Automobob
Community Expert
Posts: 166
Loc: TEXAS, COLLIN
Reg: 04-13-06
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02-20-12 10:58 AM - Post#145641
Here is a site to look up the best prices in your zip code:
http://autos.msn.com/everyday/gasstations.aspx?zip...
BOB ELLIS--
ALLEN CAR CARE CENTER |
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chickypez
enthusiast
Posts: 436
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 02-13-07
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02-28-12 12:56 PM - Post#145978
In response to Automobob
I like this! My husband laughs at me because every day I pull up the gas prices to see how they are doing. But when he needs gas, he always calls me to see where the cheapest is in his area! This site is good too:
http://www.dallasgasprices.com/index.aspx?area=All...
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phantomcobra
enthusiast
Posts: 1408
Loc: Between Canada and Mexico...
Reg: 06-18-02
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05-30-12 04:19 AM - Post#149774
In response to chickypez
Assume you get 20 mpg and drive an additional .5 mi to get to a place that has gas 5 cents per gallon cheaper. The savings for an 18 gallon tank, means you save a whopping 90 cents to fill the tank. If you had to drive that .5 miles to get to that cheaper gas station, your savings drops to 72 cents after burning 18 cents to get there and back. Add in the value of your time and you probably actually lose money unless the lower price is along your established route anyway. If you get 30 miles per gallon that savings goes up to 78 cents. If you have a smaller tank like a 12 gallon, the savings is 42 cents or 48 cents with those same conditions. Multiply those savings times how many times per month you fill the car and you may have enough to buy a cup of coffee one time.
For someone who fills the tank once a week or less, searching out the lower gas price doesn't make the effort worth while unless you buy a lot of items under $1. Savings increases as your need for more increases. You would have to determine for yourself if it is worth it for you.
Disclaimer: Assuming my calculations are correct.
| Retired and living in another state by a big lake. |
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chickypez
enthusiast
Posts: 436
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 02-13-07
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05-30-12 10:53 AM - Post#149784
In response to phantomcobra
But it's a bit different if you have a 25.5 gallon tank and the difference if .15 or .20 per gallon. And if there are 2 stations on my route that have a difference of .05 per gallon, I like to know that because I will most definitely want to stop at the cheaper one.
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phantomcobra
enthusiast
Posts: 1408
Loc: Between Canada and Mexico...
Reg: 06-18-02
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06-04-12 02:17 PM - Post#149869
In response to chickypez
Don't think I've ever seen stations with 15 or 20 cents difference in price from everyone else in the area.
You save $1.27 if you stop for a 5 cent per gallon savings.
Assuming the station that is cheaper is along the way. Savings is actually less because I doubt you drive until the vehicle it is bone dry. Given a tank that size, I imagine the vehicle isn't getting all that wonderful of a mileage so the farther you drive to that cheaper station (off the normal route), the savings drops rapidly.
Bottom line: Going across the street for $1.27 may be worth it but driving a half mile extra may actually cost you more. By the way, I've been through all this as one of my sedans has a 25 gallon tank. At 11 miles per gallon I won't drive more than a block or two off my regular route for less than 5 cents.
Saving money on gas really boils down to HOW OFTEN you have to fill more than how much you pay for an individual tank.
| Retired and living in another state by a big lake. |
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chickypez
enthusiast
Posts: 436
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 02-13-07
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06-04-12 10:36 PM - Post#149880
In response to phantomcobra
Check the differences in price here:
http://www.dallasgasprices.com/index.aspx?area=All...
There are a Chevron and a QT at Belt Line and 75, right across the street from each other that have been .20 difference since the QT opened a few months ago.
Yes going half a mile out of your way might be silly, but if you read my post, I said "And if there are 2 stations on my route". Though since I am getting 23-25 MPG it would not be too much of a loss.
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EnjoyingLife
enthusiast
Posts: 372
Reg: 08-09-10
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06-05-12 10:11 AM - Post#149882
In response to chickypez
I love my Gas Buddy app on my phone! Always up-to-date with current prices per station per zip code!
I too drive by the new QT at Beltline and 75. $3.19/gal yesterday! Cheaper than any place in Allen.
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