Should I dump my SUV? I have a 2006 Expedition, I've only put 12,000 miles on it since I purchased it new. My commute is 12 miles round trip and I only drive it in the winter and when it rains in the spring and summer, I bike on all other days. My concern is two fold. First, I am currently under water on my loan and will have to come up with around $5,000 on a trade or private sale. Second, if I keep the vehicle am I effectively throwing good money after bad, will this vehicle be unsellable / undriveable in a few years. I know that my question requires some prognostication, but I would appreciate some opinions.
posted on May 23, 2008 - 27 answers

Is it true that it is good for a car to fill it up with higher grade gas once in a while? I usually fill up at Shell, and there is 87, 89 and 91 kinds of gas, with 87 being the cheapeast and 91 being the most expensive. I usually get 87. However, I heard that if you own a car and want it to last longer, it is beneficial to fill it up with the most expensive gas, to "clean the engine". Is that true? If so, what is the explanation behind it? I drive a 2002 Kia Rio, if that makes any difference.
posted on Dec 22, 2007 - 22 answers

Why is my natural gas bill insane this month? [more inside]
posted on Oct 18, 2007 - 13 answers

how much money can I save by turning off air-conditioning when I drive? [more inside]
posted on Sep 18, 2007 - 21 answers

Why is my Outback only getting 21 MPG! [more inside]
posted on Aug 18, 2005 - 24 answers

Sitting in a car today as my friend was filling her tank, and my colleagues and I wondered aloud why there doesn't seem to be a standard for which side of the car has the gas cap on it. The car we were in had it on the right, as do both my cars, but the others in the car had cars with the caps on the left. What logic do car manufacturers use to determine from which side fuel is delivered? Some vehicles have the delivery point at the rear, and I believe I once saw a car with the gas cap near the front somewhere. Anyone know a rough ratio of left / right on North American cars? If there is a majority, is it an ergonomics thing? Just curious.
posted on May 18, 2005 - 45 answers