When shopping for new cars - the MPG ratings may not seem like a big difference. 18 or 22 don't seem that far apart do they? I guess I never sat down and figured it out over the long haul but MAN what a difference a few MFG makes to the pocketbook.
Just a $ comparison to the Jeep Commander I was GOING to get (before I saw the 5):
At 16 MPG (Commander), 15K Mi Yr = 937.5 Gals per Year X 2.90 Per Gal = $2718.75 per year (gas only).
At 24 MPG (Mazda 5), 15K Mi Yr = 625 Gals per Year x 2.90 Per Gal = $1812.50 per year (gas only).
-OR-
A savings (gas ONLY - not to mention +$10K MSRP, Insurance, etc) of $5437.50 over six years going with the M5.
Add in $10K MSRP, Extra Insurance, Finance Charges, Maintenance.
And I ask you:
Who would pay approx $17K more for a typical SUV (Commander) than a Mazda 5. I think my kids can b**** about the tight third seat (on the M5) but at least they will have college tuition all set. Or maybe buy two M5's for the price of one Jeep. I don't care how rich you may be (or think you are), it is just plain dumb to pay almost twice as much for a slightly larger car (assuming you are not towing, offroading - which, let's face it most soccer moms driving expeditions are not doing).
The only thing I can see paying extra for is the (perceived or real) safety that might come with driving a larger vehicle. My fear is: with so many LARGE SUV's out there, people driving them think they are invincible and drive a bit more carelessly putting smaller vehicles at risk. Like the old school hockey players say about wearing facmasks/visors/helmets - when you think YOU yourself can't be hurt, you don't learn the control that keeps you from hurting others. What are your thoughts?
Just a $ comparison to the Jeep Commander I was GOING to get (before I saw the 5):
At 16 MPG (Commander), 15K Mi Yr = 937.5 Gals per Year X 2.90 Per Gal = $2718.75 per year (gas only).
At 24 MPG (Mazda 5), 15K Mi Yr = 625 Gals per Year x 2.90 Per Gal = $1812.50 per year (gas only).
-OR-
A savings (gas ONLY - not to mention +$10K MSRP, Insurance, etc) of $5437.50 over six years going with the M5.
Add in $10K MSRP, Extra Insurance, Finance Charges, Maintenance.
And I ask you:
Who would pay approx $17K more for a typical SUV (Commander) than a Mazda 5. I think my kids can b**** about the tight third seat (on the M5) but at least they will have college tuition all set. Or maybe buy two M5's for the price of one Jeep. I don't care how rich you may be (or think you are), it is just plain dumb to pay almost twice as much for a slightly larger car (assuming you are not towing, offroading - which, let's face it most soccer moms driving expeditions are not doing).
The only thing I can see paying extra for is the (perceived or real) safety that might come with driving a larger vehicle. My fear is: with so many LARGE SUV's out there, people driving them think they are invincible and drive a bit more carelessly putting smaller vehicles at risk. Like the old school hockey players say about wearing facmasks/visors/helmets - when you think YOU yourself can't be hurt, you don't learn the control that keeps you from hurting others. What are your thoughts?