Unpopular opinion: I used to think my old truck was fine because I didn't drive it much

For years I had this 2002 Ford F-150 in my driveway in Spokane. I'd only take it out maybe twice a month for a hardware store run, so I figured my carbon footprint was small. The moment it hit me was last spring when I actually did the math on the gas. Even with my short trips, it was getting maybe 12 miles to the gallon. I saw a chart online comparing it to a modern car and the numbers were just shocking. I realized I was holding onto this thing out of habit, not need. It wasn't about the miles, it was about the waste every single time I turned the key. I sold it a month later and now I just use a car share for those big trips. Has anyone else had a similar wake up call with an old vehicle they were emotionally attached to?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_brian4d ago

My old Jeep was the same way. It sat in the driveway most days but drank gas like crazy on short trips. The math really is a gut punch when you finally look at it. I ended up renting a truck from the hardware store when I really needed one, which was maybe three times a year. Letting go of that truck was hard, but my wallet and my conscience feel a lot better now.

jones.nancy4d ago

Man, that math is a real eye opener. It reminds me of my neighbor who kept this ancient boat on a trailer, like what @the_brian said about his Jeep. He'd tow it to the lake twice a summer with his huge SUV, burning through a crazy amount of gas just for those two trips. He finally sold the whole setup and just rents a pontoon now.

river3204d ago

Yeah, @the_brian gets it. The math doesn't lie, even for short trips. Good on you both for ditching the gas hogs.