Ok, Aussie fuel prices: Around 90cents per litre. 5 litres (yes litres, not liters) is about 1 US gallon. $US1 is about $AU0.55. You do the math Kirk (I'm stumped!)
Min wage depends on what area of work - there are industry dependent "award" rates that set work conds incl pay, as I understand (how would I know, I'm unemployed). I think bare minimum (McDonalds workers) get around $8/hr or so.
As for letting others decide if they need/cant afford, don't forget we all share the same environment. Just because you're financially able to get a hunking big SUV/truck doesn't make you any more/less privilledged to pollute OUR environment and waste OUR non-renewable resource. We as people of this earth are all stakeholders including the Rwandan village chief who's never seen a car.
No offense intended, I understand distances are great between anywhere to anywhere in the US (so any drive is a long one) But here in little ol' Aussie there is no *need* for gigantic trucks/SUVs. I detest seeing purpose built offroad vehicles driven recklessly by soccer mums under the false pretense that it's safer for them and their kids.
As for me and the USA Kirk, hopefully in 2003 if not 04 I'll be living permanently in the states (got a job offer at
www.TPFcprivate.org )! So I will take up the challenge and indulge myself in a vehicle that makes no sense (Why is it called a sport utility? It's neither sporty nor utilitarian!).
I'm a fan of diesel, but 7 litres?! There is such a thing as too much of a good thing.