Reporter seeks non-hybrid hypermiler in Mount Vernon, WA area (skagit/whatcom area)

[Kinare]

Hello all,

I'm a newspaper reporter seeking sources in the Mount Vernon, Wash. area for a story I am writing about fuel economy (anyone in Skagit County, south Whatcom or north Snohomish counties will do). Reporters these days seem to be writing a lot about hybrids, but how many people can actually afford to buy one?

My story is going to be about a local person (or people) who increases fuel economy without changing the car they drive. The worse EPA gas mileage the better. It would rock to find someone with a Hummer who gets 30 mpg, but as this is a limited area I'll take what I can get. I'd prefer someone who keeps regular mileage logs of gas consumption. Use of fancy gadgets a plus.

If there's a hypermiler club in the area that would also work. I am not looking for Seattle area folks. Mostly north of Marysville or south of Bellingham.

Please contact me at your convenience (though soon):

Kate Martin
Skagit Valley Herald
kmartin@skagitvalleyherald.com

(In the interest of full disclosure, I do own a Prius, but only because my 1995 Ford Taurus' transmission died and I used a spreadsheet to see which car would be best for my pocketbook. I got a 2004 Prius about six weeks ago. I have an 40-mile, one-way commute every day.)

[xcel]

Hi Kate:

___Because of the fuel savings and limited depreciation, your Prius purchase will begin to show you why hybrid ownership is less costly over the longer term vs. a new compact or mid-size of just about any type.

___Billy (Bill Kinney) just sold his Insight and doesn’t own a Hybrid now but does hypermile his Ford Ranger P/U truck He lives in Kennewick, WA (I hope I got that right?) and you can PM him form here. WriConsult (Dan) owns a TDI and he lives up near Seattle or possibly the Oregon border and would be another you might want to speak with?

___Good Luck

___Wayne

[Kinare]

Thanks for the quick response Wayne

Originally Posted by xcel

___Because of the fuel savings and limited depreciation, your Prius purchase will begin to show you why hybrid ownership is less costly over the longer term vs. a new compact or mid-size of just about any type.

I'm already noticing my car if sold on Craigslist would probably garner $1000+ more than what I paid for it just a few weeks ago (assuming you can bargain down $1000 from the asking price). I could probably even make a profit if I were to sell it. Makes me feel all fuzzy about my purchase and that I didn't get ripped off when I bought it (I really hate car shopping).

I appreciate your interview suggestions, however, Kennewick is across the mountains from me, and Seattle is too far south for my paper (we are in Northwest Washington). Can anyone suggest other forums for me to post on? (EDIT: not hybrid forums)

[xcel]

Hi Kinare:

___This is about the most non-hybrid – hypermiling friendly forum on the web but do contact WriConsult (Dan) as I am not really sure where he lives in Washington but it may be a lot closer than you think?

___Good Luck

___Wayne