Which would save me more money in my scenario, driving or taking the train?

Question

I am going out for dinner tonight. I have a 2005 Hyundai Elantra, which I think gets about 30 mpg. Where I'm going to, I can take the train back and forth and the total roundtrip fare would be $2.40, $1.20 each way. I can also drive. Total trip would be 7 miles, 3.5 each way, and usually takes about 13 minutes driving time each way with no traffic due to lights, stop signs, etc. Which is the cheaper option given gas prices now?

Answer 1

One might save some money, but not significantly.  the car would definitely be a better option, it'll give you more liberty

Answer 2

You already have the car.  You already pay for insurance, maintenance, license & registration and interest on the loan to buy the car.  

Whichever way you choose to go, those costs must be added to both train and driving since you'll be paying them in either case.

The variables to consider using your own car are things that can only be fractioned; wear on the tires, brakes, starter, all the things that go roundee-round like engine, tranny, alternator, water pump, wheel bearings etc.  Plus the risk of bumping into another car or stationary object.  

Taking the train gives you a contained cost with fewer variables and risks, and costs about twice as much as the gasoline for your car to go the 7 miles.

Let me tell you a little story.  I worked as a courier 30 years ago.  At first I always tried to find the fastest shortest routes to make my deliveries since I got paid by the job and the faster I made the drop, the more I got paid.

The job became a grind.  

Then I started looking for the most pleasant routes.  I would take the coast highway when I could.  Often I'd take a canyon pass rather than the freeway.  If I were sent far enough north, I'd tell dispatch that I'd be taking a couple hours for lunch, and I'd go the extra distance to Santa Barbara to eat at my favorite restaraunt.  

I began to love my job.  

The moral of the story is that you should go the way that you will enjoy the most and pay the extra shekel or two.  

It will raise your standard of living and cost you very little.

Answer 3

The train ride is cheaper but it would take a wee longer!!

Answer 4

take the train you can talk to your friend and get better acquinted.. cost is cheater.

Answer 5

The train will almost certainly be cheaper.  Many people think that the main cost of driving is the gas.  In reality, gas makes up a very small portion of the cost of driving.  The main cost is wear and tear on your car.  According to AAA, the average cost of operating a sedan is around 50 cents a mile when you take everything into account.