at $3.00. Since it's usually only my son and me going, my cost per capita is right in line with tgd @ $30.
Clay
Now if I could just get me an `04-`06 Ford F150 Supercab or crew cab I'd be happy. My Outback is great, just need something that sits up higher and can haul things like wood and brush when needed.
1999 Dodge Durango 5.2L V8, 4WD
15.5 mpg (best, I'm being generous here!)
380 miles R/T
Regular gas @ $3.07 = $75.26 per trip
Alternate ride: '02 BMW 325xi, AWD.
29 mpg, but arrrgh....premium fuel at say, $3.39 = $44.42.
(I always try to take this one!)
Oops, major flaw in logic:
Son usually drives his '98 Chevy Blazer 4WD (4.3L V6) separately @ 20 mpg, regular gas = $58.33
=> $44.42 + 58.33 = $102.75.
OUCH!
Won't change my plans except son might want to ride with Dad more often!
Well the hubby and I have 3 autos... 2002 VW Passat w 4motion averaging about 25-30mpg. 2001 Jeep Cherokee average about 18-20mpg unless using 4WD then it is only 15-18mpg..Last but not least, we have a VW Vanagon Westfalia (yes it is the camper kind) Gas mileage sucks and runs like a dog uphill, but its paid for and fun to have.
And being that we live at the summit, and on dirt roads, we DO NEED 4WD or AWD.
I wish my wife let me keep a westfalia.
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We who drive real trucks aren't scared of these yippies and their rice burners with grossly inflated MPG estimates!!
2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
29 MPG without the AC running
23 MPG with the AC running
Just bought it 2 months so I haven't taken it up the mountain yet. However....
Alternate Car
2005 Honda Civic Hybrid
44 MPG
Roundtrip to snowshoe: I saw 2 gas stations. Only because my wife had to pee.
Depends. When there is real snow in the forecast, Ford Exploer, 15 mpg, 400 rt from NOVA to Canaan, $80. Weather permitting, Toyota Prius, 45 mpg, $25 rt. The Prius does very well in all but the deepest snow and is remarkable roomy inside.
I have a 2000 Ford Windstar. It gets about 24 mpg on the highway and about 17 in the city.
There's plenty of room to haul skis and stuff for four people to the slopes (with the back 3-person bench out).
-Warren-
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2005 Dodge RAM 1500 4x4
5.7L Hemi V8
20 inch rims
24 gal tank
Now that's a truck! Gotta have a Hemi!
Tom
"The Ugly American" - burning up fossil fuel so your grand kids won't have to.
1998 GMC Safari van, awd, 140K
16 - 18mph G-burg - Wisp
Usually 6 or more souls on ski trips.
RT cost per head (6) at 3.10/gallon - $10.33
RT cost per head (6) at 1.90/gallon - $7.00
Need AWD to get up hill to house; no awd, no go up hill in winter.
Also, 2005 Ford Freestyle AWD wagon. About 23 mph driving to DCL. RT fuel usage ~14 gal. With 2 souls, rt cost presently about $42 or $21 per person. With 4 and gear, about $10 per person.
Would like to replace the van, but there is no vehicle currently produced that offers a similar mix of space, mileage, towing capacity and mileage.
2004 VW Jetta TDI
43 mpg
Round trip to Whitetail at today's gas prices: $7.60
# of round trips per tank = 6
1997 Toyota 4Runner (V6) 21mpg highway without A/C; 19 highway A/C
The diminutive redhead with Napoleonic complex (aka 'wife')drives a 2005 Ford Escape V6. About 22 highway, I think. SHe is disappointed with the gas-mileage, so we're thinking of trading it on a Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe (same vehicle under the skin) AWD. I think they get around 25 mpg city.
We need 4wd/AWD primarily to get in and out of the cottage near 7 Springs in the winter - and besides, the tree-huggers will get me out of my 4WD when they pry my cold, dead fingers off of the transfer-case shifter.
I thought my husband was the only one out there that used the words "Napoleonic complex" when referring to the wife. I agree that it will be a cold day when I give up my CHOICE in what I drive. For me driving 80 miles a day in constantly changing weather, My husband and I feel that I would be better to have 4WD or AWD.. Just my 2 cents.
And regarding the VW Vanagon, I have been trying to get him to sell it, but am continuously loosing that battle. It is a great conversation/arguement starter in our household.
1994 Acura Integra GSR 5sp - got 35mpg driving accross country at snwobird I only drive 15min to the mountain, compared to one hour back home to Hidden Valley. 0-60 6.5 seconds top speed of 155mph, still to this day one of the fastest FWD cars made 12 year later.
1990 Honda Civic Si 5sp - 37mpg street driving 40mpg on the highway, and get an amazing 22mpg while lapping Beaverun. Its goes 0-60 in 5.8 seconds and is the one of best handling car that exsist on the east coast, woyld easily beat any high priced supercar on a PA backroad.
1999 Ford F-350 6.8 liter V10 - 19mpg unladen highway, 15mpg towing the Honda Civic, 11mpg City. Dont even ask me what it gets towing in the city becaue I dont even want to know.
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I have a 2000 Ford Windstar. It gets about 24 mpg on the highway and about 17 in the city.
There's plenty of room to haul skis and stuff for four people to the slopes (with the back 3-person bench out).
-Warren-
ditto, but 1997! skis on top. take out the middel seat, slide up the back, and you get a party tank, of sorts. 3.8 v6 is so heavy on the front that it pulls through anything. it rocks ;-)
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1999 Ford F-350 6.8 liter V10 - 19mpg unladen highway, 15mpg towing the Honda Civic, 11mpg City. Dont even ask me what it gets towing in the city becaue I dont even want to know.
If that doesn't stick it to the environmentalist, i don't know what would. I'm still laughing at the thought. That reminds me of my '93 Ford Explorer I owned up until last year. It had 125,000miles and blew a cylinder out of it in the fall of '04. I ran it for 6 months before having a friend fix it and during that time i was getting a whopping 50 miles to a half tank of gas. Only after it was fixed i blew a second cylinder in it along with the o-ring leading from the fuel pressure regulator into the head was corroded so for a week i ended up spewing gas out onto the block. At best i got like 5mpg on the road.
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1999 Ford F-350 6.8 liter V10 - 19mpg unladen highway, 15mpg towing the Honda Civic, 11mpg City. Dont even ask me what it gets towing in the city becaue I dont even want to know.
If that doesn't stick it to the environmentalist, i don't know what would. I'm still laughing at the thought. That reminds me of my '93 Ford Explorer I owned up until last year. It had 125,000miles and blew a cylinder out of it in the fall of '04. I ran it for 6 months before having a friend fix it and during that time i was getting a whopping 50 miles to a half tank of gas. Only after it was fixed i blew a second cylinder in it along with the o-ring leading from the fuel pressure regulator into the head was corroded so for a week i ended up spewing gas out onto the block. At best i got like 5mpg on the road.
that trucks saving grace is only gets about 3000 miles put on it a year, mostly highway second mostly towing my honda race car on the highway.I use it for trips that I feel like having AC and place to sleep(yes I have camped in my truck before). I got this cause it was cheap and due to rise in gas prices its was very cheap.
When I tow my race car, I barely even know that I am towing a car:). I was going to sell this with the recent shift towards skiing from racing...but I am hanging on to it now cause shortly(read 2 or 3 years) I may be www.mattamotors.com new owner at which point the truck will be very valuable to me for work and play.
