Fuel Prices

I have a dilemma that may not seem to be of much consequence; however, it has bothered me, for some time. The cost of fuel in my daily travel to, and from work has become the costly monster in my monthly expenditures. Fuel prices, for Diesel, and Gasoline have me considering the addition of another vehicle to become my daily driver. I may have to park my diesel truck except, for the times I must have a tow vehicle. The emphasis on the purchase of a different vehicle has been at what point the purchase becomes necessary rather than an indulgence in status. Fuel prices since the start of 2011 have pushed the dilemma to the forefront, and the following dissertation is my reasoning, for the decision I have made.

My Dodge 2500 truck has been my faithful servant, for more than ten years, and has helped me log over 314,000 miles safely in comfort. This vehicle averages 20 miles per gallon, and that equates to $80.00 per week at the current price of $4.00 per gallon. The cost of tires, for this truck is $820.00 per year, but they are ten ply tires that almost never go flat on the roads I travel. Oil changes cost $64.00 every 6000 miles as the truck takes 11 quarts of lubricant plus a filter. Maintenance aspects of the truck are insignificant as I do all the labor myself, and that allows a savings in the outlay of cash. The safety of this truck may not be emphasized enough as it has lived through a head on collision with a guardrail at 55 miles per hour, occupant unharmed. The ride of the truck is comfortable even on long hauls, it allows, for a smooth ride over the rough roads I drive every day.

The Ford Fiesta is my choice as an additional vehicle, for many reasons, the excellent mileage, the great safety rating, and the new automa...

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...e pierced in the accident. The ride in the Smart Car is “Special”. I feel I am driving a go-cart. The car handles well, but it reminds me of riding in a bumper car waiting, for the next impact.

The goal of this essay was to ascertain the feasibility of purchasing a new vehicle to offset fuel costs. Payments on a new vehicle would be close to $250.00 per month on either choice, not counting the added insurance, and tag fees. The difference in fuel savings would be $229.00 per month at the current fuel costs. This leaves me to believe my old truck will provide savings over the higher rating of 40 miles per gallon the Fiesta, and the Smart Car advertise. When the fuel price reaches $4.50 per gallon, the switch to either car will pay for itself in fuel savings alone. I feel that I should seriously start looking, as the price will be right before the end of the year.