I've been thinking about selling my gas guzzling SUV for something more efficient. And I guess if I was 100%, absolutely, positively sure that gas would soar to over $2.50 a gallon (or much worse - rationed) it would make sense to get a premium for it now. However, I guess there is enough doubt in my mind that I don't think I will sell. It's a 1995 Explorer, paid for, in pristine condition with only 40k miles. If I sell it now, and it's a BITR, I won't be able to replace it with a similarly equipped one with such low miles, and in such perfect condition. So despite making fairly extensive preps, I hedge my bet by keeping it. Oh yeah, I also have a motorcycle that gets 50 mpg (and I can ride year round here in FL) that's another hedge.

How are other people hedging their bets?

-- Bob (bob@bob.bob), December 06, 1999

Answers

Having a Jeep, a pickup, a Taurus and a Honda Accord and filling them all up with gas. All are paid for so no monthlies. When one runs out of gas, Ill get another until Im grounded. Dont have a motorcycle but did buy new old fashioned big tire, big seat bicycles. Oops just remembered, better go to Walmart and get bike tire supplies just in case of flats.

-- Rod (rspain@webcombo.net), December 06, 1999.

You bet!!! Until someone shows me that they can absloutely predict the future exactly only a fool would but all eggs in one basket. Although I am reasonably prepared for TEOTWAWKI, I also am prepared to continue on with life as it has been.

-- goldbug (goldbug@mint.com), December 06, 1999.

I hope you have four wheel drive on that SUV so you have the capability of heading into the forest as a bug out plan. Keep what is paid for, don't buy anything you can't pay cash for, and keep your money out of the banks!! Hoardin' and a hunkerin'. Only a couple of weeks now and we will know.

-- Hannah (Hannah@colonialamerica.com), December 06, 1999.

I did you all one better I dont have a car but I renewed my license and my tags because I knew there would be rationing and I felt if I got the rations coupons I could give them to my friends and family. That is how sure I am

-- Susan Barrett (sue59@bellsouth.net), December 06, 1999.

I just bought a 2000 Saturn, chosen because it's a great car, particularly for it's fuel efficiency. I just sold my old car on Saturday. I'm operating as if Y2K will be a manageable event, but still working on preparations. Food is ok. I need gas, though. We should also install a transfer switch for the generator. Right now, we switch off the breaker and backfeed, which has potential safety problems, as well as not allowing us to use the full capacity of the generator.

Still more to do, and hoping all the preps are unnecessary.

Tim

-- Tim the Y2K nut (tmiley@yakko.cs.wmich.edu), December 06, 1999.

Petrol is $5.67 a gallon at the pumps in the UK today. And yet - somehow - life goes on, and we have surprisingly little cannibalism.

-- Colin MacDonald (roborogerborg@yahoo.com), December 06, 1999.

I plan on driving the VW convertible, and using the Suburban as a 40 gallon "storage tank", driving it only as far as the gas station!

-- kozak (kozak@formerusaf.guv), December 06, 1999.

kozak, that's how I see the Explorer if things get bad - as a gas storage tank for my motorcycle.

-- Bob (bob@bob.bob), December 06, 1999.

I'm hedging my bets with #4 and #000 buckshot and rifled slugs.230 grain .45 acp FMJ and JHP,and .357 mag with a variety of bullet weights.For the cars learn how to moonshine now while the data's available,very high octane.

-- zoobie (zoobiezoob@yahoo.com), December 06, 1999.

I've got a 95 Landcruiser. It'll go anywhere I need it to go.

Hedging my bets by screwing on a mount for the Barrett on the roof just behind the sunroof;^)

You really can learn something from Somalia.

-- LM (latemarch@usa.net), December 06, 1999.

Keep the 4-wheel SUV. Keep the tank as full as possible, assuming rationing. Syphon gas to the small efficient car, which is used for everything, except when the 4-wheel-drive is necessary.

-- ohioan (ohioan@lost.com), December 06, 1999.

For the cars learn how to moonshine now while the data's available,very high octane.

Great idea!
Any idea where I can get such data? Any good info links on the web for starters? Thanks in advance!

-- Moon (shinein@the.hills), December 06, 1999.

Had a new pick up and older 88 cherokee. Sold the pickup and bought gold, silver and a mountain bike with saddle bags, light, pump etc.Got 30 gallons of stored gas and a bug out trailer ready to hitch to the cherokee. Pre- positioned supplies at my sister's remote farm.Know all the back roads to her place.

-- Ralph Kramden (and@AwayWeGo.com), December 06, 1999.

I'm a little lost. You should be able to sell it or buy it at about the same price. What your describing is the equivalent of a huge bid- ask gap on Wall St. Sell it for a good price (if you wish) and buy one back for the same price (if you wish). Net loss: tax. I own a Van and a sedan. Both are staying.

-- Dave (aaa@aaa.com), December 06, 1999.

Moon,

http://stillmaker.dreamhost.com/index.htm

This will get you a great still.

And if you don't want to drive you can just sit and sip.

-- LM (latemarch@usa.net), December 06, 1999.