[wagonman76]

Id keep doing what youre doing. And give the middle one a try. Go with the one that ends up giving you the lowest cost (a little better mpg is not worth it if youve gotta drive a larger percentage in distance to do it, it just means more money spent and more fumes for the environment). Only thing Id consider is if the gravel route (or any one for that matter) is really beat up, take into account any extra repairs you will be doing to your car.