As a 17 year old, what can I do to not spend $5 a gallon this summer?

Question

I'm 17 years old and I drive a car that runs on premium grade and I get 18 MPG. I'm sick of it! I can't stand having these big corporations suck all of my money. So basically I want to know what I can do to not stay on this INSANE track.

I've thought about getting a motorcycle even though they are extremely dangerous. I'm also thinking about getting an electric car because they seem like our best bet for the future. I watched "Who killed the electric car" and I'm shocked. I don't even know how to get my hands on one right now. Is it even possible for me to get an electric car?

Ethanol seems to be dead end and hydrogen fuel cells seem to be way far into the future. Hybrids only offer me a temporary solution and don't help that much.

What can I do?

Answer 1

Walk or ride a bicycle.

I used to ride my bike all 'round Calgary even in middle of winter. Used to take 15 minutes to get to work whereas the bus took an hour.

Answer 2

If you're 17, that means you started driving roughly one year ago.

The concept of high gas prices, fuel efficiency, and fuel scarcity isn't exactly breaking news.

I mean, I don't mean to offend you, and I have no idea what your background or life story or situation is...

But why on earth would you have opted for a car that gets 18MPG on PREMIUM?

How can you avoid spending that money? Ride a bike, take a bus, walk, or carpool with someone who's car isn't so... needy.

I'm not trying to be snarky, and I seriously feel for you, but this is an issue that we all have to deal with. If you don't want to feed the corporate monster, stop buying it's poison. Eventually with decreased demand, prices will drop. With continued low demand, prices will be manageable because we just won't really need what they're selling.

Answer 3

Get rid of your car.  Walk, ride public transportation and make a deal with your parents to use the family car for special occasions. That worked pretty good 50 years ago when I was a kid.

Answer 4

Well you are lucky you are 17 and don't have three kids that need to be transported to three different schools every day, and I who have to tend to aging parents and shop and run errands.  I can't LIVE without a vehicle.  Wish I could.  I don't have $30 for DAILY bus fair which it would cost each child to commute if they were old enough!!!

I don't have $150 a week to put into my vehicle for gas each week either.  I heard in two years gas will be $2.50 a LITRE...that is $10.00/gallon.  Forget it.

I think we'll be seeing abandoned cars before too long at this rate.

What does a family do?  I think people who are single can do a lot.  You can ride a bike, take the TTC, walk, use a scooter or skateboard or roller blade or even Healies.  Wish I had a bicycle built for 5  with as many baskets on it.  It would solve all my problems.

I would be happy to move to a community that was built strictly for walking and biking.  I think that is ideal.  EVERYONE lives within 2 or 3 miles of where they work and study.  PERFECT!!!!

PS:  I would opt for a "moped" and not a motorcycle.  If you don't have long distances they are perfect.  I don't know how you would secure it though as in this day and age I'd be worried about thieves--they can crack through anything.

Whatever happened to the BATTERY operated BIKE?  Seen that kicking around one  year then it just faded off.  That's an option for long distances too, especially those uphill climbs.

Answer 5

Yes you can do something! If in your state or city, there are probably Electric Auto clubs that have members who have convert gas hogs like yours into electric vehicles. They probably are in the business as well so it should be easy to get an Electric that is also a plug in type. Why the car companies are just finding out about plug in technology is beyond me, we had those thirty years ago  

Spartawo...

Answer 6

People telling you that you can't do anything are scared sheep who have simply accepted the lies fed to them by the oil industry, politicians, etc. Please don't listen to them.

There is plenty you can do. Besides the obvious bike riding or just driving less, you can visit "http://www.biodiesel.infopop.cc" and research diesel vehicles. You can run your diesel for next to nothing on free fuel. There's no scam, no selling, just some dirty work (literally dirty, not like killing people dirty) Technically it's not legal in the US either, but the law prohibiting it is only enforced slightly more often than the one which prohibits bathing nude in Oregon (Seriously, it's on the books)

I'm only 23 and I remember $1.00 gasoline. The price may drop a few cents here, a few cents there, but it will continue to rise until people stop using it, whatever the reason might be. Forget gasoline, not only is it made from fossils, it IS a fossil.

Answer 7

Don't drive.

Answer 8

There isn't anything that we as individuals can do. You being only 17 have limited options. My only advise is to talk to people older than you and get them to vote McCain. He is the only one of the candidates who has a plan to lower gas prices. He plans on suspending the gas tax  until things get under control.

Answer 9

You or your parents bought a gas guzzler for a 17 year old.  So now you are sick of it? Duh? Gas wasn't cheap at the time you bought it. I hate to say it but we are all stuck with millions of gas guzzlers and will remain at the mercy of big business until we simply stop buying them. Park the car, tell you car dealer to stuff all of them someplace and demand a plug in hybrid(not available now). If you are using the car for work, try getting a job closer to your home or car pool.

Riding a bike isn't practical for everyone but really ... give it some thought. Busses generally go close to many locations. Motorcycles are not unsafe ... the people who drive them may choose to drive badly but they are not cheap to buy and are mighty tough in bad weather.

Stop complaining and start putting your anger to work. Demand better cars. Stop buying them and they'll listen but it will take a major change in the American attitudes. Write your congressional representatives. If you buy another gas guzzler ... if you just sit around and complain and do nothing ... well ... you get what you choose.

Answer 10

right now there isn't much that we can do,hopefully when the new administration comes in January when can start getting some relief,try and find a vehicle tha gets better fuel mileage and doesn't require premium fuel

Answer 11

sell you vehicle and get a nice two seated scooter. you'll run like 2 gallons a week. trus me cuase i have one

Answer 12

buy a bus pass.