Submitted by Chredon (not verified) on October 23, 2008 - 4:58pm.
Here's my idea: Set a range of MPG that we call 'good', such as 25-35MPG. Charge a sales tax of $1000 per MPG that the car falls below the low end of the good range. Give a $500 credit for every MPG that the car rises above the upper end of the good range, up to $5000. Then, shift the 'good range' up 1 MPG every year or two until you get to something that you like. Apply this to all vehicles regardless of class.
Why are SUVs and mini-vans rampant? Becuase they qualify as trucks, whereas station wagons qualify as cars. Put all vehicles into one bucket, and you'll see a significant change.
How About a Sliding Scale in Both Directions?
Here's my idea: Set a range of MPG that we call 'good', such as 25-35MPG. Charge a sales tax of $1000 per MPG that the car falls below the low end of the good range. Give a $500 credit for every MPG that the car rises above the upper end of the good range, up to $5000. Then, shift the 'good range' up 1 MPG every year or two until you get to something that you like. Apply this to all vehicles regardless of class.
Why are SUVs and mini-vans rampant? Becuase they qualify as trucks, whereas station wagons qualify as cars. Put all vehicles into one bucket, and you'll see a significant change.