I know everyone keeps their eyes open for good gas prices and will hit one gas station over another since it’s a few pennies different. I’m sure some people sometimes waste gas by driving a little farther. I know I’m always happy when I can save a few pennies per gallon (I usually fill up on Tuesdays since I’m usually over by some cheap stations). Here’s something to keep in mind, 6 cents more a gallon (if it’s around $3) is only a 2% difference (12 cents more a gallon is only 4%).
Normally, when I eat at McDonald’s I get a number 3 meal (Quarter Pounder – no pickle, no mustard which includes a 20 oz soda and medium fry). At the McDonald’s by work (Plymouth/Beech, Redford, MI) it’s $4.77 (tax included); at the McD’s by my house (Michigan/Greenfield in Dearborn) it’s $5.36 (tax included). That’s a 59 cent difference! That’s 12% more at the more expensive McDonald’s. FYI, both the McD’s I’m referring to have been renovated in the last few years and the cheaper one has a playland.
So keep in mind if your $3 gallon of gas was 12% more at a nearby location it would 36 cents more per gallon! Now it’s not cost effective for me to take the time (and gas) to drive home to save 60 cents, but maybe I should check out the other two nearby McDonald’s to see what they charge. Plus Kelly always refers to the Redoford one as an expensive one (that’s the one I say is cheap).
When they talk about fuel price gouging, maybe we should consider all types of fuel…
I used to chase gas prices but I got to the point where I started buying gas based on the quality of their fountain Diet Coke.
Sort of.
I have to get gas 3-4 times a week, and the gas prices are generally cheaper in my hometown than they are closer to my office. So, I usually get gas at home if I have less than half a tank.
The 7-11 near my house doesn’t always have the cheapest gas, but they have the best Diet Coke and the nicest staff. I stop there every morning even I don’t need gas.
I never chase gas prices.I just hit the station that is closest to where ever I am. I figure 2 or 3 cents isn’t going to make that much difference.