<VV> How many miles do you drive?

[Bill H.]

                                                 B"H

I just tell the tree-huggers this:  Sure, the Prius is a great car.  But I think it's disgusting that the market is so tight that a 21,000 car sells for $32,000 just because it gets good gas mileage and is in demand.  And, in case you tree-huggers don't know it, my Monza qualifies as an "economy car" at Allstate and I get an insurance discount!

Most drivers of new Camrys, Altimas, and Malibus don't get any better mileage than I get with my Vair (25-27 mpg highway) and besides, my exhuast is cleaner than any other '69 around (I have a catalytic converter on the end of the muffler).  Most cars on the road today have motors much bigger than the 2.7 litre six in the Monza.

I won't ride a bicycle in New York City (where I live) until the City (which makes a publicized effort to "encourage" bike riding on city streets) gets the police, NYC Traffic, and other official City cars, City tow trucks, and other delivery trucks, from double parking in the bike lanes (which is a safety hazard and illegal, but heck, City vehicle drivers can do whatever they want with impunity.

That 5-minute rant ususally has 'em shutting up, nodding "yeah,you're right" and wanting to move on, rather quickly.

When I can buy a Prius for the price a clean well-maintained Corvair, then I'll consider it.  Consider it, not definite.  Of course, it would help greatly if Toyota would make that model in a 2-door hardtop.

Regards..Bill Hershkowitz 69 Monza 110 PG