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Author	Topic: [Poll: 2011.49]: How much farther would you drive to save 20¢/gal (5¢/L) on fu...	Post a Reply Back to Topics

JT Moderator	Message Posted: Nov 27, 2011 12:01:01 AM Ignore JT Report Abuse How much farther would you drive to save 20¢/gal (5¢/L) on fuel? I'm not willing to go out of my way Less than 2 miles (3 km) 2 - 4 miles (3 - 6 km) 4 - 6 miles (6 - 10 km) 6 - 10 miles (10 - 16 km) More than 10 miles (16 km) It depends on other factors as well I don't purchase motor fuel Post your thoughts about this poll below.

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Message Posted: Nov 27, 2011 12:01:01 AM

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How much farther would you drive to save 20¢/gal (5¢/L) on fuel?
I'm not willing to go out of my way
Less than 2 miles (3 km)
2 - 4 miles (3 - 6 km)
4 - 6 miles (6 - 10 km)
6 - 10 miles (10 - 16 km)
More than 10 miles (16 km)
It depends on other factors as well
I don't purchase motor fuel

Post your thoughts about this poll below.

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N9HVP Champion Author Indiana Posts:11,723 Points:2,473,565 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2011 11:56:06 AM Ignore N9HVP Report Abuse 6 - 10 miles.
chui Champion Author Dallas Posts:2,906 Points:2,368,635 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2011 11:49:17 AM Ignore chui Report Abuse 4 - 6 miles......
szakihasan Rookie Author Ontario Posts:2 Points:49,090 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2011 11:48:38 AM Ignore szakihasan Report Abuse 4-6 miles
scoutmaster Champion Author Pittsburgh Posts:81,374 Points:3,255,570 Joined:Mar 2003	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2011 11:04:20 AM Ignore scoutmaster Report Abuse Here is a good site to help figure this out.
ZcarSC Rookie Author South Carolina Posts:8 Points:320,310 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2011 10:28:41 AM Ignore ZcarSC Report Abuse The difference in cost for just the fuel to me is a penny a mile, therefore, anything more than 10 miles away is not worth the cost. This doesn't factor in to the calculation other cost such as oil, maintenance, etc. [Edited by: ZcarSC at 11/30/2011 10:29:21 AM EST]
Lengas Champion Author Gary Posts:13,561 Points:2,719,725 Joined:Nov 2004	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2011 10:13:30 AM Ignore Lengas Report Abuse 5 miles
jordmister Rookie Author Akron Posts:8 Points:30,360 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2011 9:56:06 AM Ignore jordmister Report Abuse 2-4 miles and if i really needed it 6-10 miles
GottaHaveMoreCowbell Rookie Author Twin Cities Posts:70 Points:904,750 Joined:Mar 2009	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2011 9:49:58 AM Ignore GottaHaveMoreCowbell Report Abuse EPTRAVELER spelled out the math of the question quite nicely - it's easy to calculate the point at which going out of your way for cheaper fuel is a net loss. BUT... that's not the same as altering your "errands plan" a bit to reach a location where fuel is lower in price. That's the beauty of the GasBuddy site - you can see what's going on around your area and maybe plan your trip accordingly.
eptraveler Rookie Author El Paso Posts:1 Points:1,220 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2011 9:05:31 AM Ignore eptraveler Report Abuse Let's say I get 20 mpg and need a 15 gal fillup. That means I would save $3. So, if I drove 10 miles (20 RT) that means I would spend the $3 just getting there and back. SO, accounting for my time, that means it's not worth it to me to drive more than about 5 miles one way.
GasJAK Sophomore Author Grand Rapids Posts:214 Points:393,505 Joined:Feb 2006	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2011 8:44:39 AM Ignore GasJAK Report Abuse ~6, but I normally don't have to drive more than 2.
keo Champion Author Colorado Posts:10,266 Points:2,036,790 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2011 8:17:04 AM Ignore keo Report Abuse ~6
cigarman409 Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:4,446 Points:1,828,585 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2011 7:19:12 AM Ignore cigarman409 Report Abuse I would drive by and stop, not out of my way
cigarman409 Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:4,446 Points:1,828,585 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2011 7:18:30 AM Ignore cigarman409 Report Abuse not out of my way
Bonanza Champion Author Boston Posts:12,099 Points:2,552,955 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2011 6:54:13 AM Ignore Bonanza Report Abuse It depends on other factors as well
windrifter Rookie Author KW Posts:72 Points:218,460 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2011 6:48:50 AM Ignore windrifter Report Abuse I would drive further if I needed a full tank.
dongo50 Champion Author West Virginia Posts:14,712 Points:2,382,970 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2011 6:16:56 AM Ignore dongo50 Report Abuse i have 2 stations here, they are close and have the same prices anyway.
pkhdonovan Champion Author Maine Posts:12,016 Points:2,707,530 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2011 5:36:57 AM Ignore pkhdonovan Report Abuse I only purchase gas from station in my normal traveling routes.
Prpapi Rookie Author Virginia Beach Posts:4 Points:134,080 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2011 5:35:47 AM Ignore Prpapi Report Abuse Depending how cheap the gas is. I normally go about 5 miles give or take. But its funny is the gas keeps going down we all still look for that magic lower number. We are never satisfied. Thats just my opinion.
Ziggy1962 Champion Author New Jersey Posts:5,764 Points:1,812,735 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2011 5:11:13 AM Ignore Ziggy1962 Report Abuse I'm not willing to go out of my way.
NavyEOD Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:10,016 Points:2,023,100 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2011 3:20:19 AM Ignore NavyEOD Report Abuse I never drive out of my way for gas.
CrackedLCD Champion Author Alabama Posts:9,041 Points:1,756,775 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2011 1:30:57 AM Ignore CrackedLCD Report Abuse Depends on how valuable your time is and how fuel efficient your car is, WillyG.
WillyG Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:3,563 Points:908,040 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2011 12:37:30 AM Ignore WillyG Report Abuse More than 10 miles is adding extra fuel wasted which means extra money. It's cutting into your savings.
Godozo All-Star Author Gary Posts:676 Points:560,415 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2011 12:17:55 AM Ignore Godozo Report Abuse With me, it depends on a few issues: 1) Am I working? Time for me is $17/minute ($.15/minute wages plus $.02 for employer-sourced FICA taxes and matching 401K) (yes, it's low wage.) if I'm working, $.00/minute if not (remember, if I'm not working I'm not getting paid). 2) Would I be doing something important otherwise? If I'm standing by, then time costs $.00/minute since I'd be paid whether I was gassing up or snoozing. 3) How far out of the way I'd go for the savings. Usually I try not to go more than a half-mile out of my way, if I can get it on a direct route so much the better. 4) How much gas do I need? Sometimes the savings isn't worth it because you don't need enough to justify it. Example: Gas prices today on the gas station closest to base were $3.26, and there was a $3.13 directly one mile away (there were some $3.12 and $3.11s, but they were just too far). Five minutes (total) out of the way = $.85 in wages, 1 mile (only adding fuel for going to the station, from the station goes on the next tank) at 15 MPG (in a minivan) = $.21, making $1.06 cost, thirteen gallons at $.13/gallon savings = 1.69, generating $.63 cents savings for my boss over the closest station, or $.048/gallon. Not much, but it adds up. In the above example ten cents/gallon is break-even point, at which point I'd gas up at the closest gas station out of laziness and a wish to get out of work. Five cents...don't you dare suggest it. 5) If just me, personal laziness vs interest in trip/willingness to save. In short, while my time may now be worth $0.00 (since I'm not at work), it's worth something...maybe warmth at home, chance to relax or write. Noncompensated items, but definitely of worth. Also, twenty cents/gallon would make a good excuse for a side trip, while five cents/gallon wouldn't necessarily do so. So...twenty cents? Depends. [Edited by: Godozo at 11/30/2011 12:23:15 AM EST]
chui Champion Author Dallas Posts:2,906 Points:2,368,635 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2011 11:33:42 PM Ignore chui Report Abuse 4 - 6 miles..........
GAC1Shirt Champion Author Georgia Posts:1,360 Points:751,610 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2011 9:30:38 PM Ignore GAC1Shirt Report Abuse The savings have to be greater than the cost to drive the extra distance.
zacksnanny Champion Author New Brunswick Posts:1,637 Points:2,204,430 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2011 9:25:00 PM Ignore zacksnanny Report Abuse It depends on other factors as well
gardezbien Veteran Author Ontario Posts:390 Points:627,285 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2011 7:51:50 PM Ignore gardezbien Report Abuse I consider where I'm going and look for the cheapest station along the way. Some times, the cost of driving my vehicle matches the benefits the marginal saving in gas price brings. But then again that depends on how many litres I need to buy!!! Complicated discission, eh!
rohiah10 Sophomore Author Boston Posts:161 Points:717,190 Joined:Apr 2010	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2011 7:31:24 PM Ignore rohiah10 Report Abuse You don't save much when you have to spend your time to go any distance. I'm lucky that all the cheapest gas stations are in my neighborhood. Since I report on these stations every day, I don't have to go far.
RAE344 Champion Author Virginia Beach Posts:3,075 Points:663,470 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2011 7:11:32 PM Ignore RAE344 Report Abuse Depends on how much money I would save.
OKRifle Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:10,424 Points:1,813,210 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2011 7:00:05 PM Ignore OKRifle Report Abuse 2-4
awillisant Champion Author Mississippi Posts:3,141 Points:607,530 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2011 6:26:26 PM Ignore awillisant Report Abuse 4-6
ghmortensen Champion Author Minnesota Posts:1,999 Points:1,671,505 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2011 6:14:20 PM Ignore ghmortensen Report Abuse Going more than 4 miles out of your way would cost you more than you would save.
HFAJR0034 Champion Author New Mexico Posts:6,448 Points:1,168,735 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2011 5:25:34 PM Ignore HFAJR0034 Report Abuse I WOULDN'T
bobsalwaysmt Champion Author Long Island Posts:4,665 Points:266,040 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2011 4:20:49 PM Ignore bobsalwaysmt Report Abuse Wouldn't be worth it (time & fuel) to drive more than 4 miles "out of my way" & then only if I needed nearly a whole tank.
TBecker1415 Champion Author Missouri Posts:1,670 Points:349,690 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2011 3:29:25 PM Ignore TBecker1415 Report Abuse Strictly to fill up on fuel, I'd go a mile out of my way, maybe 2 at the very most, if I could fill at least 1/2 my tank. Otherwise, the further you have to go, the less you save plus the extra time it takes.
Juiceex310 Rookie Author Los Angeles Posts:10 Points:1,850 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2011 2:13:12 PM Ignore Juiceex310 Report Abuse Depends on how much gas I need.
Humbug4 Rookie Author Georgia Posts:30 Points:12,535 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2011 2:01:25 PM Ignore Humbug4 Report Abuse I have traveled up to 20 miles to find a cheaper price per gallon
sixysixty Sophomore Author Cleveland Posts:126 Points:777,695 Joined:Dec 2009	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2011 2:00:15 PM Ignore sixysixty Report Abuse Gasbuddy allows planned excursions to cost efficient gasoline purchases!
pumpernickel2011 Rookie Author Calgary Posts:12 Points:2,215 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2011 12:59:53 PM Ignore pumpernickel2011 Report Abuse Depends on whether I'm going to be in that area of town. Generally I'm on city roads thru out the day....today I'm making a small detour to catch the $.97/L @ Gas Plus.
TexasTon Rookie Author Texas Posts:73 Points:16,435 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2011 12:42:27 PM Ignore TexasTon Report Abuse Just like today, I've got two stores I've been needing to visit in the area of town (10 miles) where the fuel is $.11 cents cheaper, I'll make the trip since I'm running low and the goods at one store has become a "need to have item" today. Otherwise, only if I were in the area would I make the trip.
KathySipsGas All-Star Author Columbus Posts:859 Points:231,395 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2011 12:24:40 PM Ignore KathySipsGas Report Abuse I calculate the importance of time with my decision.
fonegirl Rookie Author Virginia Beach Posts:6 Points:239,905 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2011 12:20:07 PM Ignore fonegirl Report Abuse I determine how much gas I will need to fill up the tank, and how much I will spend/save on the fill up. Then I calculate how far I can drive without it costing more in gas than I will save on the lower gas price. Economics 101.
dowens3197 Rookie Author Tulsa Posts:17 Points:10,275 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2011 11:25:00 AM Ignore dowens3197 Report Abuse 6-10 miles...based on my current fill ups I would save about $3.20 on a fill up @ that rate. I could drive the 6-10 miles for less than half that amount. I would try to make sure I could find another reason to drive that direction but I think it would be worth it for $.20/gal savings.
Cadker Champion Author Chattanooga Posts:4,479 Points:161,310 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2011 11:19:09 AM Ignore Cadker Report Abuse I get my gas hand delivered by Groverland.
N9HVP Champion Author Indiana Posts:11,723 Points:2,473,565 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2011 11:17:27 AM Ignore N9HVP Report Abuse 6 - 10 miles.
Yonkers111 Champion Author Scranton Posts:8,331 Points:857,085 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2011 10:45:00 AM Ignore Yonkers111 Report Abuse Gas is 3 miles away to start with so I always get it when I'm doing something else. I keep an eye on the local price and if I see a better deal somewhere else, I just stop there.
Sapphires9 Rookie Author Mobile Posts:6 Points:2,575 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2011 10:22:50 AM Ignore Sapphires9 Report Abuse I would go at least 5-10 miles because if I'm out and about anyway what's the difference. it's all about saving them dollars for me.
POdByHighGas Veteran Author Ontario Posts:399 Points:643,145 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2011 10:07:36 AM Ignore POdByHighGas Report Abuse I cross the US border into upper NY state and get my gas there. Gas at home is $1.233 per liter or $4.66 per US gallon. While there I shop for groceries and save a bundle. I'm sure I save close to $1.00 per gallon.
wschmrdr All-Star Author Albany Posts:666 Points:120,460 Joined:Sep 2007	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2011 10:04:52 AM Ignore wschmrdr Report Abuse I used to drive 35-40 miles to save about 30 cents per gallon on a 23 gallon tank. However, the terrain involved a number of large hills, so I was able to hypermile.
gtgas Rookie Author Michigan Posts:6 Points:2,110 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2011 10:01:22 AM Ignore gtgas Report Abuse I would drive 4 to 6 miles to save 20¢/gal (5¢/L) on fuel but not sure if driving more then that will help??
Jangoo2 Sophomore Author Akron Posts:113 Points:131,785 Joined:Dec 2004	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2011 9:40:11 AM Ignore Jangoo2 Report Abuse I have a 15 gallon tank, which is a maximum savings of $3.00. At current gas prices in my area ($3.29), that's about 9/10 of a gallon. Since I get about 30 miles to the gallon, that equates to about 27 miles. Calculating round trip mileage, anything beyond 13 miles away would be a waste.