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Topic: Panic buying! (Read 7239 times) previous topic - next topic

Panic buying!

Reply #1
I think people are just scared. Every time I fill up the bird I think A)how much i'm getting screwed to buy gas, and b)how much I could save getting something better.

Personally, It'd bomb everyone, take the oil fields back like we had them at the beginning of the Iraq war, and send everyone running with their tails between their legs. /end rant

Panic buying!

Reply #2
So, I did the math.

92 Tbird paid for:
  Insurance:  $190 per year
  7500 miles per year = 375 gallons(20 mpg) @ $4 per gallon = $1500 

Total cost less repairs = $1,690

2010 Prius:
  Insurance:  $650 per year
  7500 Miles per year = 166 gallons (45 mpg) @ $4 per gallon = $664
  Payments with $5,000 down is $350 per month = $4,200 per year.

Total cost less repairs $5,504 per year

The difference of $19,070 over 5 years will by me a whole lot of gas.  So, it makes no financial sense to run out and buy a new gas saving car.  Even if I spend an average of $1,000 per year in maintenance $14,070 will still buy a whole lot of gas.  @ $5 per gallon it would buy me 2,814 gallons of gas.
Armed Forces Car Club
Eastern Sierra Chapter, California
WEB:  armedforcescarclub.com


Panic buying!

Reply #4
Right you are....:iagree::america:
Armed Forces Car Club
Eastern Sierra Chapter, California
WEB:  armedforcescarclub.com

Panic buying!

Reply #5
If you are driving a car with without a car note - then running out to buy a new fuel efficient car doesn't make much sense. Once the financial agreement has been settled, lets assume 5-years, when the savings start to kick in you can feel a little bit better. But doing the math, you won't break even... even (i hate it when i do that - i'd stop if could) during another 5-year timespan. I only measured gasoline @ $4. Gas would pretty much have to hit armegeddon prices of over $16/gal to do so. And I'm sure cars will be getting over a 100MPGs after the nuclear winter so you will still get hosed.

But if you are driving a $35K SUV or similar large vehicle (or performance vehicle) that you can sell or trade and break even to purchase a new more fuel efficient car... (or you were sitting on the sidelines with cash money, waiting for your beater to break that one last time) it may make perfect sense given your situation. Sometimes events happen that push you into doing something you planned to do but were holding off just a little bit longer. Everyone has their tipping point.

And some people are just stupid.

At least, that is my take. The news tends to be one-sided so I don't take them too seriously.

But I must admit, after filling up with nearly $4/gal of 93 this morning, I did lay off the boost for a couple miles. lol.


Side note: I saw a stereotypical trucker looking guy driving a beige Prius once... I nearly ran the light staring at him. I couldn't believe it.
2005 Subaru WRX STi|daily driver

Panic buying!

Reply #6
Quote from: EricCoolCats;356022
Plus it saves you the embarassment of being seen in a Prius. ;)

I just got into a '94 Escort (2 door hatchback) for a DD...... And I must say I probably look pretty lame.
FOXLESS!!

1994 Lincoln Mark VIII


Panic buying!

Reply #7
Quote from: 20thanniver-ls;356052
I just got into a '94 Escort (2 door hatchback) for a DD...... And I must say I probably look pretty lame.

Million times better than a Prius
Fox-less at the moment

Panic buying!

Reply #8
I wish I had my wifes old 91 escort GT 5spd back.  It would average 35mpg every tank.  Got $500 for trade in 11 yrs ago.
Mike

Panic buying!

Reply #9
I also own a 2001 Escort ZX2 that my daughter has custody of.  What a hot rod!  Even with the auto tranny that car scoots and beats the battle at the pump too.  Pretty darn close to 30mpg in town.  But, not when it scoots.
Armed Forces Car Club
Eastern Sierra Chapter, California
WEB:  armedforcescarclub.com

Panic buying!

Reply #10
Quote from: tbirdsps;356069
I also own a 2001 Escort ZX2 that my daughter has custody of.  What a hot rod!  Even with the auto tranny that car scoots and beats the battle at the pump too.  Pretty darn close to 30mpg in town.  But, not when it scoots.

That's what I got mine for, the fuel economy. Can't beat the 36 mpg I'm getting in it, (especially with the ~150 mile round trip commute everyday) even if I do look like a gorilla driving a mini cooper...

It does have a little pep to it when you get on it, for only having about 88 HP..lol I still miss DD'ing the Mark VII though, no comparison there.
FOXLESS!!

1994 Lincoln Mark VIII


Panic buying!

Reply #11
Quote from: 20thanniver-ls;356150
....even if I do look like a gorilla driving a mini cooper...


Thank you for that visual... best laugh I've had this week. :rollin:

Panic buying!

Reply #12
Zx2 should be more like 120-130hp.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com