Originally Posted by LexBob2

Around here gas is always quite a bit higher in the city vs. the suburbs, affluent or otherwise. In many parts of the city, gas is highest for those least able to afford it.

Originally Posted by grabber2

First time I see regular 87 reach $4/gal......its 4.03 at my local Sunoco this morning.... just filled my sc430 on friday for $85, $4.29/Gal

My next car will most likely a "Hybrid". CT200H, GS400H/GS450H, G25 hybrid (if they made them).......just not the Pirus

Originally Posted by grabber2

My next car will most likely a "Hybrid". CT200H, GS400H/GS450H, G25 hybrid (if they made them).......just not the Pirus

Originally Posted by mmarshall

I see you're from IL. By "City", do you mean Chicago? Chicago, for some reason, has had CA-type gas prices for some time.

Originally Posted by mmarshall

While it's true that hybrids generally get better mileage and often qualify for tax credits, they can also be more expensive to own, unless you save on a lot of gasoline, over a number of years, to get back to the break-even point. Case in point.....A small Toyota or Scion compact or sub-compact may start in the low-mid teens and get 35-40 MPG on the road. A Prius, which can, in some cases, do 50 MPG or better, also costs a lot more, starting well above 20K and running, in some versions, to 30K or more. Lexus hybrids, of course, run even more. So, you have to buy a lot of gas, even at high prices, to recuperate the price-difference, even with a hybrid tax-credit. You can save some by getting a 19-20K Honda Insight hybrid, but the Insight, despite being exceedingly well-built, has a number of ergonomic/powertrain/road-manners flaws, and I generally don't recommend it.

Originally Posted by Incredible

Same here. I'm still kinda debating on getting a used IS or GS next summer, but if these gas prices continue get higher, than I'm thinking of getting the Prius C.

But the CT200H does look nice, I just wont be able to afford it, it will still cost over $25k used, compared to $20k(?) for a new Prius C.

Will Lexus ever decide to make an IS hybrid? Don't think they will though, since it will conflict with the CT sales.

Originally Posted by grabber2

To tell you a story, I drive the Toyota Corolla from age 17~25, & bought a G35X at 26. I'm 28 now & owning three car & debt free. Owning a nice car is tempting, but its never late especially for just 1~2 years.

Originally Posted by grabber2

Get a prius, it will seriously save you on gas.

Also, I strongly suggest you to get rid of your chase 30% APR debt before you move on. It will hurt you at this point from all direction. Just try everything you can to pay it off first. Don't keep any saving now, just paid that Chase debt & you will be able to double your saving. I have tried to stay away from high interest as much as i can. You said you are paying hundreds in interest per month, you can have put thme for gas & saving. Just paid off that 30% apr in the first place.

To tell you a story, I drive the Toyota Corolla from age 17~25, & bought a G35X at 26. I'm 28 now & owning three car & debt free. Owning a nice car is tempting, but its never late especially for just 1~2 years.

Originally Posted by mmarshall

While it's true that hybrids generally get better mileage and often qualify for tax credits, they can also be more expensive to own, unless you save on a lot of gasoline, over a number of years, to get back to the break-even point. Case in point.....A small Toyota or Scion compact or sub-compact may start in the low-mid teens and get 35-40 MPG on the road. A Prius, which can, in some cases, do 50 MPG or better, also costs a lot more, starting well above 20K and running, in some versions, to 30K or more. Lexus hybrids, of course, run even more. So, you have to buy a lot of gas, even at high prices, to recuperate the price-difference, even with a hybrid tax-credit. You can save some by getting a 19-20K Honda Insight hybrid, but the Insight, despite being exceedingly well-built, has a number of ergonomic/powertrain/road-manners flaws, and I generally don't recommend it.

Originally Posted by mmarshall

That's true, but you're not necessarily helpless either......there are a number things you can do to give your car better gas mileage and get the most out of every expensive gallon you do buy.

Start by cleaning anything out the trunk and interior you don't need to carry with you....weight is the enemy of acceleration, braking, handling, and fuel-mileage. Consolidate your trips into one as much as possible.....numerous cold start/warm-up cycles use a lot more gas, pollute more, and place more wear on the engine. Try to drive at steady speeds instead of a lot of stop-go or slow/fast cycles (I know, that's often hard to do or not possible in dense traffic). Avoid, if possible, areas you know have a lot of stop signs, traffic lights, or speed bumps. Drive at moderate speeds...mileage, in general, depending on the vehicle's aerodynamics, deceases significantly over 60 or 65 MPH. Keep tire PSis where they should be. And don't do jack-rabbit starts.

Originally Posted by frankeysd

Yes there is, imagine if we all fill half a tank only there will be a glut of gas in their tank therefore if the inventory is just sitting on the gas company tanks they will be force to move it!!!!