Guest post today from Geology Joe over at www.geologyjoe.blogspot.com. He’s posted here before on bicycles post-peak oil. Today he’s writing about small cars as the top survival ride choice. He calls them “Small Human Transportation Vehicles” or SHTV’s . . . . hmmmm . . . .
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In January 2005, just as gasoline started to jump in price, I was lucky enough to come across, and purchase, a 1992 Toyota Tercel for $800. Then Katrina came and gas prices really started to fluctuate.
Driving conservatively teh car gets 40mpg with no vehicle modifications. This change alone cut my fuel bill by more than 50%. In less than 9 months the car had paid for itself. Plus, because of the low cost of the car, I was able to pay cash and avoid long-term payment plans, financing charges and higher excise tax. That “saved money” contributed directly to the purchase of my AR-15, ammo and other more important accessories. Everyone reading this post knows the importance of not having that debt-monkey on your back.
Frequently in these SHTF/TEOTWAWKI posts I see talk of buggin’ out. There is the “bug out bag” for example. But presuming you have somewhere to bug out to, HOW, exactly, are you going to “but out”? Walk? Bicycle or take your 4×4 Diesel Ford Hemi-Duramax dually? How far exactly did you want to go? Ten miles? Cool, go for it.
After Katrina how many cars were stranded on the road after the car ran out of gas? Hundreds if not thousands. At least with a more fuel efficient car, chances of making it out improve.
Crawling through cyberspace in search of other fuel efficient modes of transport I found this Geo Metro. The owner modified the car to get 75mpg and I must say it looks pretty cool . . . for a Geo. There are hundreds of links and other ways to get more mileage from a gallon of gasoline, Google it.
There is also this new vehicle coming out, the Carver. Here is a YouTube video. The vehicle itself is ridiculously expensive, but the concept is good.
There is also the T-Rex. Now this would be the ULTIMATE bug out vehicle. Fast, nimble, and as fuel efficient as a motorcycle.
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Sounds rad, dude. Yo Joe is also asking MTV to pimp his tercel.
- Ranger Man
4 responses so far ↓
1 Dragon // Mar 7, 2008 at 6:41 am
how about a 75 mpg 3 wheel pickup or van.
http://tinyurl.com/3exx33
Pick Up Truck - MSRP* $6499
Engine: 175 cc, 8.5 HP, 4 stroke, Forced Air cooled, Capacitive Discharge Ignition system, electric start, oil pump lubrication
Transmission: 4 speed forward, 1 reverse
Chassis: welded steel with electro deposited anti-rust base coat
Suspension: Independent trailing arm, torsion bar
Curb Weight: 645 lbs.
Carrying capacity: 1,052 lbs.
Bed size: 42″ deep, 49″ wide, 12″ high sides
the DOT made em govern it down to 40mph… but that can be remedied.
2 GeologyJoe // Mar 7, 2008 at 7:53 am
I saw a lot of those in Rome, Italy. They are very cool. THX Dragon.
3 ryan // Mar 7, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Little gas sippers like the hundai I drive will be good for peak oil or saving cash now. Also will get u farther for less. Still is just a stop gap measure between the truck and the bike.
4 noisynick // Mar 7, 2008 at 9:24 pm
If its SHTF or TEOTWAWKI wouldn’t it be easier to store eenough gas or diesel to get you where your bug out place is and then git the bike or horse or little car then……… I think having the econo car is great but when I have to leave I think I’ll need to bring a few things and maybe some other warm bodys.
diesel stores real well and gas if you put treatment in it lasts from year to year at least mine does with little change in performance.
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