Gas prices

[KnappShack]

Costco is always cheaper. But I do the cost-benefit analysis in my head. Yes I can save $2.50. But I also have to wait 10-15mins for a pump. I usually don’t bother because I’d rather just be on my way.

In my case, Costco is 30 mins away. If I had one close and could stop in anytime when there wasn’t a wait, that would be different.

Costco needs a line for folks who need help.

I've seen people talk to the pump and asking it to start.

My Costco is quick. Especially if I jump a line that isn't on my gas tank side. But back in California I burned an entire lunch sitting in line.

The KnappShack family lives the Costco lifestyle

 

[ackatch]

Costco is always cheaper. But I do the cost-benefit analysis in my head. Yes I can save $2.50. But I also have to wait 10-15mins for a pump. I usually don’t bother because I’d rather just be on my way.

In my case, Costco is 30 mins away. If I had one close and could stop in anytime when there wasn’t a wait, that would be different.

I love hitting up Costco at 7:15 after dropping my daughter off at daycare. Absolutely elite time to get gas.

 

[1100011CS]

I have an aunt that always texts me before they come visit the big city of Des Moines (they live in eastern Iowa) to see what gas prices are out here. It's really annoying. After responding numerous times "I don't know, I pull up pump the gas and leave." I finally asked her why it matters, are they not going to come to Des Moines if gas is more expensive? I never got a reply.

Because it's usually a lot cheaper in the Des Moines area than small town Iowa. Not always though. I usually try to time my fills when heading to "the big city" and it's super annoying when I get there and it's more than home.

 

[1100011CS]

Casey's, Kwik star, BP rewards points + Upside + credit card cash back takes a little of the sting off.

 

[madguy30]

Costco is always cheaper. But I do the cost-benefit analysis in my head. Yes I can save $2.50. But I also have to wait 10-15mins for a pump. I usually don’t bother because I’d rather just be on my way.

In my case, Costco is 30 mins away. If I had one close and could stop in anytime when there wasn’t a wait, that would be different.

Yeah mine's like 10 minutes if that and there's rarely much of a line.

 

[BACyclone]

I try to hit gas when I am on the road at Love's. Almost always the cheapest one I drive by.

If you sign up for the Love's reward program, right now you get an automatic deduction of 10c/gal at every fill-up, all grades. I have no idea how long this will continue, but it sure does change my purchase habits if it's convenient.

Also I have one vehicle that requires Premium/91+ and Love's is always cheaper than KS because I assume they use E10 for that grade and KS uses 100% gas. $$$$

 

[flycy]

I find it funny some people think gas will make it back down to $1.50 ever again. Not happening unless another pandemic hits.

Why not, I've been paying about 2.35 lately. $1.50 isn't so far away.

 

[flycy]

If you sign up for the Love's reward program, right now you get an automatic deduction of 10c/gal at every fill-up, all grades. I have no idea how long this will continue, but it sure does change my purchase habits if it's convenient.

Also I have one vehicle that requires Premium/91+ and Love's is always cheaper than KS because I assume they use E10 for that grade and KS uses 100% gas. $$$$

If that is the case, the 100% gas is the far better deal.

 

[ruxCYtable]

I wish I could buy gas at Costco. Out here in Colorado, they don't sell mid-grade. Your choices are 85 octane or 91. I won't put the 85 in my car, so I'd have to buy their premium and it's not a savings.

The government says you can run 85 instead of 87 at high altitude, but automakers say nah.

 

[BCClone]

Because it's usually a lot cheaper in the Des Moines area than small town Iowa. Not always though. I usually try to time my fills when heading to "the big city" and it's super annoying when I get there and it's more than home.

You’re living in the wrong small towns then. Or it’s a population of 200.

 

[BCClone]

If you sign up for the Love's reward program, right now you get an automatic deduction of 10c/gal at every fill-up, all grades. I have no idea how long this will continue, but it sure does change my purchase habits if it's convenient.

Also I have one vehicle that requires Premium/91+ and Love's is always cheaper than KS because I assume they use E10 for that grade and KS uses 100% gas. $$$$

You talking no ethanol or premium when you say 100% gas? They are 2 different things.

 

[1100011CS]

You’re living in the wrong small towns then. Or it’s a population of 200.

Are you saying small town gas is usually cheaper? That has not been my experience.

 

[Cyched]

I wish I could buy gas at Costco. Out here in Colorado, they don't sell mid-grade. Your choices are 85 octane or 91. I won't put the 85 in my car, so I'd have to buy their premium and it's not a savings.

The government says you can run 85 instead of 87 at high altitude, but automakers say nah.

That sucks. I usually do King Soopers (fuel points ftw) and they sell mid grade.

85 is fine for around-town driving but been going with 87 more often driving the new car up into the mountains more. Or before a road trip.

 

[BCClone]

Are you saying small town gas is usually cheaper? That has not been my experience.

Depends what you call small. I’ve usually seen the 3-10k size towns the cheapest. Many times it matters how far from a terminal you are. Gas is generally cheaper in clear lake area than Des Moines when I drive from one to another.

 

[Die4Cy]

I know a guy who bragged about driving 15 miles to save 11 cents on a tank of gas which amounted to a savings of less than $3.00 but not accounting for the 30 minutes of his time he spent. Some people just want to say they got a deal. I don't have time for that.

 

[1SEIACLONE]

Noticed last night the BP out by the interstate had $2.54 for 87 octane, throw on my .15 cent discount I get off my BP card and its fairly cheap here in Ames.

 

[Tailg8er]

I know a guy who bragged about driving 15 miles to save 11 cents on a tank of gas which amounted to a savings of less than $3.00 but not accounting for the 30 minutes of his time he spent. Some people just want to say they got a deal. I don't have time for that.

30 minutes of time & likely at least a gallon of gas used on the round trip, cancelling out any savings. My FIL does the same thing, goes out of his way to go to the Ankeny Costco on any trip to the metro/Ames.

 

[Die4Cy]

I find it funny some people think gas will make it back down to $1.50 ever again. Not happening unless another pandemic hits.

Gas at $2.30-$2.50 is pretty affordable for most people and accumulates benefits all across the economy. It's the $3.50-$3.85 stuff that really squeezes families. The economy at large will grow if fuel prices stay where they are now.

 

[Urbandale2013]

I know a guy who bragged about driving 15 miles to save 11 cents on a tank of gas which amounted to a savings of less than $3.00 but not accounting for the 30 minutes of his time he spent. Some people just want to say they got a deal. I don't have time for that.

Honestly the time really depends. If I’m going to just go home and watch more tv I don’t know that I need to factor my time. You should factor in the price of gas though. I used to drive up to Ankeny because it was regularly $0.30 cheaper. Assuming 1 gallon of gas that did make a difference. I haven’t done that in quite a while though as the price difference hasn’t made a difference even assuming it is cheaper.

 

[Drew0311]

I don't even pay attention anymore. I need it, I buy it.

I only care when I am boating. Boat gas is expensive so I try to find the lowest price because it actually matters. 50 Gallon tank adds up really quick all summer if there is a 20 cent gas difference.