Gas mileage: Who gives a crap!!!!

[iluvmy72]

OK Gas mileage may be nice but I just got off of the phone with my Aunt. She says I should not use the suburban and go get a newer minivan to conserve gas. I don't know how but she seems to think that gas milage will offset the cost of a new mini-van. I Already checked this out....Even for a older2003 Honda oddessy, The price for one even over 100 thousand miles is still almost 12 grand. Not only will I have a payment of say 250-300 a month for a used car, I still have to pay for special full coverage on the thing for insurance plus gas. Not to mention I can't work on the thing because I know nothing abnout them and their expensive ass parts. Then there's the mileage thing. After all of that I only get 23 miles to the gallon If I am lucky. Not to mention not having the cargo room or towing capability or 4WD. And the comfort level is also not even in the same league. With my 96 suburban I have a engine and transmission that I just put in with only 50,000 miles. It has 4WD and is super comfortable. And I know how to work on them. The parts are easier to come by. And I have already invested in the burb. For example: The idler arm was just replaced as well as all of the bushings on the front end. Not to mention getting done as we speak 2 new half shafts. And all 4 ball joints and barrings will be done in 2 weeks. And the A/C is getting redone with new O rings this weekend. Now the difference here is I own this vehicle and have collision coverage but not as heavy of a policy as I would need when taking out a loan for a minivan. However the only way I come out ahead with her suggestion is if I drive the mini van everyday more than 52 miles. We don't though....it's a grocery getting and family travel vehicle and we enjoy the comfort. Plus I believe I am now getting close to 18 MPG . I can't believe I am the only one to hear this BS. Who else?!?!