GRA
Well-known member
Via GCR: http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1108400_gas-has-to-cost-3-a-gallon-before-it-affects-vehicle-choice-study-says
IMO, while people will start to seriously think about MPG again when the national average of a gallon of regular hits $3.00, it won't be until it hits $3.25 or more likely $3.50 that we'll start to see a major shift in buying patterns, and AFV sales will take off. If it ever gets to $4.00 average, which it only did very briefly during the price spike in 2008 ($4.11, when oil topped out at $147/bbl), it will become a tidal wave. California will be affected first, owing to our having the highest prices in the nation (outside Hawaii), plus our generally longer commutes.“With gas prices projected to remain under $3 per gallon over the next couple of years, we would look for fuel economy to remain at or near the bottom of the top 10 reasons to purchase.”
The survey of new-car buyers says chief reasons for buying a vehicle include quality and value for the money. Only 4% cited fuel economy in 2016.