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To follow on from Bill's comments about what is required from a car. If we are going to have 'green' cars we need cars that can be driven, serviced and repaired for decades. The amount of energy embodied in a car is enormous and to throw one out after 5-10 years to get one that uses 0.5l/100km less is, I believe, false economy.
I still drive the 1981 Landcruiser troopie we bought for our round Aust trip in 1984. That's 24 years in the one car. I'm 50 and have only had 3 cars. I know people who manage that in 2 years! I know I'm lucky in that my wife works from home and I walk to work, so we don't have to wrestle it through the traffic. If we had to commute we may have changed by now.
Although it's a inconvenient around town we're used to it and it's great for our camping trips, where it really makes sense. Mechanically it is still in top condition but unfortunately the rust will kill it soon. Parting with it will be tough. I've realise one does not sell an old 'cruiser; they need to be surgically removed.
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