Fuel for Discussion
With gas prices going up, up and up, drivers are doing more to figure out how to save at the pump. Whether it’s sitting in line to save a few cents a gallon or changing our driving patterns, most of us still would rather drive than take the bus. We got pumped up at the Costco in Van Nuys.
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Lee Stucker, 54
General contractor
Encino
How often do you fill your car?
I have four. A Jeep Grand Cherokee [that] I fill two times a week. My wife fills up once a week, my daughter every two weeks. This car’s a 1965 Cadillac DeVille I take out on weekends and in the summers. It gets filled five times a year.
Have gas prices affected your driving?
I try to multi-task and create routes that save gas.
What’s caused high gas prices?
The Bush administration. He has a piece of the oil industry. Also Iraq and Hurricane Katrina.
Do Americans have a right to be more upset about gas prices than other countries?
Not really. Inflation has far exceeded gas prices over the years.
Should SUVs go the way of the dodo?
They’re coming out with SUV hybrids. I need one for work.
What should replace gas?
Ethanol. It’s more plentiful and would cost less to produce.
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Rochelle Lane, 36
Customer service representative
Sherman Oaks
How often do you fill your car?
I work about six miles from home, so about once every week and a half.
If you bought a car tomorrow, what kind of mileage would it get?
I drive a 1992 Isuzu Rodeo. I want a Toyota Prius. Gas is a finite resource.
Have prices affected your driving?
I take people with me on long-distance hauls. I’ve tried replacing the brakes and additives in my gas.
What causes high gas prices?
We have an oil mogul in the White House. The president and gas companies are a good place to look.
Do Americans have a right to be more upset about high gas prices than other countries?
I think they do. There’s monopolization of resources. There’s not enough fair bartering and trading.
What should replace gas?
A diesel car can use vegetable oil. Your car would smell like French fries, but it’s better than using gas.
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Adam Mogil, 35
Physician assistant
Encino
How often do you fill your car?
At least once a week.
If you bought a car tomorrow, what kind of mileage would it get?
I have a 2005 Ford Escape, and I’m looking into the Escape Hybrid.
Have prices affected your driving?
For work you can’t do anything. I drive 60 miles each way, two days a week. Those days I drive my wife’s Audi.
What’s the cause of high gas prices?
From the news, OPEC is overcharging, there are problems because of the hurricanes, and the economy’s ailing. I’m as guilty as the next person driving an SUV.
Does America have a right to be more upset about gas prices than other countries?
I have mixed feelings. I was in England in 2000. We have cheap gas compared to the rest of the world.
What should replace gas?
I think solar’s out, but hydrogen vehicles are promising. It’s a renewable fuel source.
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Lois Wax, 54
Dental hygienist
Encino
How often do you fill your car?
I drive a 2004 Toyota Camry, and fill up once a week.
Have prices affected your driving?
I don’t drive as much. I don’t spend as much on food, restaurants and shopping.
Why are prices this high?
The president’s spending too much on the war. [There’s also] hurricane relief. Refineries and oil companies are benefiting. The country’s paying. Even Republicans are starting to get upset.
What price would affect gas use?
At $3.75 to $4 a gallon, I think it’ll devastate the country.
Should SUVs go extinct?
Yes. So many Americans don’t care. It’s not necessary to have a big gas guzzler to cart your kids around.
What should replace gas?
Electricity.
