[Blackout]

Hey everyone, so I just graduated college and am moving from Indiana to San Diego to live with family (for free) for about 1-2 years to either work or more schooling. I'll obviously need a car out there and I just cringe at what it's going to cost to drive my Jeep. It's currently getting 13-14 mpg in city and 17-18 on highway at about 70 mph....in flat ass Indiana lol. I've been to SD a lot and know the gas prices, traffic, and terrain, so was just wondering what y'all thoughts are. My dad said he may trade in his truck (he hates it bc its 2 wd) so I can get a car for out there and he drives the Jeep. Any thoughts or insight about owning a v8 out there?

Appreciate any input, thanks!

 

[whartung]

Yea, don't.

Now it depends on where you were going to live in San Diego (as there's the city proper and the metropolitan area in general).

But San Diego is similar to Orange County, and, save for the older parts of the city, what that means is you have a lot of nice, wide roads, with high speed limits, but lot of stop lights. Doing the 0-50-0 Red light drag race is expensive in the Hemi.

That's the domain I'm in and I'm getting a solid 12-13 on my driving (closer to the 12 side). And I'm mostly gingerly on the pedal, I'm in ECO mode, etc. I'm in 3rd gear by the time I'm across the intersection at a red light.

When I hit the highway, it does much much better. I laugh because I can drive from Orange County to Pasadena and back on a weekend trip and when I get home the "range to empty" number is typically higher than when I left, since I mostly do surface street driving during the week for my commute.

If you're doing a lot of freeway South to North County commuting (or vice a versa) it will be less of a problem.

Enjoy San Diego! It's a beautiful place.

 

[Blackout]

Thanks for the reply. Basically reinforces my thinking. I'll be living in Mission Valley, and no idea how far I'll be commuting whenever I figure out a job. But obviously my first thought after being out there is unfortunately there's no way I'll be able to afford it and honestly just see it as a waste of money for me personally. Currently looking at potential leasing opportunities so when I come back to the midwest I can get my baby back. And I'm definitely going to enjoy it! Everyone tells me I'd be an idiot not to take advantage of a place to stay out there for a couple years. Live while I'm young haha

 

[whartung]

Well, only "good mileage" vehicle I've owned is a Toyota Pickup truck, 2WD -- after that it was all Explorers and the JGC. Mind, not counting motorcycles. I used those for commuting.

I love motorcycles, I think they're the best thing ever, and I don't recommend them to anyone.

But I only wanted to mention to not forget how close you are to Anza-Borrego, which is a great place for 4WD. So, if that's your cup of tea, you might still want to consider some kind of 4WD vehicle, none of which have great mileage, frankly. But if your Dad will have a Jeep that he'll let you use (or you can go with him), that may well be enough to scratch your itch.

Otherwise, yea, save the money . I know, blasphemy on a car forum, but there are better things you can spend money on than cars and gas. Get a beat up Miata and turn in to a beach bum .

That's what a friend of mine drives. Where is he? Oh, he's on a two year cruise on his catamaran with his family (3 kids) in the Caribbean. He'll be sailing it through the Panama Canal this year as he comes home.

2 Jobs, bologna sandwiches every day for lunch. That's where he spent his money. He also rebuilt, and painted, his Cherokee himself, save for some motor work.

 

[Alex47er]

I live in LA and I thank myself for not having a v8 not sure too much about SD last time I was there was when I got out of boot camp and there was similar traffic if not less compared to LA and I know for a fact out here there is no room for ponies to gallop lol.

 

[Blackout]

Alex, What kind of mileage are you getting? And if you don't mind me asking, your length of commute, frequency filling up, and ball park price?

Talking with my parents my dad is now thinking it'd be better to just take my Jeep, and use the money I'd spend on a lease for gas/payments....since his truck is already paid off he'd be able to help if I'm slipping a bit at the beginning.

 

[Alex47er]

Alex, What kind of mileage are you getting? And if you don't mind me asking, your length of commute, frequency filling up, and ball park price?

Talking with my parents my dad is now thinking it'd be better to just take my Jeep, and use the money I'd spend on a lease for gas/payments....since his truck is already paid off he'd be able to help if I'm slipping a bit at the beginning.

Mmmmm I won't lie I get shitty mileage since I got a heavy foot but when I'm driving normal I'd say I get good mileage you want city/ highway? I pump every week if not every week and a half I pump 91 Oct. Ask away that's what we are here for lol I get shitty mileage as well due to traffic out here stop and go stop and go doesn't help much either.

 

[YjagetaJeep]

I live in San Diego. Mission Valley is central to pretty much everything, and from there you'll probably use the freeways to get anywhere.
6 vs 8 cylinders is your choice and what you like to do. I wouldn't get the six....but another guy wouldn't get the eight. Check the mileage specs and use them as a guide only... (you do know they're B.S. right?) Some guys can't get the power they want out of the 6 so they end up putting more foot into the pedal.
Again, it's all up to you, but if you're in doubt, you may want to consider the hemi...so you don't have any regrets about power.

 

[Alex47er]

I live in San Diego. Mission Valley is central to pretty much everything, and from there you'll probably use the freeways to get anywhere.
6 vs 8 cylinders is your choice and what you like to do. I wouldn't get the six....but another guy wouldn't get the eight. Check the mileage specs and use them as a guide only... (you do know they're B.S. right?) Some guys can't get the power they want out of the 6 so they end up putting more foot into the pedal.
Again, it's all up to you, but if you're in doubt, you may want to consider the hemi...so you don't have any regrets about power.

I couldn't agree anymore. I prefer 6 over 8 and he prefers 8 over 6 it all depends what you wanna do!

 

[Blackout]

Well I've owned the Jeep for 2 years now and have driven it ever since I got it. So I know the shitty mpg and such, even with a light foot. I was just trying to compare my current mpg/fill ups to y'alls that drive daily in California.

Thanks for the all insight tho fellas, appreciate it.

 

[Alex47er]

Well I've owned the Jeep for 2 years now and have driven it ever since I got it. So I know the shitty mpg and such, even with a light foot. I was just trying to compare my current mpg/fill ups to y'alls that drive daily in California.

Thanks for the all insight tho fellas, appreciate it.

Then again when you out here there are MANY things to do especially for a first timer so yeah gas might suck lol

 

[greenwayer]

Well I've owned the Jeep for 2 years now and have driven it ever since I got it. So I know the shitty mpg and such, even with a light foot. I was just trying to compare my current mpg/fill ups to y'alls that drive daily in California.

Thanks for the all insight tho fellas, appreciate it.

Well the difference with a hemi is it has mds so it will shut off half the engine. If you have a light foot as you say that may actually get better gas mileage than your 4.7. Dont get the v6 because for such a heavy car your going to have to really stick your foot into it to get it going, and that will suck more gas. In Cali we have a higher speed limits and more stoplights so you will spend most of the time getting up to speed, so a hemi will help you out there.

 

[YjagetaJeep]

Arrrggghhhh. I parked in the "guest parking" and didn't move it this morning until all the water spots dried. Our water here is, like, 10% calcium!
Spent the rest of the day with the D.A. polisher, assorted polishes, and sealant.