Thirsty 'boys' here to stay

BY TIM DONOGHUE

As motorists move toward downsizing vehicles, Gavin Harris is laughing in the face of fuel efficiency.

An AA Insurance survey of 3708 vehicle owners issued yesterday found that 16 per cent of people had downsized their main vehicle, with 52 per cent citing fuel economy as the main reason.

Not so Mr Harris, whose "boys" a fleet of ageing muscle cars that cost $500 a month to fuel are here to stay.

He and partner Candice Webb own five cars: a 1989 VN Executive Holden, a 1991 VP Executive, a 1994 V8 Holden, a 1996 VK Berlina Holden and a 1971 XL Valiant Ranger. The Petone mechanic also drives a Toyota Hilux 2008 twin-cab work utility to and from work daily.

"I have no thought of downsizing the fleet whatsoever ... old vehicles are a lot more efficient than many newer vehicles. They are a lot easier to tune. These vehicles are like my kids," Mr Harris said.

He and Ms Webb, who has a 10-year-old son, were not worried about high fuel prices last year and the growing focus on greenhouse gas emissions in 2009. "We both love cars and like cruising with the car club in the V8," Ms Webb says.

The love of muscle cars is shared by Mr Harris' brother Aaron, who owns a 1977 Holden HX Monaro.

But not everyone is enamoured with big machines. Wellington new-car salesman Bill McEwan downsized his V6 Holden Commodore last month for a new 2-litre diesel Holden Cruze.

"It's resulted in fuel savings of about $150 per month. I make the return trip from Strathmore into the city daily," Mr McEwan said.

The AA Insurance survey also found 46 per cent of respondents lived in two-vehicle households.

Wellington had more one-car households (36 per cent) and fewer multiple-car households (7 per cent had four cars or more) than other cities.

WHAT A GAS

According to Motor Trade  Association figures:

* Overall new car sales are down 30 per cent this year compared to 2008.

* In 2005, small car sales were 12 per cent of the new car market compared to 20 per cent today.

* In 2005, large new car sales represented 20 per cent of the market compared to 13 per cent today.

- © Fairfax NZ News