Wheels July 08 - John Carey's Column

[b2tf]

Got my copy of the July Wheels Mag today and in it John Carey's usual column makes for quite a good read. For anybody who hasnt seen it yet, his point is basically that high fuel prices are not such a bad thing because they reign in irresponsible spending and squandering of a finite resource (fuel). He also goes on to say that todays high prices will end up being a good thing for the auto industry because it effectively forces the development of new technology earlier, which brings about better quality vehicles etc etc.

Carey raises some good points and it got me thinking that fuel prices have not actually made THAT much difference to my daily routines - yet. I own a V8 and when asked the question "do you wish you didnt own it" (and it's becoming a daily occurence now) the answer is always no - when confronted with the "what planet are you on" look my justification is that my V8 is more fuel efficient than my parent's newer model 6 cylinder falcon (which it is), and it also comes down to the simple fact that I like my V8.

With HSV now pumping out 6.2L LS3 engines and Ford still utilising a 5.4, it makes you wonder just how many people pay attention to fuel prices - and if they do, does it actually make any difference to their buying habits when it comes to cars, and does it affect their decisions on a day to day basis.

So is it a case of a problem being blown out of proportion, or are we car enthusiasts a bunch of ignorant selfish fuel guzzlers who are damning the planet? I know what my opinion is but I'm curious as to the opinions of the rest of us.