[sandiegohemi]

"I read many posts from fuzzy thinkers who say things like:
"It's a truck so you shouldn't even care about MPG"

I am thankful those people don't handle my checking account. "

Hank, Hank, Hank . . . . is a "fuzzy thinker" someone who buys a 5,500 lb truck with 345 hp and wonders why he gets 12 mpg? Or is it someone who says that is to be expected with that sort of weight and hp? I think the answer is clear.

Secondly, if someone thinks getting .7569058403 mpg better is going to improve their financial standing, then they are the most ignorant money managers of all. For who buys a $25,000+ truck, that weighs 5500 lbs, that gets 345 hp at the crank, has a larger than most monthly payment, pays a higher premium in auto insurance when they could have purchased an $11,000 economy car that got 35 mpg? Again, the answer is clear, for the reasons I mentioned - the truck has more initial cost, higher taxes on the purchase, larger monthly payment, higher insurance premium, higher maintenance cost, higher registration, and higher fuel costs when compared to something truly economical.

We buy these trucks for several reasons - either because our jobs demand it, or we want the power and enjoyment of it. Again, I know some people buy big trucks with large motors to haul the kids. If you have the money, great. But if you think it will be economical - and save you money in the long run - you are kidding yourself.

I would say the greatest way to improve gas economy is to park the truck in the driveway and get a 4 banger that gets 35 mpg. Because all this crap about cruising under 1900 rpm's, coasting, driving with the wind instead of against it lol, and such is a minute detail in the large picture. Bottom line, hauling around that much weight is going to kill your gas mileage. And, if someone wants to sacrifice the enjoyment of the truck for $2 savings per tank, that is their choice. But, I'd rather get my enjoyment out of it (having a lead foot when I want to) and pay an extra $2 a tank.