Great post yesterday from "scottjk", who had to resort to compiling a cost analysis spreadsheet taking into account all known varibles in order to prove to Mrs. Scottjk that it would be financially detrimental in their case to trade their X for something w/ better gas mileage rating. This is a good reminder that many cost factors need to be considered over the total time of ownership, not just fuel mileage rating, to arrive at the bottom line. Insurance and maintenance costs alone vary widely amongst vehicles and can eat up any "savings" in gas. Perhaps "scottjk" will post his spreadsheet as a public service to other X owners who need ammunition to persuade their significant others.

I still plan to get an '06 X when they finally arrive and jettison two vehicles I own now. I haven't done a detailed cost analysis study yet, but I believe that I will save money over the life of my new X by owning only one vehicle instead of two. I also like the added safety factor of a larger vehicle and want the option of having side curtain air bags.

D.B.