Quote:
Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour
Max's cost analysis is very accurate at current fuel prices, but what happens if fuel goes to $6 a gallon in the next 3 years?
Would that change anything?
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probably not too much... the smart car gets a realistic 33mpg, not 40mpg
15,000 mi / 20mpg = 750 gal @ $6.00/gal = $4,500/yr gas
15,000 mi / 33mpg = 454 gal @ $6.00/gal = $2,727/yr gas
savings of $1773/yr
and if you were to just say 40mpg
15,000 mi / 40mpg = 375 gal @ $6.00/gal = $2,250/yr = $2250/yr savings
take into account the cost of the car, the inflated cost now because of lack of availability and heightened demand, the cost for additional insurance, and the fact that the money you are spending on the car up front is money you can't have "working for you" elsewhere (stocks, investments, CDs, 401k)
fact is, if you want a smart, get a smart... but if you want something to help you get ahead on $ with rising gas prices, the answer is a $2000 250cc motorcycle or an $2-3k civic/geometro/etc