Gas Habits - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JCE · #1 05-01-2006, 08:13 PM

Here in Southern California premium is $3.50++/gallon. But the trailer trucks are still driving at 75mph, the car pool lanes don't seem to have filled up, the coffee can muffler crowd still whips through traffic at 90+, and the SUVs still tailgate anything doing less than 80 in the fast lane. In fact, average traffic speed doesn't seem to have changed.

Have members changed their driving habits because of fuel prices (Turned off the A/C; car pool; moved over a lane and dropped the speed; changed acceleration habits; used public transportation or started bike commuting; planned trips/routes to consolidate errands; etc)? Are the prices high enough for behavior modification yet, or do they have a ways to go? What are YOUR strategies for dealing with fuel costs, or is the issue a non-starter?
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420SEL · #2 05-01-2006, 08:26 PM

People whine about the price of gas, but its not that bad. I hardly notice it. Really gas is not a big part of my budget. In fact, it is only about 10% of what I spend on my car in a year when you factor in the cost of buying/depreciation, etc. Besides, the cost of most other things I am paying for is going down/staying the same. I would say at the most the current prices are costing me $20-$40 more per month for gas than 2 to 3 years ago.

DuckMuck · #3 05-01-2006, 08:29 PM

In Vancouver, BC...it is around $3.94US/gallon for regular...I can't say my lifestyle has changed much...except if I have to run an errand close to home, I just walk down there instead of firing up the car to drive 3~5 minutes...I also think twice about driving to some mall a little farther away...recently, I've also been considering buying a smaller more fuel-efficient car...the new Honda Civic's look great...it is kind of ridiculous to be running around the city in stop'n go traffic with a big V8 when a 4-banger will do the same job...

Nate · #4 05-01-2006, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DuckMuck

the new Honda Civic's look great...it is kind of ridiculous to be running around the city in stop'n go traffic with a big V8 when a 4-banger will do the same job...

I hope you dont mean it looks great, but you really mean its looking like a great choice...
They're FUGLY, and their commercials are wierd imho.

I cant justify spending $2000 to replace my 8mpg truck, 2k buys alot of gas, grass, or ass
Oops, I didnt say that.

I'll take a hit on filling up, verses a new car payment (and insurance... im 1400 a year, LIABILITY ONLY) fuggin extra X chromosome

~Nate

stcbenz83 · #5 05-01-2006, 08:35 PM

Get an w123 diesel mercedes. It has i think like a 13 and 1/2 or 14 gallon tank. my 1997 nissan Altima has the same gallon gas tank. The altima is a 4 banger gasser and the Benz Is a 4 CYl. diesel. both cost around 35-40$ to fill up. My altima last for about 200 to 250 miles, while my Mercedes, even though an 1983 with over 240,000 miles on its, will easily get 400- 450 miles to a tank. needless to say, the altima is and will sit in my drivway, and be used as my winter beater. Heh

sfloriII · #6 05-01-2006, 08:37 PM

I'm spending $200+ a month on gas now, partly because I average 25,000 or more miles a year in driving.

Because of that, I now take the Metro more often (especially since parking in DC is now about $20/day in most garages!). I'm also a bit more conscious of my acceleration habits.

But the biggest modification will come later this year when I sell my Mercedes and buy a smaller, more gas efficient car. I've pretty much decided on a 2006 Mazda 3 hatchback (the one with the larger 2.3 engine).

This article helped me decide it was time to get out of the premium/ gas guzzler car:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20060501-123016-3792r.htm

partial quote:

"The nation's energy secretary yesterday said he does not expect U.S. gasoline prices to dip much below current levels for the next two to three years.
Citing demand from such emerging economies as China and India, Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman said "suppliers have lost control of the market, and, therefore, demand exceeds supply."
"Clearly, we're going to have a number of years, two or three years, before suppliers are going to be in a position to meet the demands of those who are consuming this product," Mr. Bodman said on NBC's "Meet the Press."

Guy Taylor
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
May 1, 2006

iwrock · #7 05-01-2006, 08:38 PM

Mine have a bit. My family of 5 Autos (one not in sig) consumes what was 500 a month in fuel. In the past two months, that has gone to about $800. I have changed a few habits, instead of batoutta hell acceleration, I take it easy... I try not to run the AC unless essential. I drive where the "economy" needle is in the black. It is just a little bit so I can hopefully get a bit more MPG.

Other than that, unchanged.

davidmash · #8 05-01-2006, 08:40 PM

I have never really be a person to take the car out for a spin. I try and drive only when needed. Unfortunately, my wife is a home health aid. She drives roughly 100 miles a day. She tries to plan out her day so as to not back track and some of her patients are in the same area but it is still a pretty big hit for gas. I keep the cars maintained and hope for the best.

DuckMuck · #9 05-01-2006, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nate

I hope you dont mean it looks great, but you really mean its looking like a great choice...
They're FUGLY, and their commercials are wierd imho.

I think the rear and rear-quarter looks okay...I am not a fan of the front...it is a "decent" looking car...it gets great mileage, has a new car warranty, and I am guessing very reliable based on the previous Civics' reputation...the hybrid is also an interesting alternative, but I am a little worried about the reliability of the battery and the charging system...

But I am only thinking...I doubt I will act on it...

TheDon · #10 05-01-2006, 08:54 PM

i just go to costco and buy veggie oil at 2.25 a gallon or get some from my friend that has a huge surplus of WVO thats filtered and ready to go for 1$ a gallon

Hatterasguy · #11 05-01-2006, 10:16 PM

Nope habits have not changed. I charge all my fuel so I keep track of my costs, really I'm only up a few bucks.

I'll still spool the SDL up to 5k whenever I feel like it. If I had an S,600 or an SUV I probably would be crying more, but my cars get good mileage so I'm not really bothered as much.

I'll also still take the boat 13 miles there and back, to Port Jeff for lunch whenever we get the chance.

And yes depending on which boat we take this can consume 40-50 gallons of fuel, but whatever great way to spend part of a nice day.

mzsmbs · #12 05-01-2006, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCE

Here in Southern California premium is $3.50++/gallon. But the trailer trucks are still driving at 75mph, the car pool lanes don't seem to have filled up, the coffee can muffler crowd still whips through traffic at 90+, and the SUVs still tailgate anything doing less than 80 in the fast lane. In fact, average traffic speed doesn't seem to have changed.

Have members changed their driving habits because of fuel prices (Turned off the A/C; car pool; moved over a lane and dropped the speed; changed acceleration habits; used public transportation or started bike commuting; planned trips/routes to consolidate errands; etc)? Are the prices high enough for behavior modification yet, or do they have a ways to go? What are YOUR strategies for dealing with fuel costs, or is the issue a non-starter?
__________________

pretty much yup to all the above.

kitchenrat · #13 05-01-2006, 10:44 PM

i'm keeping 38psi in the tires of my 2 benzes and riding a honda scooter for short trips (115mpg)

crash9 · #14 05-01-2006, 11:08 PM

Oh come on it's a bargain at 3 times the price. What's it worth to not have to walk or ride a bike? You'll love it at $10, you just may not have a job.

raymr · #15 05-01-2006, 11:21 PM

Nothing will change until it goes over $5. $100+ fill ups will get people thinking seriously. Until then the psychology is to take advantage of it now while its still affordable.