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Author	Topic: [Poll: 2010.42]: What is the most important factor (aside from price) that influences where you buy	Post a Reply Back to Topics

JT Moderator	Message Posted: Nov 8, 2010 10:26:57 AM Ignore JT Report Abuse What is the most important factor (aside from price) that influences where you buy fuel? Buying my preferred brand Buying any name-brand fuel Availability of certain payment options Availability of ethanol-free gas Availability of convenience store/ATM Accessibility/location of station Condition of the station in general NA or I don’t buy fuel Post your thoughts about this poll below.

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Message Posted: Nov 8, 2010 10:26:57 AM

Ignore JT Report Abuse

What is the most important factor (aside from price) that influences where you buy fuel?

Buying my preferred brand
Buying any name-brand fuel
Availability of certain payment options
Availability of ethanol-free gas
Availability of convenience store/ATM
Accessibility/location of station
Condition of the station in general
NA or I don’t buy fuel

Post your thoughts about this poll below.

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cuzLorne Rookie Author Ontario Posts:12 Points:284,265 Joined:Jul 2010	Message Posted: Nov 11, 2010 5:39:30 AM Ignore cuzLorne Report Abuse I try to buy from my local, small-business, honest, independent, mechanic. You omitted this category from your voting options, which might apply as I travel across country.
Ziggy1962 Champion Author New Jersey Posts:5,749 Points:1,810,685 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Nov 11, 2010 5:23:18 AM Ignore Ziggy1962 Report Abuse Buying my preferred brands.
CrackedLCD Champion Author Alabama Posts:9,030 Points:1,754,825 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Nov 11, 2010 3:41:03 AM Ignore CrackedLCD Report Abuse Being a diesel driver my priorities are a bit different: 1. Price 2. Quality of fuel 3. Payment options Quality of fuel can be an issue. Although diesel pumps are plentiful in all but the most suburban areas, not all stations sell fresh fuel, and diesel IS more likely to get contaminated with water or mold over time, or other issues. So going to a station with decent turnover and clean tanks is high on the list. I absolutely refuse to fill up at a pump where I can't pay on site, unless it's an emergency. In 10 years of diesel ownership, that's happened less than 5 times.
vkeas Rookie Author Michigan Posts:20 Points:21,785 Joined:Mar 2007	Message Posted: Nov 11, 2010 1:04:11 AM Ignore vkeas Report Abuse The most important factor aside from price that influences where I buy fuel is both location and preference of brand. A year ago I changed my preferred brand and my milage increased from an average of 17/20 mpg to 24/27 mpg. I started realizing when I noticed I had a quarter tank of gas and I pumped in 19 gallons of gas in a 20 gallon tank. I have heard of things like this in the major city, but you never think about it happening in the rural areas. Make you think don't it.
jat60 Champion Author California Posts:1,560 Points:654,425 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Nov 11, 2010 12:36:17 AM Ignore jat60 Report Abuse With all the strong anti-ethanol sentiment on this web site, it's surprising that "Availability of ethanol-free gas" scored so low in this poll. I guess that says something.
wildredbill Champion Author Wisconsin Posts:3,907 Points:564,115 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 10:38:03 PM Ignore wildredbill Report Abuse We only buy Mobil gas because our Mobil credit card gives us 15 cents/gallon off. That card is only used for gas and gives us a reasonable discount.
cuzzfl Champion Author Tampa Posts:2,356 Points:652,355 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 10:19:37 PM Ignore cuzzfl Report Abuse This is one poll where I would like to have had the option to select more than one answer. While price is my first consideration, I don't want to go way out of my way to get fuel. My time and the amount of fuel I would use to get there are worth more than saving a few pennies per gallon. But the answer I checked is the availablilty of payment options. I insist on paying at the pump, mainly because I have a credit card that pays me 5%cash back (on the very next statement as a credit to my account) whenever I use that card for gas at the pump. That saves me another .137 per gallon at current prices. I can't pass that one up!
pictureman Champion Author Miami Posts:1,218 Points:1,346,505 Joined:Feb 2003	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 10:08:53 PM Ignore pictureman Report Abuse I buy the cheapest gas available regardless of brand!
zacksnanny Champion Author New Brunswick Posts:1,635 Points:2,202,640 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 9:55:37 PM Ignore zacksnanny Report Abuse Buying my preferred brand
Jeeputtputt Champion Author Ohio Posts:3,002 Points:677,465 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 5:43:59 PM Ignore Jeeputtputt Report Abuse right about cost, then close
hotsawss Champion Author Riverside Posts:7,233 Points:222,530 Joined:Nov 2009	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 5:27:18 PM Ignore hotsawss Report Abuse Whatever station I run out of gas at.
rparsonssr Veteran Author Cleveland Posts:301 Points:1,042,840 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 4:33:03 PM Ignore rparsonssr Report Abuse I want to get in and get my gas. I hate to fight to find a pump. Since I pay cash, I hate to wait in line behind the lotto.
vpaturi All-Star Author Atlanta Posts:708 Points:1,238,965 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 4:08:15 PM Ignore vpaturi Report Abuse Are there any stations that sell just pure gasoline? Almost every station i visit, no matter the brand now only sells E10.
shel1942 Rookie Author Michigan Posts:64 Points:371,855 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 3:26:27 PM Ignore shel1942 Report Abuse Hey, folks, read the question. It said "ASIDE FROM PRICE, what is most important". After price would be loyalty/reward program (I get a free $100 gas card after 100,000 points. 20 to 1,000 points per fill and other purchases.), convenient location, pay at the pump or other pay options. Driving an extra 10 miles to save 2 cents is not the smartest thing to do.
bluebell9 Rookie Author Maryland Posts:2 Points:140 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 2:58:56 PM Ignore bluebell9 Report Abuse what's the difference between ethanol free gas? Does it burn longer?
WillRoar Sophomore Author Ontario Posts:209 Points:5,535 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 2:46:56 PM Ignore WillRoar Report Abuse There is only one important factor. Pure Gas. I have no preferred brand, but I don't want ethanol in my gas as it gives me poor fuel economy.
race2IT Champion Author Fort Worth Posts:1,773 Points:725,185 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 2:36:26 PM Ignore race2IT Report Abuse The important factors are availability, accessibility, and location of the stations, and it doesn't hurt to pay at the pump.
bluebell9 Rookie Author Maryland Posts:2 Points:140 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 2:33:49 PM Ignore bluebell9 Report Abuse location, no-fee atm's, coffee, restrooms
useursignal Rookie Author Georgia Posts:1 Points:220 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 2:13:04 PM Ignore useursignal Report Abuse The location is important and pay at the pump, atm's are good too, w/no surcharge, coffee too...
Alvin521 Veteran Author New York Posts:470 Points:763,715 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 2:11:28 PM Ignore Alvin521 Report Abuse No credit card surcharge. I use BP when I am near them, to get a 5% rebate on the purchase with their Visa card. [Edited by: Alvin521 at 11/10/2010 2:18:37 PM EST]
AlTraveler All-Star Author Alabama Posts:598 Points:1,212,535 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 1:55:33 PM Ignore AlTraveler Report Abuse Pay at the pump
Steve_in_BR Rookie Author Louisiana Posts:33 Points:15,960 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 1:38:21 PM Ignore Steve_in_BR Report Abuse It's too far to the stations that sell pure gas, so I chose the preferred brand option. I tend to use Chevron or Texaco because of the cleaning additives in them. Generally, I buy gas when I am out running errands and not making a special trip.
OKRifle Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:10,397 Points:1,809,310 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 1:37:06 PM Ignore OKRifle Report Abuse Availability of ethanol-free gas is first on my list!
chui Champion Author Dallas Posts:2,904 Points:2,367,095 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 1:35:14 PM Ignore chui Report Abuse I, like a clean gas station
Yonkers111 Champion Author Scranton Posts:8,331 Points:857,085 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 1:34:40 PM Ignore Yonkers111 Report Abuse I go where there are no grungies hanging around.
chui Champion Author Dallas Posts:2,904 Points:2,367,095 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 1:33:38 PM Ignore chui Report Abuse i, like a clean ststion.
movrshakr Champion Author Florida Posts:1,323 Points:1,449,625 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 12:50:07 PM Ignore movrshakr Report Abuse . The choices don't even include "lowest price" !!! Duh.
toadNY Champion Author Albany Posts:7,042 Points:1,513,150 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 12:04:40 PM Ignore toadNY Report Abuse I buy gas in town, its not worth driving out of the way to save a few cents a gallon. You may save .30 or .40 cents but how much did it cost to drive out of your way?
rxheaven Sophomore Author Montreal Posts:109 Points:501,155 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 11:30:58 AM Ignore rxheaven Report Abuse For me, it's the best loyalty program that wins. As long as they're not more expensive than the others of course. And, they have to be ethanol-free. Since cost was overlooked, and loyalty program wasn't a choice, I voted ethanol-free.
cheribrian Rookie Author Iowa Posts:2 Points:465 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 10:56:11 AM Ignore cheribrian Report Abuse I buy my gas at the closest, cleanest place with the cheapest price in gas.
Peebo Veteran Author Baltimore Posts:391 Points:1,507,715 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 10:48:29 AM Ignore Peebo Report Abuse Whether I can get beer and cigars when I want them.
Baron62nd Champion Author Illinois Posts:7,022 Points:1,671,095 Joined:Sep 2007	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 10:24:40 AM Ignore Baron62nd Report Abuse Ethanol free. 1992 Buick LeSabre: the best mileage I've gotten using gasohol is 24.5 MPG, the best I've gotten using pure gasoline is 28.5 mpg. Prices yesterday, gasoline - $2.999 per gallon, gasohol - 3.099 per gallon. Driving 309.8 miles using gasohol @ 24.5 mpg would amount to: spending $39.19 for 12.645 gallons to fill the car. I would be buying 11.380 gallons of gasoline and 1.265 gallons of alcohol. Driving 309.8 miles using gasohol @ 28.5 mpg would amount to: spending $32.60 for 10.870 gallons to fill the car. I use less gasoline not using E10 and it cost me less.
sluggopyle Champion Author North Carolina Posts:23,608 Points:1,075,890 Joined:Dec 2005	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 10:23:03 AM Ignore sluggopyle Report Abuse Ultimately it's not "price" but "cost" that is my basis. That's why I limit purchases to pure gas and avoid ethanol. The price would have to be at least 15% less or more to make running E10 worthwhile, and it never is.
no1doc Champion Author Milwaukee Posts:20,565 Points:1,777,265 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 10:16:16 AM Ignore no1doc Report Abuse Price is the main consideration but, that wasn't an option.
bobsalwaysmt Champion Author Long Island Posts:4,660 Points:265,815 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 10:14:41 AM Ignore bobsalwaysmt Report Abuse All else being "equal", I opt for the ease of access/location
OldMoses All-Star Author Atlanta Posts:747 Points:56,170 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 9:47:08 AM Ignore OldMoses Report Abuse Safety. I go where my wife and I feel safe, which is a local Safa Express BP station. They keep the place clean, It is well lit , the prices are competitive and the people are friendly. Above all, it is not a thugster hangout with offensive music blaring from cars parked at the pump and revolving door scratch off lottery junkies coming in and out keeping you waiting minutes in line. I almost always see a city cop or two there and that is probably the reason why. It is not the most convenient location for me, or perhaps even the cheapest, but I don't care.
XX358 Rookie Author Dallas Posts:47 Points:1,446,855 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 9:26:31 AM Ignore XX358 Report Abuse I almost always fill up at Exxon. I have an Exxon MasterCard that gives me a 15 cent/gallon rebate. The station I use is on my regular commute to work and their prices are always in line with the other stations around it.
nohit Rookie Author Florida Posts:41 Points:371,325 Joined:Nov 2009	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 9:06:18 AM Ignore nohit Report Abuse Ethanol free reguardless of price puts money back in your pocket mileage !
BartBuzz Champion Author Atlanta Posts:8,885 Points:1,775,760 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 8:47:59 AM Ignore BartBuzz Report Abuse Price is the main reason. BJs, Sams, Kroger, WalMart and other places that offer discounts are my preferred gas stations.
Gramps001 Champion Author North Carolina Posts:5,857 Points:1,365,390 Joined:Feb 2007	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 8:40:09 AM Ignore Gramps001 Report Abuse Because we get a 5% rebate, I prefer BP. However, I won't drive out of my way or pay a premium price. So location/acessibility dictates my choice as well as brand.
KathySipsGas All-Star Author Columbus Posts:859 Points:231,395 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 8:35:00 AM Ignore KathySipsGas Report Abuse PRICES!!
bobbyd28 Champion Author Virginia Posts:1,042 Points:131,835 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 8:22:35 AM Ignore bobbyd28 Report Abuse where ever the prices of the gas is lower
keo Champion Author Colorado Posts:10,255 Points:2,034,840 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 7:49:37 AM Ignore keo Report Abuse Accessibility
QueenMother Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:7,393 Points:2,143,435 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 7:34:32 AM Ignore QueenMother Report Abuse Name brand
N9HVP Champion Author Indiana Posts:11,713 Points:2,471,615 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 7:22:55 AM Ignore N9HVP Report Abuse Availability of ethanol-free gas.
Lengas Champion Author Gary Posts:13,550 Points:2,717,775 Joined:Nov 2004	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 7:16:11 AM Ignore Lengas Report Abuse Name brand close to my location.
april4 Champion Author Virginia Beach Posts:12,174 Points:2,400,860 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 7:07:51 AM Ignore april4 Report Abuse A combination of several of these options is important
Bonanza Champion Author Boston Posts:12,087 Points:2,551,005 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 7:05:43 AM Ignore Bonanza Report Abuse Location to my home is important
ilyago Veteran Author New Jersey Posts:316 Points:1,454,470 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 6:57:23 AM Ignore ilyago Report Abuse I picked Buying any name-brand fuel, although none of the otpions really applied. I pick from about 5 different stations that I like, all different name brands. Also, I buy diesel, so this narrows down the choices, but not one of the options. Did they ask this same question some time ago?
dongo50 Champion Author West Virginia Posts:14,691 Points:2,380,045 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 6:10:33 AM Ignore dongo50 Report Abuse price,price,price, and pay at pump cc, what else matters? don't care about what kinda hot dogs,soda or other junk food they sell, how preety the place looks, color of the gas pumps, don't care if gas comes out of a cow's butt as long as it's priced right.
pkhdonovan Champion Author Maine Posts:12,006 Points:2,704,830 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Nov 10, 2010 6:05:24 AM Ignore pkhdonovan Report Abuse location of station is always my first thought.