Gas Guzzling
Very quickly I learned about more subtle differences between Europe and the US. After the many visits over 7 years in the States, I thought I had it really all figured out when I moved permanently.
Coming from an environment where gas is sold by the liter, and costs about $6 a gallon, cars have small tanks and use gas very efficiently.
Noticing two (!) tanks on my first own vehicle in the US, I quickly caught on to the concept that here in the US we burn natural resources like there is no tomorrow.
Interesting observation: in the last 10 years very little has changed; especially here in Texas many SUVs and pickup trucks are sold in 2004 burning as much or more gas as my 1977 Lincoln Continental Town car, or my 1974 Buick LeSabre.
In all fairness, it is easy to get with the program: I do drive a 1988 Chevrolet Suburban (the Monster Truck in the next Gallery), which gets barely 7.5 miles to the gallon; and a 1998 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, which at least in the city does not get good mileage either (the police pursuit package for performance is not helping).
I did try to drive a German car for efficiency (the black BMW 525 Ti) in 2001/2002 – but if the dealership (John Roberts BMW) is not even able to determine that the rear watercontainer for the window wash is empty and thus causes a computer error message, and sells you a vehicle, which was previously in an accident without disclosure, it takes the fun out of it).