Will cheap gas mean return to gas-guzzling ways?

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Will cheap gas mean return to gas-guzzling ways? Saturday, October 11, 2008
Associated Press -- DENVER (AP) — Prices at the pump are dropping fast, and gas could fall below $3 a gallon in a matter of weeks, if not sooner. Does that mean Americans will return to their heedless, gas-guzzling ways? Experts say no because most drivers assume the dip in prices will be short-lived, and motorists have adjusted their habits accordingly. "We've been through almost eight years of continuously rising gasoline prices," AAA spokesman Geoff Sundstrom said. "Any notion that this is a temporary thing has pretty well been erased." New technologies are emerging fast, with electric cars expected to hit the market in a couple years. But the question is no longer when gas prices will fall, but when will the next spike come? "Everywhere you go, be it the store, the diner, whatever, you hear people talking about their gas costs and how they need to cut back, said David Robinson, 67, while a friend filled up in Lakewood, N.J. "You still hear it, even though gas keeps dropping." Even autom
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	Saturday, October 11, 2008 Associated Press -- DENVER (AP) — Prices at the pump are dropping fast, and gas could fall below $3 a gallon in a matter of weeks, if not sooner. Does that mean Americans will return to their heedless, gas-guzzling ways? Experts say no because most drivers assume the dip in prices will be short-lived, and motorists have adjusted their habits accordingly. "We've been through almost eight years of continuously rising gasoline prices," AAA spokesman Geoff Sundstrom said. "Any notion that this is a temporary thing has pretty well been erased." New technologies are emerging fast, with electric cars expected to hit the market in a couple years. But the question is no longer when gas prices will fall, but when will the next spike come? "Everywhere you go, be it the store, the diner, whatever, you hear people talking about their gas costs and how they need to cut back, said David Robinson, 67, while a friend filled up in Lakewood, N.J. "You still hear it, even though gas keeps dropping." Even automakers that have long relied on big trucks for profits are moving in a new direction. Ford Motor Co. is changing from a truck to a car company in North America. General Motors Corp. is closing four factories that make pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. It will also open a new plant to make four-cylinder engines for the Chevrolet Volt electric car and Chevrolet Cruze compact. Visit Associated Press for full article

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passwind Champion Author Phoenix Posts:3,946 Points:956,925 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: 11/8/2008 7:46:11 PM	Ignore passwind Report Abuse
	Not if people use their heads.
Shockjock1961 Champion Author Illinois Posts:7,089 Points:663,875 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: 11/6/2008 8:10:08 AM	Ignore Shockjock1961 Report Abuse
	Of course it will... In fact it's already begun. Consumption increased by 1.3% last week...
ekelly7 Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:12,876 Points:2,484,850 Joined:Oct 2001	Message Posted: 11/6/2008 7:56:36 AM	Ignore ekelly7 Report Abuse
	hope not, driving slower and conserving is a good thing
starfighter08 Veteran Author Illinois Posts:255 Points:29,165 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: 10/30/2008 9:19:23 AM	Ignore starfighter08 Report Abuse
	Not here. Don't plan to buy anything new for at least 5 more years.
freedom27 Veteran Author Calgary Posts:458 Points:33,245 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: 10/29/2008 5:19:05 PM	Ignore freedom27 Report Abuse
	This is a valley in terms of prices but there will be another peak. Conserve now while you can.
LLBean Sophomore Author Pennsylvania Posts:233 Points:11,630 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: 10/28/2008 2:39:24 PM	Ignore LLBean Report Abuse
	Perhaps... after all, Americans will be Americans? In any event, at least we'll be able to afford to run our snow blowers when the snow hits? (and/or snowmobiles)
magnumCA Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:1,332 Points:260,275 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: 10/20/2008 3:17:17 AM	Ignore magnumCA Report Abuse
	good
STEVE853 Champion Author Florida Posts:1,226 Points:314,165 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: 10/19/2008 2:58:02 PM	Ignore STEVE853 Report Abuse
	Not for me but I'm sure some people will buy the big gas hogs.
waylane Champion Author Tucson Posts:6,042 Points:985,795 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: 10/19/2008 1:54:27 PM	Ignore waylane Report Abuse
	no
pitchingcoach Sophomore Author Michigan Posts:211 Points:34,605 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: 10/16/2008 11:57:08 AM	Ignore pitchingcoach Report Abuse
	Those who return to the old ways of driving ought to have their behinds paddled.
jimg75 Rookie Author Pennsylvania Posts:24 Points:33,265 Joined:Sep 2007	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:49:15 PM	Ignore jimg75 Report Abuse
	Hopefully we learn our lesson this time and seriously develop more fuel efficient vehicles as well as alternative energy vehicles.
mysub Champion Author Las Vegas Posts:1,037 Points:717,685 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 9:38:51 AM	Ignore mysub Report Abuse
	I hope that's not what it means.If we keep conserving I believe the price will stay lower.
tomok Champion Author Portland Posts:9,622 Points:719,110 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 9:36:37 AM	Ignore tomok Report Abuse
	It depends on how low the price of gas is and how long it stays there. As long as gasoline is less, the more possibility some people will revert to their 'old' ways. I'm sure some gas guzzlers have never left the roads….. NO SUVs, Hummers or daily driver pickups..... Please....!
mckellyb Champion Author Las Vegas Posts:3,381 Points:641,705 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 9:17:39 AM	Ignore mckellyb Report Abuse
	Well, those who weren't able to sell their 12 MPG monsters for a significant loss will be better off, as a new car is always more expensive than the paid-off one you have. It's simple math. Obama will never get taxes to the level I've seen posted here. Just not gonna happen...this isn't Europe. I'd prefer to see taxes levied on people with more than two children....
Mikey69 Champion Author Wisconsin Posts:1,803 Points:869,125 Joined:Nov 2003	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 9:04:02 AM	Ignore Mikey69 Report Abuse
	adslguru, says-if Obama is elected, expect gas taxes to go to 3.50 a gallon. What an idiot. I believe gas has done nothing but go up over the last 8 years. If you think for one minute that ANY gas tax increase would pass congress, it will not. These guys WANT to e re-elected, not impeached over one of the most hot topic subjects in years. In fact they have been talking about DROPPING or eliminating the federal gas tax to save people money. adslguru, you may now remove your head from your A**
woodeye55 Champion Author Gary Posts:1,172 Points:427,150 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 9:02:37 AM	Ignore woodeye55 Report Abuse
	Soon I'll be able to put gas in my SUV and actually drive it again!
civicsrock Sophomore Author Phoenix Posts:171 Points:69,040 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:54:21 AM	Ignore civicsrock Report Abuse
	I'm actually saving money.
adslguru All-Star Author Florida Posts:858 Points:63,200 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:50:33 AM	Ignore adslguru Report Abuse
	if Obama is elected, expect gas taxes to go to 3.50 a gallon
BigDogOH Veteran Author Cincinnati Posts:474 Points:225,095 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:43:32 AM	Ignore BigDogOH Report Abuse
	Soon as we do the price will go up
domer2 All-Star Author Gary Posts:872 Points:379,000 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:42:52 AM	Ignore domer2 Report Abuse
	hope not.
ladyjj Champion Author Tennessee Posts:1,455 Points:161,295 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:42:34 AM	Ignore ladyjj Report Abuse
	I know I won't! I have learned to get what I need and let the rest go!
Chazzer Champion Author Nevada Posts:8,086 Points:1,730,660 Joined:May 2002	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:42:09 AM	Ignore Chazzer Report Abuse
	It could ... who knows!
my3sons Champion Author New York Posts:1,585 Points:855,820 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:41:05 AM	Ignore my3sons Report Abuse
	not any time soon
NJColt Champion Author New Jersey Posts:4,580 Points:1,025,980 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:39:58 AM	Ignore NJColt Report Abuse
	People are trying to stay afloat in this economy. Although I feel that the spike of oil was a key contributor in this recession, other factors are also to blame. Now we are all "gun-shy" and are tightening our belts and gov't., oil companies, banks, etc. are going to have to bend over backwards to earn our trust - but its going to take a LONG while. They go back to these high oil prices and we'll crawl back into a financial shell once again. SO LEARN this time!
southpaw33 Champion Author Orlando Posts:1,517 Points:437,295 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:38:58 AM	Ignore southpaw33 Report Abuse
	history repeats itself.
gasman50 Champion Author Portland Posts:1,314 Points:820,395 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:38:57 AM	Ignore gasman50 Report Abuse
	I Agree, Drill, Drill Here, Drill now, Build refineries
Gellin Champion Author Michigan Posts:1,472 Points:1,123,890 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:38:31 AM	Ignore Gellin Report Abuse
	We should only be so stupid as to go back to the days of 10 mpg SUVs to tote around the cell phone, designer clothes, occasional kid.
lefty78312 Champion Author Syracuse Posts:5,104 Points:777,705 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:38:26 AM	Ignore lefty78312 Report Abuse
	I sure hope not. We've been given a wake-up call, and now it's time to seriously push for alternative forms of energy.
adslguru All-Star Author Florida Posts:858 Points:63,200 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:37:34 AM	Ignore adslguru Report Abuse
	drill here, drill now, enjoy life
TBRR Veteran Author Jacksonville Posts:307 Points:82,325 Joined:Dec 2007	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:37:15 AM	Ignore TBRR Report Abuse
	but of course they will. american drivers are very slow learners. time to put the foot back in the carb and burn it faster without efficiency. more carnage on the roads to resume. we now have 8 stations below $3.00 a gallon. it will be interesting to see just how low it can go. drive smarter and keep more $$$ in your wallet. otherwise the banks may offer sub prime mortgages for a tank of gas in the future. nuff said.
bumpygas Veteran Author Nebraska Posts:467 Points:331,385 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:34:37 AM	Ignore bumpygas Report Abuse
	NO
TerryLee Champion Author Ohio Posts:8,824 Points:1,617,850 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:33:34 AM	Ignore TerryLee Report Abuse
	I hope Not
cableman31 All-Star Author New York Posts:768 Points:429,775 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:31:31 AM	Ignore cableman31 Report Abuse
	I think we will revert back because WE DON'T LEARN.
jwells1954 All-Star Author Albuquerque Posts:553 Points:141,580 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:30:37 AM	Ignore jwells1954 Report Abuse
	Maybe this will finally get through.
Terrapinone All-Star Author Baltimore Posts:676 Points:549,730 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:28:42 AM	Ignore Terrapinone Report Abuse
	In all probability we will revert until the prices get too high again.
SheRides Sophomore Author Louisiana Posts:163 Points:525,555 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:26:36 AM	Ignore SheRides Report Abuse
	I certainly hope not.
njteech Champion Author New Jersey Posts:4,392 Points:1,154,635 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:25:19 AM	Ignore njteech Report Abuse
	SURE WILL, we always revert
coneydog25 Rookie Author Detroit Posts:85 Points:108,490 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:24:37 AM	Ignore coneydog25 Report Abuse
	No, Some people will respect the lower prices.
GasaHawg Veteran Author Texas Posts:477 Points:95,555 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:23:34 AM	Ignore GasaHawg Report Abuse
	In this wonderful economy people just don't have the money to buy the stuff. When the money returns the gas guzzling will also return.
FairyGasMother Rookie Author Michigan Posts:11 Points:5,695 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:22:28 AM	Ignore FairyGasMother Report Abuse
	As gas prices drop, I believe people will make more conscious decisions before wasting gas for unnecessary trips. Smart drivers will not take the price breaks for granted.
eagleeye2008 All-Star Author Wisconsin Posts:511 Points:110,065 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:20:05 AM	Ignore eagleeye2008 Report Abuse
	I DO NOT BELIEVE SO !!!!
rbrowdersr All-Star Author Detroit Posts:950 Points:467,000 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:16:20 AM	Ignore rbrowdersr Report Abuse
	NO!
coolpado All-Star Author Virginia Posts:872 Points:178,545 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:12:17 AM	Ignore coolpado Report Abuse
	Hmmm
2Tall Champion Author Maryland Posts:4,617 Points:1,357,855 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:11:47 AM	Ignore 2Tall Report Abuse
	Don't think so.
LDTKR Rookie Author Akron Posts:51 Points:35,170 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:10:01 AM	Ignore LDTKR Report Abuse
	Yes, some of the Americans will go back to the gas-guzzlers. Its call being inconvenience. Just like in this weeks opinion poll. Being " 55mph too slow for todays highway". People the highway system was built 50 years ago. I would say that 60mph would be OK. The spread between cars and trucks is too far apart. Should be one speed for both. Who runs the speed limit anyhow?
H82Bgouged Champion Author Indiana Posts:7,260 Points:1,514,335 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:09:39 AM	Ignore H82Bgouged Report Abuse
	I doubt it.
Vin63 Sophomore Author San Bernardino Posts:239 Points:95,335 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:08:26 AM	Ignore Vin63 Report Abuse
	I don't think so. I think the oil market and OPEC burned that bridge this past Summer.
Marson Champion Author Scranton Posts:1,133 Points:503,015 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:08:22 AM	Ignore Marson Report Abuse
	Most likeley not and if it does, it will take years.
cheapertvs Champion Author Richmond Posts:1,828 Points:1,121,395 Joined:Jan 2004	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:07:26 AM	Ignore cheapertvs Report Abuse
	Yes, once the price of gasoline breaks below $ 1.00 per gallon.
suj All-Star Author Wichita Posts:522 Points:104,875 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: 10/12/2008 8:02:58 AM	Ignore suj Report Abuse
	yes