Getting 50 MPG out of a gallon of gas has gotten a lot more expensive over the past 20-something years.
Back in 1990, it only cost $5,995 – $10,614 in corrected-for-2012 Fed Funny Money. That sum would buy you a new Geo Metro XFi hatchback, a car capable of 53 city, 58 highway (43 city/52 highway using the EPA”s latest “adjusted” standards).
See here, if you don’t believe me.
Today, the only new car that can match that mileage is a Toyota Prius hybrid – the least expensive version of which – the 2013 Prius C – has a sticker price of $18,950 in current Fed Funny Money. So, you’ll pay nearly twice as much to go about as far on a gallon of gas. (Actually, more than that, because it takes about three times the quantity of Fed Funny Money to buy a gallon today vs. back in 1990.)
If Uncle really gave a damn about us – as opposed to increasing his power over us – don’t you think he’d encourage more cars like the Metro? Wouldn’t they “reduce our dependence on foreign oil”? Wouldn’t they contribute less to “global warming” by dint of converting less gasoline into carbon dioxide?
Well?
Damn inflation. This economic system we have had for the last 50 years is the culprit.
There is some truth to this. Seems like the government, the car manufactures and the hidden powers that be have a vested interest to keep fuel costs and car costs high. They also seem to have a reason to keep vehicles running on gas and not alternate sources as this feeds their own industries.