So I am sitting here thinking...how to save gas!!!
05-26-2008 | 06:09 PM
#23
New Hire
Joined: Oct 2007
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Many have done the cost break down of a <Insert Hybrid> vs. <Insert Gas Guzzler>. At the end of the day, you aren't going to break even on a Hummer (save for the obvious decrease in cost), let alone a G35. At the end of the day, what a Prius will do is help the environment, and in theory it would lower demand which could potentially lower prices (not gonna happen, but I can dream, can't I?). This will be even more so if the majority of your driving is highway. Full hybrids (capable running on just electricity) get worse mileage on the highway because they don't benefit from being able to shut down at stop lights, etc. Acceleration is also non-existent and therefore passing's a *****. A car like a Prius is great for city driving. If you are going to be doing a lot of highway driving, mild hybrids (like the out of production Honda Accord hybrid and some GM hybrids) are a better bet. They use electricity to assist the gas motor and by doing so increase performance and save fuel. These can't run on all electricity and as a result your fuel savings won't be as great as on a full hybrid. You will do better than your G35. though.
05-26-2008 | 07:41 PM
#24
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: BE-20, RA390
I have somewhat of a long highway commute to the airport. I have increased my fuel economy by simply slowing down from 70 to 60. Sometimes even 55. Im a go-fast guy, but I am really motivated by the savings. I squeezed 41 MPG out of my last tank!!
Last edited by GauleyPilot; 05-26-2008 at 07:48 PM.
05-27-2008 | 07:44 AM
#25
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: A terminal bum
Ive also been thinking about how to save gas. Its amazing how many people are still oblivious and stomp off at every red light. Ive found an increase in gas mileage by slowing 10mph on the hwy, putting my car into neutral (man. trans) whenever possible and also shifting below 2500rpms. Not hard to do and my car still accelerates well due to it being a v8.
However Ive been looking at a new possible car and call me crazy but i'm really leaning towards the new Jetta Diesel. Now Diesel is way overprice and high right now but it gets 40mpg in the city and over 50mpg on the hwy. I would effectively cut down on my refils in half, saving money even with the higher cost of the fuel.
The only thing keeping me from a new car right now is that my current one is paid off so I can keep paying more for gas as it goes up. Still beats a new car payment to save money on gas..doesnt equal up overall right now for me.
However Ive been looking at a new possible car and call me crazy but i'm really leaning towards the new Jetta Diesel. Now Diesel is way overprice and high right now but it gets 40mpg in the city and over 50mpg on the hwy. I would effectively cut down on my refils in half, saving money even with the higher cost of the fuel.
The only thing keeping me from a new car right now is that my current one is paid off so I can keep paying more for gas as it goes up. Still beats a new car payment to save money on gas..doesnt equal up overall right now for me.
05-27-2008 | 08:39 AM
#26
Moderator
Joined: May 2006
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From: ATP, CFI etc.
Ive also been thinking about how to save gas. Its amazing how many people are still oblivious and stomp off at every red light. Ive found an increase in gas mileage by slowing 10mph on the hwy, putting my car into neutral (man. trans) whenever possible and also shifting below 2500rpms. Not hard to do and my car still accelerates well due to it being a v8.
However Ive been looking at a new possible car and call me crazy but i'm really leaning towards the new Jetta Diesel. Now Diesel is way overprice and high right now but it gets 40mpg in the city and over 50mpg on the hwy. I would effectively cut down on my refils in half, saving money even with the higher cost of the fuel.
The only thing keeping me from a new car right now is that my current one is paid off so I can keep paying more for gas as it goes up. Still beats a new car payment to save money on gas..doesnt equal up overall right now for me.
However Ive been looking at a new possible car and call me crazy but i'm really leaning towards the new Jetta Diesel. Now Diesel is way overprice and high right now but it gets 40mpg in the city and over 50mpg on the hwy. I would effectively cut down on my refils in half, saving money even with the higher cost of the fuel.
The only thing keeping me from a new car right now is that my current one is paid off so I can keep paying more for gas as it goes up. Still beats a new car payment to save money on gas..doesnt equal up overall right now for me.
05-27-2008 | 08:45 AM
#27
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: May 2006
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From: 737 CA
It has been proven that the cheapest way to drive is to keep what you have. Add a car payment, insurance, tax, luxury tax (in some states), etc. No car is cheaper than what you have now.
Hybrids are NOT better for the economy. Where do all the batteries go? In a landfill. Hybrids are NOT cheaper to operate. The cost savings from fuel is taken up in MX cost.
Hybrids are NOT better for the economy. Where do all the batteries go? In a landfill. Hybrids are NOT cheaper to operate. The cost savings from fuel is taken up in MX cost.
05-27-2008 | 08:53 AM
#28
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: May 2006
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From: 737 CA
If anyone has spent much time anywhere in the world except the US- have you noticed that they use manual transmissions? They use less gas. If every vehicle in the US had manual, how much gas/money would we save? Plus, cars with manual transmissions cost less to buy.
Yes, I have a manual and always buy them. I drive a '99 Corolla with manual transmission. I bought it in '00 when gas was cheap and I'm glad I did.
There are many other ways to save gas: don't drive (unless you have too), slow down, don't stomp on it to get going, proper tire inflation, tune-up, don't buy a car that needs high octane, etc. If you live in a city- take public transportation.
Yes, I have a manual and always buy them. I drive a '99 Corolla with manual transmission. I bought it in '00 when gas was cheap and I'm glad I did.
There are many other ways to save gas: don't drive (unless you have too), slow down, don't stomp on it to get going, proper tire inflation, tune-up, don't buy a car that needs high octane, etc. If you live in a city- take public transportation.
05-27-2008 | 08:56 AM
#29
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Ok here is the scenario...I own a G35 Infiniti Coupe and I am thinking of downgrading (or upgrading how ever you think of it) to a Toyota Prius (Turbo...just kidding)...You know...trying to do my part in saving the demand on fuel and all...maybe save a couple of jobs...you know it all starts with one.
Well here is the problem.....I did the math
!!!
Here is the equation....
G35 Coupe
20.00 Gallon Tank
Best 23 MPG
Total Distance on one tank....460
Balance owed $28,000 approx
Toyota Prius
12.00 Gallon Tank
Best 48 MPG
Total Distance on one tank...576
Total Cost (including tax and interest)...$40,500
Total Investment = $12,500 (difference between balance owed and total cost of new car)
So this is how I figured it...The Prius can go 116 miles farther on a full tank of gas do therefore @ 23MPG on the G35 I would have to get 5 more gallons of fuel to travel that distance which would cost me 5 times $4 per gallon = $20.00....following me?
So I said...Ok...How many times would I have to have a full tank of gas to make back my investment in the fuel efficent car...
So I took $12,500 (total Investment) divide that by $20.00 (Cost savings per tank if stayed in G35)...which means I would have to fill up my tank 625 times and travel (Total Prius mileage 576...times...Total times you have to fill up the tank 625) = approx 360,000 miles in order to make my initial investment back of $12,500...on a average of 12,000 miles per year it would take me 360,000/12,000 = 30 YEARS!!!!! of gas savings!!!!!
Now I consider myself to be an average American...Why would I do this???? How are we expected to reduce our demand for oil when to total return on your investment is after you are dead!?!?!
I mean I tried...but its not worth it.
I have also tried to save cost in the air by doing Flight Idle Descents...it saves approx 100 pounds per flight...
But 100 pounds per flight and multiply that by 500 departures per day and think of the cost savings and the reduction on demand we can accomplish!!!
I guess its better than buying a Prius....Any thoughts???
Well here is the problem.....I did the math
!!!Here is the equation....
G35 Coupe
20.00 Gallon Tank
Best 23 MPG
Total Distance on one tank....460
Balance owed $28,000 approx
Toyota Prius
12.00 Gallon Tank
Best 48 MPG
Total Distance on one tank...576
Total Cost (including tax and interest)...$40,500
Total Investment = $12,500 (difference between balance owed and total cost of new car)
So this is how I figured it...The Prius can go 116 miles farther on a full tank of gas do therefore @ 23MPG on the G35 I would have to get 5 more gallons of fuel to travel that distance which would cost me 5 times $4 per gallon = $20.00....following me?
So I said...Ok...How many times would I have to have a full tank of gas to make back my investment in the fuel efficent car...
So I took $12,500 (total Investment) divide that by $20.00 (Cost savings per tank if stayed in G35)...which means I would have to fill up my tank 625 times and travel (Total Prius mileage 576...times...Total times you have to fill up the tank 625) = approx 360,000 miles in order to make my initial investment back of $12,500...on a average of 12,000 miles per year it would take me 360,000/12,000 = 30 YEARS!!!!!
of gas savings!!!!!Now I consider myself to be an average American...Why would I do this???? How are we expected to reduce our demand for oil when to total return on your investment is after you are dead!?!?!
I mean I tried...but its not worth it.
I have also tried to save cost in the air by doing Flight Idle Descents...it saves approx 100 pounds per flight...
But 100 pounds per flight and multiply that by 500 departures per day and think of the cost savings and the reduction on demand we can accomplish!!!
I guess its better than buying a Prius....Any thoughts???
Here is what I would do. I would seriously consider selling the car that you have now and purchasing something much less expensive that may have equal or better gas mileage and that can be paid off as quickly as possible. Then when you do not have a car payment you will see how much less of an impact higher gas prices will have on your monthly budget.
05-27-2008 | 09:31 AM
#30
Thread Starter
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 591
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From: Home with my family playing with my daughter as much as possible
Thanks for all the intelligent replies...sometimes on these forums you get smart a$$ remarks rather than just smart ones...I think I am leaning towards keeping my G35 because...
1. I enjoy the car and if I am going to put my money into something...I am going to enjoy it.
2. I can see the cost benefit (unless I do what someone sugguested by selling my G35 and buying something cheaper) but I plan on keeping my car for the long run.
3. My car will be paid off in a couple years so later I will start putting money in my pocket...rather than the banks.
SO...in conclusion...I hope that my problem has helped other with theirs...Fly safe!!!
1. I enjoy the car and if I am going to put my money into something...I am going to enjoy it.
2. I can see the cost benefit (unless I do what someone sugguested by selling my G35 and buying something cheaper) but I plan on keeping my car for the long run.
3. My car will be paid off in a couple years so later I will start putting money in my pocket...rather than the banks.
SO...in conclusion...I hope that my problem has helped other with theirs...Fly safe!!!
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