I probably have changed my opinions on gas prices very dramatically in the last few months and it's really not only related to the cost of gas right now.
I used to drive somewhat out of my way to save less than $.10/gallon. I then realized that for my car, a 1996 Toyota Camry, which has a 17-gallon tank, I was only saving at most $1.70. I will admit though, I'm usually always interested in saving money any chance I can get, regardless of the actual amount. But, is going out of my way and using more gas worth the $1.70? I doubt it.
The reason I say that is because there are hundreds of other places and situations where we spend much more than $1.70 and don't even think about it.
- buying a drink at a restaurant instead of water w/ lemon
- using an ATM from another bank
- going to Starbucks before work instead of getting free coffee at work
It wasn't too long ago that my wife and I started looking for car buyers with the idea of trading her van, which gets about 17 miles/gallon if we're lucky. Oddly enough her van also has a 17-gallon tank, so we both spend about the same amount of money on a fill-up.
We thought about trying to sell the van and get a new Honda Civic Hybrid. The gas savings by comparison would have been tremendous. But with the increased and extended car payment, it may take a number of years to come out even. We might consider looking for fuel-efficient toyota trucks for sale.
Do you think it?s worth it?