Fuel usage comment

[Moondog55]

I have posted in the past about the high cost of getting to where I like to walk and ski. Over the last month I have been keeping a record of my fuel usage and using a slightly different way of analyzing the cost. Over the last month of combined city and country driving I am getting consistently 5.5 kilometers per dollar.

If I don't take into account ancillary costs like service and tyres ( I need both soon) this is actually pretty cheap transport; much cheaper than public transport and hugely cheaper than taxis, and if I get the oil and filters changed I may see a small improvement there. My fuel costs have been a little lower lately because E-10 has just become available locally and this old Ford runs much better on it than I thought it would more power than normal 96 octane but not as good as the Shell Optimax plus Booster 104+

[creeping_moses]

I wonder what the comparison would be like if you did take into account all the hidden costs of running the car? Fuel is only one recurring cost burden associated with a vehicle.

Over the last four years my family of four has cut from three cars down to one, despite my sister and I both gaining licenses within the last five years. We basically worked out the total cost of running our cars for our purposes per month and it was ridiculously expensive. The opportunity cost of purchasing, using and maintaining the cars we had was what really sealed the deal for us. We are lucky enough to live about a 15-25minute bike ride from Hobart depending how many weetbix you have for breakfast and also on a main bus route, so these means of transport have now become as common as using our one remaining car. We hang onto the one car for trips public transport or bike cant cater for. Also, I have no gripes with getting a taxi now, as I know I am in front in the long run and can enjoy the ride if I so please.

What we considered:
Cost of car, rego, road accidents levy, insurance, servicing fees, parking fees, fuel and also one traffic or parking infringement notice per year.

Of course the biggest pluses aren't at all financial but are the environmental, health and social benefits experienced.

[Moondog55]

I don't consider those costs "Hidden" just part of normal maintenance and about $1200- a year no matter what the mileage, plus tyres every 50,000kilometers another $800-
But I drive an older vehicle for which I paid $3500- cash and a smaller car will not tow a trailer economically at highway speeds.

[sthughes]

Yep I blow around $1,000 a month keeping my car on the road (inc. depreciation and all). It isn't cheap, but alternatives are a bit scarce around here for what I need.