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How does gas at $4 and higher impact you?

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  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    Pass, and you have a wonderful steak and mushrooms dinner. Fail and you DIE!!!
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Yes, no and I did drive it now and then to stir up the sediments in the tank - just took 9 months to burn ~11 gallons. We'll see, so far no hiccups.

    (and now you know why I switched to an electric mower).
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,680
    edited November 2011
    It'll be fine, Steve. Well, if you're not using the gasoline with ethanol dilution. I run more than half my vehicles seasonally, and have never had a problem with them firing right up after sitting 6+ months with no attempts to start them.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Interesting on how long the gas can hang out and how long you can let a car sit.

    My brother was once told by his FIL (who was the service manager at a Chevy dealership) that he could let his 77 Nova sit for six months while he went on sabbatical. He came back, turned the key and seized the engine. I guess you should at least start it once in a while.

    I'll be leaving my nice newly acquired 07 Solara relatively unused for maybe four months in about a month. No choice in the matter. I'll have my wife use it once a week while I'm laid up. It should be fine.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,023
    My brother was once told by his FIL (who was the service manager at a Chevy dealership) that he could let his 77 Nova sit for six months while he went on sabbatical. He came back, turned the key and seized the engine. I guess you should at least start it once in a while.

    The last time I was able to get my '68 Dart started was probably around 2004. Its fuel pump had died, but if you poured some gas in the carb, it would run until it burned that off. But eventually, it wouldn't even do that anymore.

    Well, the guy I sold it to in 2009 put a new battery in it, poured some gas in it, and did something to the points in the distributor. It took a few tries, but when that sucker finally fired up, it actually sounded pretty sweet for the 5-10 seconds that it ran, before burning off what little fuel it had.

    I've let my '79 New Yorker sit for a few months at a time, although I've been trying to get better about that. :blush:
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,723
    edited November 2011
    what you need to do is disconnect the spark from the engine and crank it over a few times. That will get the oil to where it needs to be before you actually start the engine.
    Last year I ran the battery down, but I have a jump box so it started right up when I connected it.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    That's good advice. About 30 years too late for my brother though....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,680
    edited November 2011
    Well, my '69 C20 sat for 23 years without ever being cranked when I bought it in 1997. Fourteen (point five) years and nearly 50,000 miles later, and it still runs like a champ with original engine (307 V8) and all!
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,723
    I've done that for the last 20 years, except 1, and regretted it.
    Luckily, that old 5.0 is tough.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    "Last month turned out to be the most expensive January ever at U.S. gasoline pumps, boosted by growing economic strength.

    January is typically a month of falling gasoline prices because fuel demand falters in the slower travel weeks that follow the year-end holidays.

    Not so this year."

    Average U.S. gas prices hover at record-high levels (LA Times)
  • hpmctorquehpmctorque Member Posts: 4,600
    I guess I'm getting used to the price creeping towards $4/gallon. Don't like it, but I try not to worry about things beyond my control.
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    ...is that we're paying more for this watered-down "winter blend" that typically provides poorer fuel economy as it is.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    The prize is an interesting idea. We have wasted $billions that last couple years on green energy that has only paid off for China. Limit this one to US makers of cars that are 100% Made in USA. Dump the $7500 tax Credit. Most of that ended up off shore as well. Nissan took far and away more of it than GM. Plus the Volt is only about 30% US Content.
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    edited February 2012
    Here's an electric truck used by the Philadelphia "Electrical Bureau" back in 1914:

    image
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,680
    edited February 2012
    I'm not sure what the issue is with a tax credit. By its nature, a tax credit cannot reduce one's total tax bill to less than $0, so one would need to have a relatively high tax burden to even take advantage of it. I would end up maybe getting $2K back on it before my tax load was zeroed out. If they pay out the full $7,500 regardless of tax load, then it is not a credit, it is a subsidy, and it should be eliminated immediately.

    We all know the government is intent on influencing people's choices, and speaking to their pocketbook is a great way to accomplish that end.

    I agree with you, gagrice, any such research, development, and production incentive should be limited to domestic companies with domestic production.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,023
    I'm not sure what the issue is with a tax credit. By its nature, a tax credit cannot reduce one's total tax bill to less than $0, so one would need to have a relatively high tax burden to even take advantage of it. I would end up maybe getting $2K back on it before my tax load was zeroed out.

    Don't make any financial decisions based on my advise without double-checking first, but I believe that any unused portion of that tax credit can be carried forward. So, if you buy a car that has a $7500 tax credit and only use $2000 of it this year, you can use the rest the next year. And possibly, following years, until it's zeroed out.

    Also, I think some tax credits actually do give you the full amount, regardless of your tax load. I think the child tax credit is one of them. There are probably others, as well.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,680
    Thanks, Andre.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I can't tell you how a hybrid tax credit carries over but I do know that at least some tax credits do that. When we adopted my youngest daughter there was a big credit for that - more than we withheld (or had due) on the income tax that year. We got back all our withholdings plus a nice little bit the next year. It was a pleasant surprise for us. When we began the process the credit wasn't even in our minds and then once we became aware of it they doubled the credit. Nice surprise.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    If you cannot use part of the personal portion of the credit
    because of the tax liability limit, the unused credit is lost.
    The unused personal portion of the credit cannot be
    carried back or forward to other tax years.


    http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8936.pdf
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,023
    Thanks for posting that, Gagrice. I'm sure the IRS would know more about it than Wikipedia, or whereever I got my info. :blush:
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    Former Shell CEO: Get Ready for $5 Gasoline

    Gasoline prices are headed for $5 a gallon in many locations in the United States this year, says John Hofmeister, founder of Citizens for Affordable Energy and the former CEO of Shell Oil’s U.S. operations.

    Global demand will rise and pressure supply, while U.S. politicians aren't doing anything to ease prices at home such as allowing for significantly more drilling.

    "What's really unprecedented is developing countries, particularly China and India, have this insatiable need for more oil and that has not been taken into account when we think of public policy in this country," Hofmeister tells CNBC.

    "So while we may be producing a bit more oil in this country, and while demand is down a bit, on a global basis, I'm afraid we face a continuing onslaught of prices creeping ever higher," Hofmeister says. "I hope I’m wrong on this. I'd love to be wrong on this."


    http://www.moneynews.com/StreetTalk/Former-Shell-Gasoline-price/2012/02/13/id/42- 9217
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,680
    I doubt he is wrong. The prices jump every summer, and they didn't slack much over this winter like they often have done in the past, so when they climb this summer, they'll likely settle around $4.50 a gallon. If *anything* goes wrong with weather, etc., to disrupt (or potentially disrupt) supplies, prices will easily climb over $5, but I still think they'll settle around $4.50. I imagine next winter's fuel prices will be in the range of $0.50 higher than now.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • larsblarsb Member Posts: 8,204
    BRING IT!!!!

    Maybe that will FINALLY end America's obsession with gas-hogging SUVS.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    Not a chance. The people are used to $3.75 gas around here. The number one selling vehicle is the F150 crew cab PU. Which is like a large SUV with a PU bed. What amazes me, with 12.5% unemployment the roads are still crowded. No one is slowing down either. If the US is using less gas, it must be elsewhere than CA.
  • hpmctorquehpmctorque Member Posts: 4,600
    ...gasoline is already here. I saw signs for premium at that price just this week, and at more than one station.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,414
    Hit a $5 nationwide average for 87 octane, and also pretty much kill off any momentum the economy has established.
  • larsblarsb Member Posts: 8,204
    Hey, don't try to crush my HOPE, amigo !!! ;)

    Look what HOPE did for Prez B.O. !!! :shades:
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Local radio said this morning that average gas prices for regular in Michigan are down a dime.

    I'm not seeing it. :)
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    Five-dollar-a-gallon gas will wreck the already fragile economy even if you don't own a car. Look for the price of food to go up for one. Any extra money people have will be going towards necessities like food and fuel. Forget about buying a new car, going out for dinner, or getting that flat screen TV. People will simply be paying more to maintain their current lifestyles or begin downsizing.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    Union 76 Station across the San Diego Bay has RUG for $4.56, Premium $4.79. I was somewhere and saw Premium only a nickel more than Regular. As a percentage Premium is a better buy with high gas prices.
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    I was in Southern California a couple of weeks ago and was shocked that RUG was $3.999/gal in most of LA. Before I left Denver, I filled up my car for $2.879, so over $1/gal difference.

    There has been a little bit of an increase since I've come back .. my local station is now selling RUG for $3.019/gal.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    The last time I bought gas under $3 was November 2010. Over the last 12 months it has not gotten below $3.55 for RUG. We went to AZ at Thanksgiving and got a tank for $3.09, just before heading across into CA. 200 miles later I filled up at home for $3.76 per gallon. CA does have just about the highest gas and diesel tax in the Nation most of the time. Colorado is one of the lowest gas tax states. Lucky you, a beautiful state and cheap gas to drive around and enjoy it. :shades:
  • larsblarsb Member Posts: 8,204
    I got a tank on 01.01.2012 for $2.999.

    That being said, my average for the last 12 months has been:

    $3.339

    For the prior 12 months: $2.71
    And the 12 prior to that: $2.44
    And the 12 prior to that: $3.11
    And the 12 prior to that: $2.83

    So, if we get up to averaging $5, that will be a HUGE jump.
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,023
    I got a tank on 01.01.2012 for $2.999.

    Lucky you...I just looked at my records, and the last time I saw gas for under $3/gal was in October 2010!
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    I think it is you and I on the coasts that will take it in the shorts. We had a couple months in late 2010 where the gas prices went below $3, then right back up to $3.50 and above.

    I think the article said $5 in some markets. We are headed there for sure.
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,023
    I think it is you and I on the coasts that will take it in the shorts. We had a couple months in late 2010 where the gas prices went below $3, then right back up to $3.50 and above.

    Fortunately, most of my driving is fairly local and short-trip, and whenever I do go anywhere long-distance, my Park Ave gets pretty good highway mileage. So that's not *too* bad.

    Once antique car show season starts though, it could get bad. I always take my '67 Catalina to the GM show in Carlisle pa, then my '79 5th Ave to the Mopar show a few weeks later, and then in early August, I go out to another show near Allentown PA.

    I remember back in 2008, when gas hit $4/gal. That's when I discovered that my '79 5th Ave could actually break 20 mpg on the highway if I didn't push it too hard. Once you factor in local driving and such though, one of those car show trips tends to average about 17 mpg with the NYer, 16 with my LeMans, and if I'm lucky, 14 with the Catalina.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,414
    Not to mention some of the price inflation even with $3.50 gas. Wishing for a nationwide $5 average could only be done by someone detached from such reality. The pain would outweigh the benefit, as the slower economy wouldn't spur the needed infrastructure changes.
  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    Personally I don't think we should be surprised by the big increase in gas prices. First, the commodities market decided to switch from Cushing Oklahoma US pricing to Brent (UK) last summer when the Brent price zoomed higher than the US. Second, the oil companies began shuttering several large refineries. Third, the pipeline companies are moving to reverse flow so they can export more US fuel. If the market was really "competitive" those NY and London traders wouldn't be able to so easily predict future gasoline and oil prices, right? Seems like every year Wall Street proclaims where petroleum prices are headed and every year they are right in the ballpark. Nah, capitalistic markets operate freely! Never mind that the US is actually somewhat awash in oil right now.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,414
    Capitalism has as much to do with the modern economic reality of ever-consolidating wealth as harmonicas have to do with nuclear war. Some of it all seems like way too much to be coincidence, doesn't it. I suspect the as of now rejected pipeline scheme has something behind it, too.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    California has to be really nuts. I was in midtown Manhattan today and RUG was between $3.91 and $4.05. I filled in Jersey on teh way home for $3.37.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    I got up early this morning and saw gas prices at my local Sunoco jump by a dime across the board! I travelled a few mile north and found a station still at the old price and topped-off my Grand Marquis.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I once had a gas station kick the price up 10 cents a gallon while I waited in line!
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • lemmerlemmer Member Posts: 2,689
    I once had a gas station attendant tell me to start pumping now, because once she turned a key on the pump, the price was going up 10 cents. It is the little things in life that make me happy.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    image
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,414
    Paid $4.05 or something for Chevron premium today. Didn't impact me much, but I sense this is just the beginning.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Glad I filled up at $3.55 yesterday. Barrel of oil just popped to $105.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    I would guess from here on out till the election any gas under $4 is a bargain.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Naturally, assuming the in-laws stay healthly, we're planning a road trip to TN next month for a couple of weeks.

    That Prius v is looking better and better. :sick:
  • dieselonedieselone Member Posts: 5,729
    Still $3.26 here in central Illinois. Saw $3.89 in Chicago on Saturday.
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