How are rising fuel prices affecting you?

[70salesguy]

PLEASE try not to turn this political.

Please don't place blame with corporations or politicians or countries.

Let's just confine this discussion to this topic : How are rising fuel prices affecting you personally?

Is it just an aggravation, but you can handle it? (not saying you are loaded, just that your budget isn't so tight that the extra $$$ doesn't bust your budget. It could also be that you don't buy that many gallons either)

Is it hurting your budget?

Are you changing your lifestyle?

Is it hurting you big time?

At this present time, I have room in my budget to handle it, but I do carefully analyze my trips for opportunities to combine trips (especially for business).

Again, no politics here, please. :yes:

[spartanmanor]

Thankfully I do not have a long commute and work pays for my gas. My wife goes through a tank every other week, diesel and that is now $4.50 a gallon around here. It does make you think a little before just jumping in the car.

[Nikko75]

It's hurting DIY seriously. What was already a load of cash is now beyond comprehension, the price of a small used car depending on the parts. A business lost a big order yesterday.

[jblmar]

I'll be driving less this summer. If everyone cut their gas purchase by 10%, the price would drop very fast. We'll see.

Ron

[dr*audio]

$50 to fill the tank last week! :thumbsdn::thumbsdn::thumbsdn:I am trying to drive as little as possible. I plan to bicycle to work next week.

[Nikko75]

I posted this on my thread but I'll mention it here too for you guys. An oil company in Canada was bragging about it's successful past quarter at $889,000,000 profit after expenses. That is alot of profit. No wonder gas is so expensive.

[Scuzzer]

I fill my car once a month on average and since I use a debit card for it I don't feel the pain in my wallet directly.

However, it takes a full tank of gas to drive to my cabin and back. I now take that expense into consideration when planning a trip and generally I cut back on the groceries we bring along. Brats instead of steak, less expensive beer, that sort of thing.

[merrylander]

Fortunately now that I am retired the car may sit in the garage all week and only move long enough for me to get the tractor out to cut the grass. We saw a lot of this coming so before I retired we bought many new 'energy star' appliances. Four years ago we replaced the aging heat pump with a high efficiency Trane 1400. When the house was built 20 years ago the exterior walls are 2 x 6, not 2 x 4, and with insulation to match. 10" insulation in the attic and double glazed windows. We also planted 30 white pines along the north west side of the property and they are now over 20' high and form a nice windbreak.

[RetroHacker]

It's been steadily cutting into my ability to buy things. I don't make a whole lot of money, but I drive rather a lot. Therefore I find myself spending less on non-essential things, and cutting back on other expenses - like food. By avoiding going out to eat as often, I can typically cover it. My car gets pretty good mileage, and has a 13 gallon tank. I typically wind up spending $40 to fill back up, if I don't let it get completely dry.

The cost of gas actually affects the way I buy gas though. I used to do my best to find the cheapest price. But, now with gas as expensive as it is, a difference of four cents a gallon just doesn't matter. It's barely noticeable. If I save fifty cents, that's only like a seventh of a gallon of gas. Enough to go an extra 3.5 miles. Woo. It's not worth using the gas to go get the cheaper price any more.

Now, my father's van has a much larger tank. I just filled that back up on the way into work - and spent just about $80. It doesn't help that I live in New York, which has quite possibly the highest taxes on gasoline. A gallon of regular was $3.71 this morning.

It's just a good thing that my car runs on regular. I feel very sorry for those poor souls stuck with cars that need premium.

-Ian

[pahtcenter77]

Doesn't bother me a bit. The high price of gas is no different than the high price of lettuce during a drought or the high price of orange juice during a freeze or the high price of the latest fad toy at Christmas. They're all inevitable, and there's always SOMETHING that has a reason for being high (have you heard about the rice shortage?).

Since I own my own business, I just raise my prices a little to accommodate the increase. Then when the "shortage" goes away and the price settles back down, I leave mine where they are and save up for the next one.

The higher the gas price, the more local business I do. People are less apt to drive 20 miles to save $5.

Not trying to sound cocky, but it's a fact of life.......and business.

[slow_jazz]

Less money for other non-essential things, i.e. going to the movies, buying music... etc......

[2DualsNotEnough]

My wife and I both have fuel efficient cars,and my commute is about 12 minutes,and my wifes is more,but its a straight shot at highway speeds,but hers is much less than it was when gas was cheaper,so our gas costs only went from about $40 a week to $60.Thats still 80 bucks a month,but if we had bigger cars or SUVs we would be crippled financially.
Jimmy

[onepixel]

Doesn't bother me a bit. The high price of gas is no different than the high price of lettuce during a drought or the high price of orange juice during a freeze or the high price of the latest fad toy at Christmas. They're all inevitable, and there's always SOMETHING that has a reason for being high (have you heard about the rice shortage?).

Since I own my own business, I just raise my prices a little to accommodate the increase. Then when the "shortage" goes away and the price settles back down, I leave mine where they are and save up for the next one.

The higher the gas price, the more local business I do. People are less apt to drive 20 miles to save $5.

Not trying to sound cocky, but it's a fact of life.......and business.


I guess it's nice for you... to be able to take it out on someone else.



It's not so bad for me... yet. My commute is short to none. But I really feel for the folks who have been commuting 1 1/2+ hours each way, everyday and plus having to pay raised bridge tolls.

[Drybasement]

Other than my commute to work (14 miles round trip) my pickup truck stays in the driveway unless we need a load of mulch or dirt or to transport large items. It now costs me $124 to fill my truck based on the current $3.69 per gallon price at the pump. Also, we're not only feeling the pinch at the gas pumps, but food costs have risen dramatically as well.

Eight years ago I was quite a snowmobile enthusiast owning two machines and a trailer. During the winter, we'd make two trips a month to various places in the lower peninsula and at least one week-long trip to the U.P. It was a fairly inexpensive hobby back then but there's no way I could afford to do it now.

Example:
It would cost nearly $40 to fill a sled now and we'd easily go through a tank a day. Gas just for the sled alone would cost around $120 for a long weekend. Another $124 to fill the truck once and you're looking at $250 in gas just for a long weekend of snowmobiling with today's gas prices. And if my wife joined us I'd have to fuel the other sled. Oh my.

Nope. Couldn't afford that hobby today. I'm glad I sold my sleds back then.

[rickr15]

At $138.04 per fill up I tend to notice the bill a lot more than I did when it was about $75.00 2 years ago. Means less trips to the dunes this year.

[spartanmanor]

I think that it goes without saying that as the price of oil goes up so will everyting else. We will all feel the pinch.

[pahtcenter77]

I guess it's nice for you... to be able to take it out on someone else.

You work for free? You have never increased your prices because your expenses have crept up, or asked for a raise because you wanted to improve your lifestyle? Have you ever raised your prices (wages) because it was "in line" with the industry, even though you were getting by at the old level?

That barrel of oil doesn't cost any more to deliver to the US than it did three years ago, yet the price has gone ballistic. I can either stand around and cry about it, or do what I need to do to stay alive. It's no different than workers going on strike for higher wages.

Besides, I didn't say I "take it out" on people - I make a necessary adjustment to stay in business.
:thmbsp::thmbsp:

[similost]

No real pinch here.. Where it is hurting is airline ticket prices. We've just recently forked out a lot more than we normally would have because of flights we had no choice in taking... there will be less of those, and probably road trips instead. Still not cheap, but cheaper than flying...

We are going to take the bike more often to work though. We don't have to, but why spend the extra money on gas if you don't need to? Just kind of my way of sticking it to the oil companies best I can (buying less creating less profit for them) AND, I get some psycho-therapy by riding, so that's all good.

Food prices.. yeah, they are going up.. but for two people, a lot of times, for a decent meal, it's been cheaper to eat out, when you figure cooking time, gas to cook with, electricity, dishwasher, etc.. you can eat out cheaper than you can cook it some times.. SO.. not much change there.. just eating less, because our waist lines are starting to desperately need less food...

I am enjoying less SUVs (or as I call them HUVs (huge urban vehicles)) I have never liked them on the road. You can't see around them, and seems the people that drive them seem to think they own the road since they have the bigger vehicle... fugg'em.. I hope they die the same death the dinos did..

[Njord Noatun]

I fight "The Man" by buying stocks in listed companies who own petroleum reserves and other energy assets, as well as companies involved in alternative and renewable sources of fuel: Valuation for listed companies involved in the energy sector globally is up by 50%, on the average, over the last 24 months, which compares nicely with gasoline prices at the pump over the same period.

If oil prices crash and energy stock prices go with them, I figure I am cushioned by lower prices at the pump.

[poohsan]

fortunately Continental has always overcharged so much to come here that they haven't bothered to raise fares on us.

[bordeno]

I fight "The Man" by buying stocks in listed companies who own petroleum reserves and other energy assets, as well as companies involved in alternative and renewable sources of fuel: Valuation for listed companies involved in the energy sector globally is up by 50%, on the average, over the last 24 months, which compares nicely with gasoline prices at the pump over the same period.

If oil prices crash and energy stock prices go with them, I figure I am cushioned by lower prices at the pump.

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

Even when oil prices go down, it will not affect many companies' profits other than those who do their own exploration. It will affect the oil service stocks a little more.

To answer the OP, not affected except that we're paying more for gas. We're not cutting down.

[wajobu]

For car driving, it's not affecting me too much...yet. I don't drive that often; try to take the train when I can, walk or ride a bike to work (because I can). When I drive it's in a car that gets 36 to 42 MPG, but it takes premium so I'm paying 4 bucks a gallon as of today.

Where it hurts is when we fill our oil tank--thankfully the heating season is pretty much over...um...so now it's just the high electric bill. I'm glad that we live in a small house, drive small cars and live close to work (it was our choice to do this...I guess that it was a good call now despite real estate costing us more 20 years ago when we decided to do it this way).

Oh yeah, and as noted we can see it in plane flights, especially now that our son will be in college in the north-central US this fall. Well...and then there is the tuition thing...just a bump in the road :D

[MRX37]

Throw the car in Neutral and push... after a few weeks, you'll notice substantial gains in muscle mass.

[Snade]

Has not changed my driving habits, but I gripe about the price.

I think the local garage sales this Spring will have fewer out-of-towners.

[Nikko75]

If someone here has some serious loose cash, they could set up a couple hydrogen fuel outlets within a city if they own commercial property already. The only reason we don't see more H fueled cars is because fuel is a tad inconvenient to buy at the local gas station. Surprisingly it is safer than gasoline.

[sauuuuuce]

My wife and I have a 45 minute commute to work. We also don't drive the friendliest of vehicles as far as fuel econmy is concerned. I drive a chevrolet half ton and she drives a honda pilot. Once the truck is payed for I am buying a bike for driving any day it's not raining or cold as hell.

80 clams to fill the tank up every week to week and a half does cut into your budget. I just go out almost never and halve gone from one pack of smokes a day to one pack of smokes every 5-7 days. Seems to make up for the gas prices. We have a 1.5 year old so the going out wasn't happening anyway.

[sleddogman]

It's made a difference as to when I decide to take the car out of the garage. At $3.95 for a gallon of premium (which my '95 Volvo wagon burns) I now find myself scrutinizing how many multiple stops I can make per trip to maximize the expense, i.e., hit the post office, then swing by for groceries, pop in the hardware store, drop into Costo, etc.

At 20-22 mpg in the city, I recently realized that the 40 mile local round trip to stop by and see how my elderly Mom is doing costs me about $8.00. I use to go visit a friend up in Milwaukee about twice a month, but I haven't been up there since Thanksgiving because that trip is now $45.00 just in fuel.

Bottom line is that these days I don't venture out unless I really need to and then I try to plan out multiple stops on a circular route rather than multiple one shots. A guy on news radio yesterday was predicting that within 4 years gasoline would be $7.00 a gallon. The discussion also mentioned that it was strange that although overall nationwide consumption has gone down, pump prices haven't followed suit.

While I was out in the garage yesterday, I was actually contemplating if it would be possible to yank the straight-six engine out of the Volvo wagon and mate an electric traction motor to the tranny and shoehorn in a small 4 cylinder diesel driving a DC generator to power it (like locomotives do.)

Otherwise I need to find some good sized saddle bags for my '72 Norton... :D

[Nikko75]

That's a good idea. Brushless motors (computer controlled AC) offer horsepower just when you need it and you can adjust the timing for power or efficiency on the fly. To put into perspective, a little motor about 20mm outside diameter can produce about 1/4 HP (shy on the torque end though).

[RussinOhio]

Except for work and grocery shopping I rarely go anywhere. I'm kinda lucky in that I'm on an easy bus route and I can take the bus to work and I do that often. My workplace is roughly ten miles from where I live and bus fare for the week to work and back home is exactly 14 bucks a week. Not to bad but even bus fare has gone up for obvious reasons.

Russ

[durk08]

I bought a Honda Super Cub 49cc moped. A 1.50's worth of High Test will get me through the workweek. Seriously, one of the best investments that I've made.

The best part is, since it's 49cc, you do not need insurance or a special license!

[Rodzilla]

i drive a largish car that gets "decent" highway mileage[27-28 mpg] and totally abominable city mileage[maybe 18-20 mpg? on a good day!]my commute is only about 10 minutes each way[all city].i basically only drive it to work and fill it about every week and a half...but that fill is now hitting on 60 dollars,for those in the US...our gas price hit 1.32 a LITRE here today...multiply that by 4 to get a rough idea of the per gallon price.and you guys are bitchin?!?

tho i was planning to trade my car this summer...i am now actively shopping for a subcompact

[Twenty20Man]

it's driving up the price of grain, feeding my horses is becoming much more expensive...my comments on driving are much like everyones elses

[Web Police]

I just try to drive less and consolidate trips. Increased spending on fuel and food means less to spend elsewhere.

[djv8ga]

The little 10 gallon tank in my Vega doesn't bother me anymore. I think it's pretty cool now. :yes:

[x_25]

It has gotten my butt into gear for getting my motorcycle fixed. 1.7 gallon tank and 100+ MPG. Will be nice once it is running.

[thisOne]

I telecommute. I set myself up in my basement (mancave :banana:) with all my audio gear, a desk, high speed internet and all the necessities of home office. I make sure that I keep a day or two a week free of meetings in the office, so I can stay home, be more productive and save on gas (the planet will get some benefit, too :D )

[PioneerGuy85]

High gas prices are causing me to become extremely depressed due to the now inability to drive/roadtrip for leisure, which was once my favorite thing to do. :tears:

[OvenMaster]

Gasoline prices haven't affected me or my family too much, as we don't go out every day. But over the winter, rising heating oil prices sure put a dent in the fuel bill... enough to have us break out portable electric heaters to do most of the work. Turned out they were cheaper than burning oil!
Tom

[arrow 68]

I am turning to record shops, and a monthly show, and not completely, but abandoning thrifts. Just to much driving around for a maybe on vinyl. Thrifts have been awful for vinyl for a while.

[avionic]

It could be and eventually will be worst.My step daughter and grandchildren live in Iceland.Todays gasoline price in Iceland is $6.59/gal desiel is $7.04/gal.

[allentu]

i pay close to 60 bucks to fill up my tank and it cost me an average of 500-600 a month at the moment. Is it hurting me....oh...yea.......might be time for a hybrid.....i pay more for gas a month then some people pay for rent

[Cadillac Kid]

Just paid about 200 dollars to Chevron to drive round trip to Los Angeles for a project. Like other on here, the pain at the pump is eased by owning stock:

http://finance.yahoo.com/q/bc?s=CVX&t=5y&l=on&z=m&q=l&c=

[70salesguy]

I think the point was made earlier that most businesses will have no choice but to pass the higher fuel costs on to customers. This will probably be seen very soon in lots of places.

Perhaps a lot of people will put more thought into planning their trips well and combining trips. I know that prior to this, I have heard of a lot of people that went out to run errands in willy-nilly style with little thought to efficiency.

In my past I have looked to combine business trips as much to save driving time as cost. For example, I have a customer that is about 2 hours and 15 minutes away. I make a scheduled visit to his location once each 3 months. I have another customer only 45 minutes further away. I now try to combine the two into one trip, even though it involves an overnight stay and sometimes takes creative scheduling. As a result I save 4 and a half hours of driving for the cost of a hotel room. When you now add the cost of the gas, it makes supreme sense (even though I prefer to be home).

I'm glad to see that so far it's not totally breaking anyone's household budget and that most seem to be able to cope with it, even if it requires major adjustments.

[CChase]

Seems to me that the bottom line is that even if people don't think it's affecting them, it is... more money at the pump is less money other places. It's pretty simple.

[quatsino]

My commute is 3 miles one way and I drop my wife off at work and pick her up in the same area. I made the choice for this commute vs a "house in the valley" many years ago. Commuting here in the Lower Mainland (as elsewhere) is mostly insane.

On the other hand I've always had a "road trip vehicle" - something that I really like (currently an '08 F-150 Lariat) that sees overall low annual miles. This is my RV.

I'm a child of the 60's and 70's. My family burned a LOT of fuel. I grew up with big powerful cars and trucks, street bikes, dirt bikes, sleds, quads and boats. My dad and his friends had it all - and used it to the max. We sometimes talked about - but certainly didn't worry too much - about cost of fuel.

One of the boats I spent part of 3 summers on as a teen was a 28' twin Mercruiser V-8 powered K&C. It averaged 2mpg on plane. The 450 liter tank lasted typically 2 - 3 days (less than 1 day at high speed) - bigger trips would be 2 weeks on the water. This fuel use actually WAS concerning - the owner swapped in 2 Ford Diesels eventually.

My wife a I both work - good jobs - minimal expenses compared to many folks. I work for a major oil company - designing and building gas stations (where the costs have gone up brutally over the past 7 years). In spite of this I can't see us ever thinking about buying a boat for private cruising and fishing. So Yes, those days are long gone and my kids will never see it.

[whoaru99]

I'm making fewer convenience trips and less discretionary driving as a result.

However, since my necessity driving is fairly limited, work is only a mile or two each way, grocery store a few blocks away, etc., it's not really a big financial burden at present.

[Stereoholic]

I just moved back to my hometown- don't know why I even left.

I'm now a mile from work, so I can walk. Basic groceries, church, family, parks, etc., are all within walking distance. No longer do I have to make a 15-20 minute commute to work, so any money I spend on gas is for fun.

Even so, I'm still careful about taking trips. I figure any money not spent on gas is more money for me so I'll just stick it to 'em.

Did I make any major changes? Yes, by moving to be closer to work. Am I suffering any? Hell no. I enjoy my new life and am finding fun stuff to do that doesn't cost a lot of money, like taking more walks, going to the library, and catching up with family and friends.

My new place is the smallest place I have lived to date- an old gas station converted to a residence. All of 400 sq ft, it is cheap and easy to heat, cool, and clean. I did have to make a few trade-offs here, but overall, I love it.

[Andyman]

I think that it goes without saying that as the price of oil goes up so will everyting else. We will all feel the pinch.

Amen.

This ethanol thing was really poorly thought out; if at all. The increasing use of corn for ethanol production has led to price increases in anything that uses corn, such as beef and chicken feed, high fructose corn syrup the sweetener used in practically everything, and flour and soy as farmers swap out fields from these crops to grow more corn.

So if you think the only place you are feeling the bite is at the gas pump, well you need to add the supermarket and restaurant to that list.

[jocko_nc]

The wife is working out at home versus driving across town each day.

I have a company vehicle and do not see the costs directly.

Trips by car we would have taken in the past are not going to happen. Gas to the Outer Banks or up to Ohio is just too much to spend for no good reason.

I haven't had the boat out to the coast in several years now and it won't be going anytime soon. We tow with a Suburban, you can imagine the mileage pulling 4500 lbs and all that wind resistance. That said, we go out on the lake here regularly but try to keep the distances involved to an absolute minimum.

[jocko_nc]

Energy in general is going to become a real problem soon. Deals are already in-the-works that will result in future US electric bills that will be 100% to 300% higher than they already are. Such are the decisions we have made. That will absolutely cripple households on the lower rungs of the big economic ladder. We are all tied together in the same economy. The entire world.

I don't think it will come to pass. I think this current gas situation is just a taste of what is to come. People are starting to take notice. The ripple effect of energy throughout the world economy is little understood and completely unappreciated. We see just a tease of what can happen from just a minor disruption.

[allentu]

Although i pay an average of 500-600 a month for gas...thats on a car that gets "good" gas miles of about 28-29 on my digital meter

[1980'slover]

risin gas prices pisses me off! how am i suppose to drive my gas engine mercedes in the future?

[AnalogDigit]

I used to commute to work 60 miles a day to my job. I Was getting fed up with the job anyways. They were piling on the work and expect me to do everything and wanted accuracy and speed at the same time. So with the commute, the crazy drivers, construction and the occasional snowstorm or accident which took me 3 hours to get home. Last year I just said F**k it! and gave them my two week notice. I got a new job close to home, I do office work that pays me the same as my old job. I only fill up my tank once every two weeks since I bought a 2001 Toyota Corolla from CarMax. I moved in July in a area that is close to shopping, restaurants and the post office. I only travel to meet my girlfriend which lives in Freeport and I go to the thrifts, so I did not cut back entirely.

Maybe if gas prices get higher, less people would drive, the roads won't be that crowded, everyone would drive smaller vehicles and we will be better off in the long run.

[VinylHanger]

Luckily, I have a company rig for work with company fuel if I use my own rig as well. We have a Jeep that gets around 20 mpg on the freeway, so we use it for running around.

For my fun rig I just picked up a '96 1 ton crew cab dually 4x4 Chevy with the 454 . It was my Earth day present to myself. I figure if I'm going to ride in something, I want to be comfortable. It gets lousy gas mileage, but I consider it part of the expense to drive what has always been my dream to own, so I just suck it up.

As for driving, we have tended to do less these days and I go to the thrifts much less, though mainly because I just don't have the interest anymore. We live in town and everything is within walking distance, or just a quick drive, and our trips to the big city 20 miles or so north are much fewer, and we go and make a day of it if we do go.

[gearhound]

I shower once a week now.
Dirt = weight.
Also, I don't hang my head out the window any more.....cuts down on the drag.

Steve

[jocko_nc]

I wonder what the sport fishing life is like down in South Florida about now....

I used to tow my little 210 center console down to Palm Beach when possible. That ain't happening now. It was so impressive the number of 25-30 foot dual-outboard fishing rigs down there. Everyone seemed to have one. I'm not talking the fabulously wealthy, I'm talking ordinary Joes. (The fabulously wealthy prefer to burn diesel in frightening quantities.) When you live down there, a good boat is a priority. Take advantage of what ya got. Even with four-strokes, however, it has got to be getting darn expensive. Too expensive for ol' Joe, anyway.

[Nikko75]

I wonder what people in the future will think when they look back at our medieval machines and methods of society...

(Teacher)"The humans of the early 21st Century willingly bought into what would ultimately be their downfall; fossil fuel and non-regeneratable energy source reliance. These machines called automobiles appear to have been quite expensive and replacing them was not always an option. Even when it was they fell back into the trap once more due to a fixation with visually pleasing automobiles"

(Student)" I find it imprudent and illogical for an entire race to doom themselves by only owning machines that were dependent on energy they could not supply themselves...It was all because of aesthetics Professor?"

[Rat44]

Thought about riding a bike again but this place is not very bike friendly.Right of way means who evers bigger has it. Way too many close calls with telephone drivers.

[240sx4u]

Cars are my hobby... fuel costs are rising but I can drive a car that is paid off, gets 25 mpg or so and makes 400+ rwhp.

Ill cope. Luckily enough my work commute is now basically highway and about 15 miles. Its going to put a damper on my GF and I visiting family though.. which is sad. Its so expensive to go that we just can't sometimes.

I can tell you, I am getting serious about energy savings in my house right now. I am buying used appliances that are only about a year old. The money that I saved will pay for its energy use for years.

I am also getting ready to dump another foot or so of insulation in the attic and garage. I want to be able to keep the heat/AC where it belongs. I really should consider replacing the windows with more efficient models but thats later down the road when I have more free fundage.

I guess it effects me, but its not crippling. Like above, I try to make better use of being out and make fewer special trips for small insignificant things.

Evan

[Strawman]

I recently bought an '01 Sonata. It's not as sporty or fun to drive as the SSE was, but It's much better on gas. I'm also glad that I only live about 7 miles away from work.

[Argyle]

I have been feeling the pinch, and have been trying to get more done with each trip i take in the car. Like stopping on the way home if i need to pick stuff up, etc. On the other hand, since rates have dropped, so have my student loan payments (a rather large expense, month to month). Of course I would still like to be making larger payments to pay down the principle at a faster rate, but at least there's a little relief somewhere to help make up the difference (for now, anyway).

[MountainMike]

I have canceled a driving trip we had planned to Canada this summer. We will probably just make some short, local trips instead.

[Nikko75]

As long as the local oil company wants to charge high prices, the tourism it so strongly promotes will in fact continue to decline.

[MAXZ28]

More money toward gas in my car's tank
Less money toward MickyDee's in my tummy tank

[ashnut]

I carpool with a neighbor. First time I've ever carpooled. And I used to make trips to Home Depot whenever I needed something. Now I only go when I need two or three things. It's definitely affecting my behavior.

And I don't go chasing used gear as much any more unless it's really close. But I still go out of my way sometimes to hit the thrift on the way home and see if any new vinyl has come in.

[similost]

Thought about riding a bike again but this place is not very bike friendly.Right of way means who evers bigger has it. Way too many close calls with telephone drivers.

Same storry here.. or actually, right of way really means, my car is more expensive than yours, so that makes me more important....

I'm riding my bike tomorrow to save a few bucks :D

BTW.. I was watching the news this morning, and the speculators are starting to say this is just the beginning, and we may even see upwards of $12 to $15 a gallon... THANK GOD I've got a bike.. but still that's gonna run me $90 to $100 a week to get to work if it gets to that point..

[1980'slover]

if the gas prices wernt so high i would buy a car with a big engine

[Fast_Eddie]

As little as I drive, I hardly notice. I start biking to work this time of year anyhow. My car's been on a quarter tank for two weeks now.

[70salesguy]

I pay for the gasoline for my company vehicle with an American Express card.

I get "Rewards Points".

I have just about enough points now to buy a small Third World country.

[Workingslug]

I take my motorcycle to work on any day that I can. I know the prices are high when it takes the majority of a $20.00 bill to fill the tank. We are just like everyone else as the gas bill eats into the budget of other items. The Kroger grocery store has a credit card where when you purchase $100.00 worth of groceries, you get $0.15 per gallon discount. I guess we just had it too good for such a long time with cheap prices that it has finally caught up with us.

[Gohan]

Higher gas prices are not affecting me. I take the bus, ctrain, bike and walk. I do not have a car

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/9730/calgarylrtmapcp2.jpg

http://www.calgary.ca/docgallery/bu/engineering_services/emaps/transit_map.pdf

Gohan

[e2e4c7c5]

I pay for the gasoline for my company vehicle with an American Express card.

I get "Rewards Points".

I have just about enough points now to buy a small Third World country.

:lmao: :lmao:

Hopefully a small third world country with oil reserves!! :D

[MountainMike]

Just got back from Europe last week and was amazed at how much effort people put into planning their day and activities around using a car as little as possible or being able to avoid it completely. There is a lesson there for us to learn I suppose.

[stereodctr]

I commute 86 miles roundtrip five days a week so I do notice the additional cost for gas. Other than giving me something to complain about it really hasn't greatly affected my lifestyle. It seems like we always spend everything we bring home each month, if there is money left at the end of the month then the wife and I splurge a little on a nice dinner, or buy something for the house. We may have to cut back on these unnecessary items but we will still be able to pay the bills and live fairly comfortably.

[thunderroad]

Now that I think about it, I guess I've changed quite a few things since gas got so high. I go into work much earlier to avoid traffic jams that have you sitting in traffic moving 10 mph and getting terrible gas mileage. I combine trips to the market with other errands to drive less. When I go shopping, I stay local and buy from local merchants. I don't "take a ride" or go cruising on the weekend for entertainment. When I do drive, I'm a little easier on the throttle and drive slower. Our vacation plans will not involve major driving trips and may rely on Amtrac instead. So, I guess we've changed a lot!

[zman]

For you fortunate Canadian and farther member outside the US I know how easy it is with your buses and transit system.
We here were not ready for this because we are supposed to be ruling the world.
I suppose we are only somewhat ruling now. OH Well.
It wasnt too long ago I did everything on a bicycle and it was do-able in a 10 mile radius.
I supose if we sent away the people that arent citizens we could put in a bike lane or transit system,
But no... temperate weather and benifits are just too tempting.
Thats our world.

[bordeno]

Not ashamed to say I'm not feeling any pain at the pump.

Own oil stocks. Even better, have owned them for a long time.

[MountainMike]

I have been some work for the oil companies for many years and I do work for Exxon-Mobil, Chevron-Texaco and Aera Energy. I started buying oil stocks when they went super cheap in the oil slump of the 80's as it just made common sense as a long-term investment. I still hate paying over $4.00 a gallon for gas while in the USA and even higher prices abroad. I see how it is affecting family, friends and loved ones. I can't insulate my feelings about what is going on to others around me that I care about just because my personal portfolio looks good.

[dread31]

38 Mile commute, 16 mpg in the pick-up, 24 mpg in the Mustang (V6). So, guess which vehicle is picking up the mileage?

This morning I WALKED to my Sunday Morning breackfast at "Pancakes n' Things", walked to the 7-11 ATM and walked to the video store to pick-up "Amadeus, the Directors Cut" so I can see Constanze naked.
I am not angry about walking, it was a beautiful day, and my fat arse needs the exercise.

It's forcing me to conserve fuel and get more exercise,----a good thing.

Sure, I hate the prices. But, maybe this is what I need?

Dave

[Volvo242GT]

High gas prices are causing me to become extremely depressed due to the now inability to drive/roadtrip for leisure, which was once my favorite thing to do. :tears:

Not only that, but you're also now getting back into Volvos... ;-)

Here, I've done some trip consolidation, and have stopped buying fuel from the regular gas stations. Since I have a Costco membership, it's more cost-effective to save $.10-$.20 a gallon and use the Costco gas. I do use 92 octane, since my turbocharged '85 Volvo 240 wagon doesn't have a knock sensor, so I want to avoid detonation... I've noticed no decrease in gas mileage, so I don't see the need for Chevron or Shell gas.

-J

[Fisher-Dave]

Not ashamed to say I'm not feeling any pain at the pump.

Own oil stocks. Even better, have owned them for a long time.


Wonder how it'll affect folks if they were to do this.Would it hurt US investors,or over seas investors? :scratch2:


http://youtube.com/watch?v=UOpcPfAarjY

[Wigwam Jones]

Buying oil stocks now is probably not that smart. Buy low, not high. I'm buying into inflation-indexed bond funds and leaving a lot of my 401(k) in money market. Got out of the stock market in mid-March. Glad I did.

Can't trade in my 15 MPG 2005 Kia Sorento SUV for anything even close to what I owe on it, so I will eat that and keep making payments, but I am parking it. I just bought a 1994 Mitsubishi Mirage that should get around 30+ MPG. My weekly gas bill should go from $70 to $35 if prices remain at $4.00 or thereabouts.

[caddisgeek]

We are a two car family, both cars are biggish (by Aussie standards, not US) V6's

Mrs Caddis has a work car, with a fuel card, and personal use, so that does the bulk of the driving, especially since fuel is hitting $1.70 a litre (about 6.80 a gallon for the metrically challenged of you)

[theprofessor]

My car's gone, now it's just me, my bikes and public transit. The price of food has gone up, but other than that, I'm doing just fine.

[persons0]

I drive a 92 Geo Metro convertible with a 1L 3cyl so I am not to worried about gas prices

http://photos-581.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v284/32/24/733355581/n733355581_3140636_7527.jpg

[Elfasto]

My "new" ride is a '89 BMW 325i. Altho' it's not considered a economy car, it gets reasonable mileage in the city (20) and very good on the highway (30-ish). Weekly fuel expense averages about $37 for 270km's worth of commuting back and forth to work, and a little bit of running around. It's only slightly worse than the old '97 Escort (RIP).

Yeah, the higher fuel prices kinda suck, but it forces me to drive much more responsibly.

[tcdriver]

Not much impact here. Both our cars are relatively fuel efficient (> 35 mpg).

[JimJ[VT]]

I'm just not driving that much during the summer with the 10mpg-ish E-150, in August I'll be back up in B'burg anyway and then I'm taking the bus or walking around town. It should be interesting to see how packed the buses will be before the morning classes...

One thing's for sure, I'm definitely going to enjoy filling up the bike more :D

[soundweasel]

Driving much less -- primarily to and from work (8 mile roundtrip)

"Piggybacking" errands -- "saving up" multiple errands, one trip, big loop, no backtracking, etc.

Using our better mileage car more often: Toyota Matrix vs Subaru Outback Wagon

Driving more conservatively when on non-life threatening roads (MA Route 128 can be considered life-threatening during rush hour)

Driving to and from work during non-rush hour times

Walking for local errands

Keeping tires properly inflated, clean air filter, regular oil changes, using AC when running on highways (no open windows, topic of some debate)

Limiting trips with kayaks on roof of car to local rivers, lakes, other bodies of water. No long-haul trips yet this summer.

Starting bicycle rides from my house rather than driving to more scenic starting points.

Listening to the Grateful Dead on the car CD player to reduce liklihood of speeding. :D

[JesusChrysler]

Man.... I envy you guys!

I sold my 68 Plymouth Fury months ago (9 mpg!), leaving my family of 7 w/one vehicle: a 99 Dodge Caravan w/a 3.3 V6. Luckily; it gets aboot 20-ish mpg in town, but I have to pick up my (3) kids every other week from my ex'es house which is 99 miles away!!! It sucks! All the running my wife and I have to do weekly means we pay $70 a WEEK.

And I walk/ride a bike to my work whenever it's feaseable. 1 car for 7 people really sucks; by the way.

:(


Matt

[Wigwam Jones]

Man.... I envy you guys!

I sold my 68 Plymouth Fury months ago (9 mpg!), leaving my family of 7 w/one vehicle: a 99 Dodge Caravan w/a 3.3 V6. Luckily; it gets aboot 20-ish mpg in town, but I have to pick up my (3) kids every other week from my ex'es house which is 99 miles away!!! It sucks! All the running my wife and I have to do weekly means we pay $70 a WEEK.

And I walk/ride a bike to my work whenever it's feaseable. 1 car for 7 people really sucks; by the way.

:(


Matt

Well, for what it is worth, I paid $510 for my 'new' 1994 Mitsu. I just bid carefully, I think anyone could do the same with care.

I checked mileage out at http://www.fueleconomy.gov/ for each car I was interested in - that helped.

[PioneerGuy85]

Not only that, but you're also now getting back into Volvos... ;-)

Here, I've done some trip consolidation, and have stopped buying fuel from the regular gas stations. Since I have a Costco membership, it's more cost-effective to save $.10-$.20 a gallon and use the Costco gas. I do use 92 octane, since my turbocharged '85 Volvo 240 wagon doesn't have a knock sensor, so I want to avoid detonation... I've noticed no decrease in gas mileage, so I don't see the need for Chevron or Shell gas.

-J

Yeah,

The 240 will get 19-21 city compared to the Caprice's ~13. The Caprice will do better on the highway. Between the two, I've got decently fuel efficient transportation. Not great, but decent.

Still, when I'm flying down that open highway, 500 miles from home with another thousand to my destination, I'm on a natural high; everything else just melts away. Nothing else does that to me to the same extent.

[JosephH]

Like most everyone else I am being more careful about my choices. Fortunately, I saw this coming. When my beloved 1995 GMC Sierra 1/2 ton (12 mpg) needed a new engine at 250,000 miles I replaced it with a VW GTI (28 MPG combined) With my 40 mile (each way) commute, this has eased the pain somewhat. The car is nowhere near as comfortable for me, and not as handy, but the savings are substantial.
I am also very happy that I replaced my old oil furnace with a 95% efficient 2 stage gas furnace at the house. With last year's tax rebates and doing the install myself, the furnace cost me less than a grand and dropped my heating bills to less than 150.00 a month! I am also riding my motorcycle more and limiting recreational rides/drives on the weekend, which was one of my favorite pastimes. I have also limited my discretionary spending. I brown bag lunch and have put off many "nice to have" home projects.
The bottom line is that the price of everything is rising much faster than our incomes.

[KR7600]

I put $67 a week in my Grand Caravan, $50 a week in my Land Cruiser and $50 every 2 weeks in my 2007 ZO6. I am lucky enough to not really notice it. However, I also realize it is a big waste of money. I am thinking of my a Honda Civic and driving it everywhere.

[Kaffeen]

I would suggest people continue finding ways to continually improve their personal energy efficiency. Last weekend, my Dad and I installed an attic fan in my house. It helps cut down the A/C use during these blazing summer days. I expect it will pay for itself in a year or two, then continue paying back. It does nothing for my car's gas mileage, but it will reduce my total energy expenditure, which equals more money in the pocket. Fluroescent bulbs, better furnaces, more insulation, strategically planting trees. Stuff like that pays off in the long run. You can complain about it. Or you can do something about it.

This in no way is a suggestion to listen to less music. That is money well spent! :thmbsp:

[zenith2134]

I set the cruise to 50mph (which is speed limit on the road I frequently drive on) and take it easy. My car gets far better mileage when I take it easy, very noticeable.

[draftingmonkey]

Buy a smaller belt and keep taking it in. Eating is over-rated.

[theblackknight]

Im 17 years old and I drive a 1995 Volvo 960. it get about 18-24 mpg. my parents pay for the gas on it though, since it's their car.

although, I am saving to buy a car that i will own, pay insurance, and gas on. But its going to be a project car, chances are I'll have to rebuild the engine and do a lot of work. I'm looking at pretty much anything built from 1965-1972 with at least a 340 V8 engine, and I'll be spending around $5K to buy it. Buyin gas will be interesting, because I expect it to get around 8-10mpg. But, it's my dream, and I'll get more fun out of it than money can buy. :yes:

It WILL NOT BE a daily driver, the volvo will still be for that. and I won't take it to college. but on weekends and in the summer It'll be a helluvalot of fun !