Best Gas Milage?

[peewee]

Here's a really nice article about the AWD system in the Ridgeline and Pilot. I'll need to read through tomorrow it and fact-check what I've already said, because I've been known to make some pretty awesome mistakes.

Somewhere close to the beginning it says "This system provides front-wheel drive for dry-pavement cruising conditions and engages all-wheel drive when needed to improve stability or maneuverability".

Ridgeline Owners Club | Variable Torque Management VTM-4 Explanation

It's does start as front wheel drive but all similarities end there. it has a full time non selectable transfer case without a center differential. the rear axle is a spool with huge clutch packs on either side controlling output to each rear wheel. it locks the packs under hard acceleration or when wheel slip is detected. it has a button to manually lock the packs for sand or similar stuff. I wouldn't rock crawl in it but it's pretty impressive. I thought it was a pretty ingenious approach to 4wd. my only gripe is the fluids. no one makes the vtm4 fluid but honda and it's $50 a gallon. it takes 3 quarts every 15000 miles. I guess it's not really a big deal but I would love to just pick some fluid up from the advance auto right down the street and avoid the stealership.

 

[GubNi]

Easy answer. I did all the research and bought a Jeep Patriot in 2012 new for $16,500. I got three features, AC, 4x4, and aluminum wheels. You can double the price by adding little stuff like remote start. I have put over 70k on it with no real problems. I routinely haul over 1000lbs in it and get over 20mpg. I added an oil cooler, trailer hitch, and factory roof rack.

 

[Fabrik8]

no one makes the vtm4 fluid but honda and it's $50 a gallon. it takes 3 quarts every 15000 miles. I guess it's not really a big deal but I would love to just pick some fluid up from the advance auto right down the street and avoid the stealership.

That's a lot of $$$ for fluid, and a really short change interval. It must have a lot of friction modifiers for all the clutch use, and must break down in shear fairly quickly.

It looks like the actual street price is $25-30/gallon. Amazon has it for $30. So that's $7.50/qt, which isn't terrible. That's like buying synthetic oil at AutoZone or somewhere like that. That's actually cheaper than buying synthetic in a single quart bottle at Autozone ($9.50/qt for Mobil1 before any coupons? Seriously Autozone?)....

 

[WARRIORWELDING]

I drive 28,000 miles per year just to get to work. I'm not knocking down any seriously killer money to do it either. So this dictates I buy often and buy cheaper. By often I mean every 4 to 5 years if I can help it. I also buy used to kick out that imediate depreciation. But I like what the resident brain scientist has said about cost mpg and upfront buy in cost related to savings.
TWO PLUS HOURS A DAY IS STILL THE BIG FACTOR.
If it isn't the least bit interesting for me to drive or exceptionally useful to my life style nothing else matters in ownership, cost or savings.

 

[Gen0cide]

So you're saying you have a Grand Cherokee now and thinking about getting a second vehicle that gets better milage? if so, don't forget to add additional taxes, insurance , maintenance etc into your calculations. That $1000 a year "savings" gets eaten up pretty quick.

Since I started my first big boy full time job in 2007, my wife and I had always had 4 vehicles (at least). I had a DD car, she had a DD suv/crossover, we had a diesel 3/4 ton truck, and a rotation of various offroad vehicles. last year I got rid of my DD and the diesel for a 1/2 ton truck and haven't regretted it a bit. takes a lot of gas savings to make up for the ownership expenses.

From 2007-2013 I drove 100 miles per day. 2013 - current 70 miles per day.

I wish we could only do one vehicle. But due to some rather strange circumstances that have happened over the last couple years, the hubs an I have had a role reversal. He is currently home with 2 children, so heading out 50 miles away and having no mode of transportation for him and the kids is not really an option. Right now I'm borrowing a dinky little ford focus. I hate that car. with a passion... but, I have learned to drive a stick - trial by fire on my 100 mile commute... Moving to the western NC area would put us closer to several family members so the option might be there then... stupid taxes...

 

[Gen0cide]

The point is - it is rarely worth it based solely on saving $$.
Keep in mind your annual insurance costs will change too. Generally, newer vehicle = higher insurance.

Now is it worth it to get something you enjoy and don't hate yourself driving 100 miles a day? Very likely.

you make wonderful points... have you ever considered writing a self help book? ;P

 

[LBarr2002]

I wish we could only do one vehicle. But due to some rather strange circumstances that have happened over the last couple years, the hubs an I have had a role reversal. He is currently home with 2 children, so heading out 50 miles away and having no mode of transportation for him and the kids is not really an option. Right now I'm borrowing a dinky little ford focus. I hate that car. with a passion... but, I have learned to drive a stick - trial by fire on my 100 mile commute... Moving to the western NC area would put us closer to several family members so the option might be there then... stupid taxes...

So you and your husband currently own 1 vehicle and you're borrowing another. in that case absolutely need another. I say every family needs 3 to have a spare...

 

[Gen0cide]

I drive 28,000 miles per year just to get to work. I'm not knocking down any seriously killer money to do it either. So this dictates I buy often and buy cheaper. By often I mean every 4 to 5 years if I can help it. I also buy used to kick out that imediate depreciation. But I like what the resident brain scientist has said about cost mpg and upfront buy in cost related to savings.
TWO PLUS HOURS A DAY IS STILL THE BIG FACTOR.
If it isn't the least bit interesting for me to drive or exceptionally useful to my life style nothing else matters in ownership, cost or savings.

Excellent point!