What everyone doesn't realize is, TDIs aren't slow or smoky. I've had my passat
past 115mph. Is that fast enough? My TDI is quick and fun; it just happens to
be a diesel that takes me 930 miles on a tankful.(50 MPG) My 2 cents!  Joel
Hembel

Mark Gajewski wrote:

> > Chris - I agree!  Automobile fuel is cheaper in the United States than
> > it has ever been during our history of driving automobiles.  Our
> > European friends have to pay more because their governments enjoy their
> > ability of taxing the crap out of fuel.
> >
> > Makes me want to go out and find a mint '72 Cadillac 500ci Elderado
> > red/red/red Convertible to tool around in!
> >
>
> This is such an irresponsible view that it's scary...unfortunately shared
> by most of the US (including myself at times, I must admit).  Regardless of
> the current oil glut, oil is a limited resource for one, but for two this
> country has such a major pollution problem it's freightening.  Think Ford
> Explorer/Expedition, GM Suburban and all these other vehicles burning way
> more fuel than makes sense or is necessary.  Want to go fast, buy a
> motorcycle.  Why buy a jacked up truck with 4WD when you don't drive off
> road?  I love cars as much, if not more, than anybody...I just think blind
> mass consumption is so rampant in our society that hardly anyone stops to
> question whether or not they are doing the right thing.  Yes, America is a
> land of individual freedom but like it or not this is not the 1800's in
> Nevada Territory.  People and pollution are all over this country.  It is
> simply sickening to have pollution health alerts in the Yosemite Valley, or
> not be able to see across the Grand Canyon, or be in a perpetual smog haze
> on the Blue Ridge.  If these consumptive sentiments come out on the Vanagon
> list (which I've always thought of as a pretty progressive group) can you
> imagine the general level of concern in the US as a whole...I'd guess about
> nil and as one who bought a vanagon to travel to remote places and see the
> beauty of this land it just depresses the hell out of me.
>
> Sorry for the rant, and yeah I should ride a bike if I'm that worried...but
> it's still worth thinking about.Mark

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