I am stupid and don't know how to do the math. Please help me. (vehicle, fuel)

[20yrsinBranson]

Ok.

If you have a car that gets 40 miles per gallon, but the gas costs $3.85 per gallon; *or*

You have a car that gets 30 miles per gallion, and gas costs $3.65 per gallon,

Which is the less expensive option?

I am so dumb when it comes to math, my apologies.

Thank you for the help.

20yrsinbranson

[Cali BassMan]

1000 miles divided by 40 mpg means it will take 25 gallons of fuel at $3.85 per gallon for $96.25 for a thousand mile trip
1000 miles divided by 30 mpg means it will take 33.3 gallons of fuel at $3.65 per gallon for $121.66 for a thousand mile trip

[20yrsinBranson]

thank you Cali Bassman! Much appreciated.

20yrsinBranson

[flynavyj]

To take it a step further, the price difference between the thousand miles is $25.41. So, over say 100,000 miles, the difference in fuel cost would be about $2,541. Considering that most people will get rid of their vehicle by approximately 150,000 miles, if there is a premium of more than $3,811 for the more fuel efficient model, that would be the break even point from a cost analysis point of view. If you kept the vehicle for 200,000 miles, the more fuel efficient vehicle could cost up to $5082 more than the other model before you've actually "saved" any money...

So for me, I'd try to find two comparably equipped vehicles and come up with a price that would allow a favorable break even point...say 100,000 miles. Then negotiate the price of the more fuel efficient vehicle to a minimum of that break even point...so from 100,000-150,000 miles, i'd be saving $$

[20yrsinBranson]

Originally Posted by flynavyj

To take it a step further, the price difference between the thousand miles is $25.41. So, over say 100,000 miles, the difference in fuel cost would be about $2,541. Considering that most people will get rid of their vehicle by approximately 150,000 miles, if there is a premium of more than $3,811 for the more fuel efficient model, that would be the break even point from a cost analysis point of view. If you kept the vehicle for 200,000 miles, the more fuel efficient vehicle could cost up to $5082 more than the other model before you've actually "saved" any money...

So for me, I'd try to find two comparably equipped vehicles and come up with a price that would allow a favorable break even point...say 100,000 miles. Then negotiate the price of the more fuel efficient vehicle to a minimum of that break even point...so from 100,000-150,000 miles, i'd be saving $$

yow

for a mathematically challenged person like myself, that is pretty mind-boggling. I will take your word for it, however. LOL You certainly sound like you know what you are talking about.

20yrsinBranson

[johnnytang24]

Here's an easy way to check:

price per gallon / miles per gallon.

Gives you cost per mile. So car A gets 3.85/40, or $0.09/mile; car B is 3.65/30, or $0.12/mile. Thinking about it in simple terms, at 40mpg, every mile you drive costs 9 cents in gas; 12 cents for 30mpg.

[stillkit]

And, don't forget to factor in other things which may make the lower mileage car more desirable from a stand point of something other than cost.

Do you like the car? Is it more comfortable? Does it handle better? Which is more reponsive? Which is more reliable and, consequently, cheaper to maintain? Which one has the options you just can't "do without?" Which one has the better warranty? Availability of service? Which one fits your individual driving habits best?

Is it worth the extra cost per mile?

[rbohm]

Originally Posted by 20yrsinBranson

yow

for a mathematically challenged person like myself, that is pretty mind-boggling. I will take your word for it, however. LOL You certainly sound like you know what you are talking about.

20yrsinBranson

actually it is simpler than you are making it out to be. for instance if you start with what cali posted, and figure how much it would cost, and what the difference in cost is, you can then easily extend it out like flynavyj posted. and since you already have a computer, you can make a spread sheet that will make the calculations for you. and the formulas are already laid out for you.