My New Thread

[Magic Johnson]

Are you talking about my existing truck? I paid it off last week. I don't owe anything.

[Jluke]

Try one of the online sites to get a quote for trade-in

But you’ll probably just end up taking out a loan on a replacement vehicle so maybe you try to stick with the paid off truck despite gas prices.

and if you are trying to get a mortgage I think the last thing you want is to apply for a car loan

[bjl584]

Does it make economic sense to buy E85 (85% ethanol gas) now that gas prices are so high?

Using E-85 decreases fuel efficiency, but I don't know by how much.

My hunch is that gas is high enough now that it finally makes up for the efficiency drag, but I'm not sure how to calculate that.

Thoughts?

Locally the cheapest gas today is $4.99, but I found out that ethanol is $4.65 today.

No

Ethanol burns horribly inefficient.
Anything you save in the price per gallon will be more than wiped out by the drop in MPG you will experience.
Plus, burning ethanol is horrible for your engine.
It burns hot and can fry your injectors and entire fuel system.
Don't use it. Just put plain old gasoline in your truck

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Are you talking about my existing truck? I paid it off last week. I don't owe anything.

Do you still need a truck? Can you make do with a cheaper beater? Now is the time to sell used cars OMG they are giving away crazy amounts. Try carmax and carvana. Don't use the dealer trade in use one of those sites.

[Magic Johnson]

I’ll very likely be in a position to pay off my IRS debt this month. I bought a used vehicle, but I didn’t trade in my truck. I’ll sell my truck privately, and put all of those proceeds against my IRS debt. I’ve got enough cash in checking that I’ll probably be able to cover any shortfall.

After that, I’ll concentrate on paying off my $8K cc, which is at 0.00% APR through next March.

I’m also still planning on buying that house. My ex-wife hasn’t put it on the market yet.

[james.hendrickson]

I’ll very likely be in a position to pay off my IRS debt this month. I bought a used vehicle, but I didn’t trade in my truck. I’ll sell my truck privately, and put all of those proceeds against my IRS debt. I’ve got enough cash in checking that I’ll probably be able to cover any shortfall.

After that, I’ll concentrate on paying off my $8K cc, which is at 0.00% APR through next March.

I’m also still planning on buying that house. My ex-wife hasn’t put it on the market yet.

Sounds good Magic!

[bjl584]

I’ll very likely be in a position to pay off my IRS debt this month. I bought a used vehicle, but I didn’t trade in my truck. I’ll sell my truck privately, and put all of those proceeds against my IRS debt. I’ve got enough cash in checking that I’ll probably be able to cover any shortfall.

After that, I’ll concentrate on paying off my $8K cc, which is at 0.00% APR through next March.

I’m also still planning on buying that house. My ex-wife hasn’t put it on the market yet.

sounds like progress to me
good work so far

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Wow what sort of car did you buy? And why did you get rid of the truck? Good work. and good luck with buying the house.

[Magic Johnson]

I bought a Jeep Renegade.

The pickup was horrible on fuel efficiency. I used to need it because I used to haul my kids’ 4-H livestock around. It was way too big, and it was quite stressful to park in tight spots.

I like my Jeep Renegade a lot so far. It’s much more nimble, but also has 4WD for when it snows. I live in rural Michigan.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

I bought a Jeep Renegade.

The pickup was horrible on fuel efficiency. I used to need it because I used to haul my kids’ 4-H livestock around. It was way too big, and it was quite stressful to park in tight spots.

I like my Jeep Renegade a lot so far. It’s much more nimble, but also has 4WD for when it snows. I live in rural Michigan.

So how did the numbers work out for the renegade versus truck? How much was each? And what is the gas savings?

[Magic Johnson]

I really hated my old truck, and it was very fuel inefficient.

[james.hendrickson]

I really hated my old truck, and it was very fuel inefficient.

Magic - I had an old Toyota 4 runner, which I loved for hunting. But it was a gas guzzler. I also replaced it with a Jeep Renegade, which uses a lot less gasoline because its got a 4 stroke engine. Its been a good decision from a fuel efficiency standpoint, but the Renegade really can't do the forest dirt roads. It doesn't have the elevation or the power.

[Magic Johnson]

I just need it to get through snow drifts in the winter

[scfr]

Sounds like good progress! I'll bet it will feel good to get that IRS debt paid off.

[Magic Johnson]

I've never participated in gas station or grocery store loyalty programs before. I've always wanted the flexibility of shopping wherever it made sense at the time.

Recently I've decided to do most of my grocery shopping at my small, local grocery store. Last Saturday, I noticed a sign as I was walking into the store that said that if I wanted to take advantage of store bargains, I'd need a loyalty card, so I applied for one.

This morning I needed a few staples before work. I bought $34.66 of stuff. I used my loyalty card, and at the bottom of the receipt, it says that I had $1.60 in savings. I also talked to the cashier, and she said that when I accumulate 500 points, I can save $10 on meat purchases.