$2.87, $2.92, $3.03

[vailpass]

Regular, Mid-Grade, Premium.

Pulled up to the gas pump here in Phoenix this morning and saw three dollar gas for the first time in my life.

We spend $450-$500/month on gas as it is. An increase is the last thing we want to see.

Just in time for summer vacationers who choose to drive instead of fly.

[Frazod]

Originally Posted by Donger

Our government forces the refineries to make changes to the gasoline based on the time of year. They are being forced to remove MTBE completely now, after being forced to add it by the government back in 1990, IIRC. Tier 2 gasoline has reduced sulfur content, which requires the refineries to make changes to their refining process. That's also mandated by our government.

To make these changes, they are forced to take parts of the refinery off-line.

I understand. The government, which the oil companies largely control, forces them to stop production, resulting in fuel shortages that in turn lead to record prices, and ultimately record profits.

Did I miss anything here?

Those poor oil companies. Oh, the humanity.

[Donger]

Originally Posted by frazod

I understand. The government, which the oil companies largely control, forces them to stop production, resulting in fuel shortages that in turn lead to record prices, and ultimately record profits.

Did I miss anything here?

Those poor oil companies. Oh, the humanity.

Neither the government nor the oil companies set crude oil prices, which amount for over 45% of the price of gasoline. The present spike, which happens every year around this time, is due to the things mentioned above plus gearing up for increased demand for the driving season.

Unless, of course, you'd like them not to be able to meet demand.

[vailpass]

Originally Posted by NewChief

Yeah, it's okay. We've had some issues with the drive shaft on the AWD. I'd like to get rid of it, but she still loves it. She says if I make her get rid of it, she wants a VW Toureig...so I'd just be going out of the frying pan and into the fire as far as overly expensive European autos with ridiculously high maintenance costs.

Sorry to hear it; I just took mine in for an oil change and ended up spending an extra $105 for a broken motor mount. Still, I sure do like the way it drives.

Read the Consumer' Reports on the Toureig, they rate real low on reliability. I'm a VW fan but it looks like they have some bugs to work out on this one.