Maybe it's just this one co-worker I car pool with, but I was wondering if anybody else has come across this strange driving personality:

This person swears by tiny import tin can cars for low initial cost, dependability and great gas mileage. And they love to brag about it.

But in reality they drive like a NYC cab owner: Darting in and out of spaces, constantly flogging the poor 4 banger by accelerating into gaps (gas pedal floored); the auto tranny constantly shifting up and down several gears at a stretch. As a passenger you are either stuffed into the seat or hanging from the lap belt.

I am always thinking if this person would just admit their have a need for speed, they would get a car they wouldn't have to thrash and their driving would be a heck of a lot smoother if their car was semi-responsive. Heck, even a stick shift could help satisfy this need to flog the poor car.

His real world gas mileage must be terrible.