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Which is more important- Smog forming pollutants or GHG?

I ask because looking at cars (and calling the epa to make sure its legal), my car choices come down to (CA emissions) a ULEV-II (EPA 7 APS) with 30/40 mpg or a PZEV-II (EPA 9.5 APS) with either 27/34 or 24/32 mpg.

Which is the better choice environmentally? I don't live in CA, does that influence which is more important? Is it too close to call? Thanks.

Some would consider that like a choice of excution by hanging or lethal injection. :eek:

Right now, the EPA seems to give smog priority to stop.

My Insight is cleanest depending on how you define clean. It emitts the least greenhouse gases, but it's not a PZEV, particularily on low NO2 emissions.

The smog producing emissions are much less of an issue outside of urban areas and areas prone to smog and ozone concentration. There is no significant benefit in vast rural country. Depends on where you live and drive.

GHG on the other hand is world wide.

Let me clarify. While the ideal would be a prius or actually a PHEV, I'm limited in my available cash to those being the two best options. I'm also indulging in a new/late model as a reward for graduation. Previously, my newest car was 7 years old when I got it. The other 2 were 11+ years old.

Also, I (will) live in the near W/NW Chicago suburbs. E10 RFG is mandated, its something like the 12th most polluted metropolis. If that helps at all.

Hi WH1984:

___Are you thinking about a PZEV based Focus or something else?

___What I did was go to a clean-state to purchase the PZEV equipped Accord which we cannot get in IL. :( Both the PZEV and non-PZEV were rated at 24/34 so there was no issue wrt GHG increase and the PZEV is so clean you could almost start and run it in your house ;)

___If you are not involved with a trade, you can easily do the same but watch other states taxes. Sometimes they tax you even if you are from another state anyway! The Accord came out of MA. so that was not an issue back in early 05.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

I'm looking at PZEV Focus/Cobalt (special order or clean-state) vs. Corolla/Civic. I don't think Corollas or Civics come in PZEV/SULEV. Do they?

Hi WH1984:

___You are correct. The Civic and Corolla do not come in a PZEV whereas the Focus in the clean-states does.

___Our Corolla w/ an Auto can pull a touch better then the Accord under steady state and in the stop and crawls. Under a full-blown P&G, I really have not been there with it although Toyota said they will get me a stick to play with for a week one of these days???

___If I were buying new, a Corolla CE/LE w/ a stick would be near the top of my short list w/ the Civic being a bit below due to its FE and especially price by comparison. ULEV-2’s are darn clean vehicles. Honda/Toyota just felt the need to leave them out of the PZEV contingent given they offer the Camry/Accord as PZEV’s in the clean-states. It really is too bad for all of us that the PZEV’s are not available up and down the entire lineup. It costs Honda/Toyota all of $100 - $150 for the HW and we all breathe a tad easier if they made their compacts PZEV’s like the hybrids and mid-sized sedans :(

___Another item about the Corolla’s … Make sure you can live with their ergonomics. Toyota screwed the pooch when it came time to put that one together. Without a telescopic wheel and a dead pedal that is designed at the completely wrong angle, it can be something you will have to overcome for any lengthier drive.

___Then there are used vehicles. If you want a fully loaded (no side or side curtains unfortunately :() compact for a song, the Focus’ can be found for not much more then dirt given their resale value. Let the other guy take the hit although you will take the chance like we all do with a used vehicle so YMMV? I would think an 07 relatively loaded up demo Focus w/ a stick could kick the EPA in the teeth and save you quite a bit of initial outlay vs. new. If you are buying new, watch those residuals is about all I would care to add.

___The Cobalt … Having seen my fair share of relatively new Cavaliers that are literally coming apart at the seams over the years, I wouldn’t touch one myself even if it was a next gen vehicle. They are also not available as a PZEV if that helps?

___Good Luck

___Wayne