I live 11 miles from my office & THD (2nd job) is less than a mile away from the office. I'm fortunate to be able to coordinate my office hours around my Home Depot schedule so my commute is dual purpose, and not making any extra trips. There's a Publix & Winn Dixie on my commute route, so I do all my shopping on my way home from work. It's a tough adjustment because before gas got so outta sight, I never thought twice about hopping in the Explorer & going to Publix for just a few items. I think twice now.
My Explorer is a 1997 with 153+K miles on it, and thankfully, has been a dream vehicle. It gets 18MPH city driving & 22MPH on the highway - and always has since the day we bought it in Aug 1996. It doesn't burn oil and considering it's a V-8, I'm very happy with the mileage. DH drives a 2006 Lincoln Zephyr with a V-6, and his gas mileage isn't a whole lot better than my Explorer.
I've researched buying a new vehicle,,,, but there aren't any out there that get that much better mileage than my Explorer. I haven't been able to justify spending the $25K or more it would take to buy a new vehicle only to gain an additional 2-7MGH. I can buy a lot of gas for what it would cost me to upgrade to a new vehicle.
IMHO...there is no reason engines can't be redesigned to get 70-80MPH and still allow for some comfort creatures - like a decent ride, A/C, and power everything.
Two of my neighbors have Smart Cars, and while they are unique, the mileage received for the size of the vehicle is very poor. They also ride like a bucket of bolts.
I've fleetingly entertained getting a
scooter, but for several reasons, I won't. Mainly the weather here in Central Fla is too unpredictable and I won't wear a rain suit...too uncomfortable. Secondly...we have a LOT of idiot drivers that pull out in front of me when I drive my truck. Imagine if I were on a scooter??? I'd be squashed within a week!!