Me_Andy: That's an understandable conclusion based on all I've said in the thread. But that trip to Texas was paid for by some surprise early birthday money, and it cost only $32 to drive the nearly 1200 miles. What gets me is food, I eat A LOT. That and low pay, loose budgeting practices and student loans along with bills make things harder than it should. Making just over $1000/month doesn't get you anywhere in life.
Luckily, I don't take many long trips. When I do, I hypermile to save even more, plus I learn my car more intimately. It's the non-monetary things that matter most
These are have-to trips though. The Texas one was to deliver my best friend's dog back to her. No partying or wastefulness except Whataburger
and the 1850 mile trip is to go back home to be with my family for my birthday. I haven't seen them since October after the hurricane came through and my mama lost her house. It's a need more than a want.
Fordman: I couldn't imagine sir! Heck, 55 mpg or less seems horrible and wasteful to me now lol!