Lock in a three-year supply of gasoline at $2.99 a gallon when you buy or lease a new Chrysler by June 2, 2008. Eligible models include new 2008 and 2009 Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep vehicles except all SRTs, the Dodge Sprinter, Viper, Ram Chassis Cab, Dodge Challenger, Chrysler Crossfire, and Jeep Wrangler.

The way it works is when you buy or lease an eligible model you give the dealer your credit card number and they issue a special card to buy gas with. When you buy gas with the special card they charge your credit card $2.99 a gallon.

Each car has a yearly allotment of gallons you can buy at $2.99, from 1,500 to 2,400 depending on the model. Allotments do not roll over at the end of the year. Scroll down on this page to check the specific allotments by car model. Read all the FAQs here.

Caveats: If your vehicle uses unleaded gas, the $2.99 offer covers 86 to 87 octane only. If your vehicle can use E85, the $2.99 offer will cover E85 and up to 87 octane gasoline only. If your vehicle requires diesel fuel, the $2.99 offer will cover diesel fuel only. The program has many rules to curb cheating so read them all!

Posted by Julia Scott at 6:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Okay, maybe gas is not the *biggest* money suck ever, but it sure feels like it. Last night I paid more than $4 a gallon for the first time - and I'm old enough to remember when gasoline was 50-cents a gallon! I was on my way home after a bike ride/run workout and needed a little more in the tank to get home. The nearest station was so expensive - $4.07 for a gallon of premium (it's what the MINI calls for) - that I only bought one gallon. Later I filled up my tank for $48! It felt like being punched in the face.

People who drive monster SUVs with these prices - are you crazy or rich? I suppose a lot of folks are stuck with their big 'ol cars having bought them years ago when gas was relatively affordable. Anywho, for those of us feeling pinched at the pump, here are some resources and ideas.

Find the best local gas prices at Los Angeles Gas Prices.

Call your HR department for a list of colleagues interested in carpooling or post a note in the lunch room with your route and drive times.

Avoid left turns. It worked for UPS and it can work for you.

Check your tire pressure. Driving on over or under inflated tires makes your car less efficient. Hubby inflated his tires a few months ago and noticed his mileage jumped by about 4 mpg.

Avoid braking. Not that I want you to get into an accident, but driving with a lead foot then slamming on the brakes uses tons of fuel. If you see a red light up ahead, coast. Leave enough space between you and the next car so when they brake you can ease off the gas instead of smashing down your brake.

Pool errands. Consolidating trips will reduce your mileage.

Buy a hybrid. If only! Any more ideas? Leave a comment so everyone can benefit.

For a raunchy take on what gas prices are doing to us click here.

Posted by Julia Scott at 11:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

A gallon of regular gasoline costs $.43 more than it did last year, according to AAA. For someone who fills up a 15 gallon tank once a week, that increase adds up to $333 more per year spent on gas. So where does it come from? Here are five places to pull $333 from your pocketbook.

+ Get a credit cards with benefits. The Chase PerfectCard earns six percent back on gas for the first 90 days and three percent after that. The Capital One No Hassle Miles Rewards for Travel & Gas earns three miles for every dollar you spend on travel and gas purchases, plus one mile per dollar for all other purchases. Miles don't expire.

+ Drive like an old timer. Zipping out of a light burns gas like nobody’s business.

+ Take public transportation. Driving costs about $.54 cents a mile when you factor in maintenance, insurance, registration, and financing, according to the Auto Club of Southern California. That makes a 20-mile commute cost almost $11. A day pass on the Metro is $5. Calculate exactly how much your commute costs you.

+ Brown bag it. Bring your lunch once a week and you will likely save enough to cover a bigger gas tab.

+ Pay cash. Especially when pump prices differ by as much as $.20 a gallon. But remember to factor in surcharges at cash-only stations like Arco.

To balance out these savings tips, here are three common gas myths that do not save you moolah. Premium equals better mileage. Not true, says Marie Montgomery, a spokeswoman for the Auto Club of Southern California. Only buy premium if your owner’s manual calls for it. Morning is the best time to buy gas. State legislators are looking into this, but the myth-busting Web site Snopes.com says any change is minor. Magnets and additives extend mileage. No chance. “Those things are a waste of money,” Montgomery said.

Posted by Julia Scott at 7:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Instead of dishing out more money on advertising, Warehouse Shoe Sale is giving away 1,000 $35 gas cards and 300 monthly bus passes (normally $62) every month until December. The promo campaign is sure to attract a lot of attention. They hope the daring move will improve consumer confidence, and maybe convince shoppers they need more shoes. I know I do!

You do not need to buy anything to sign up for the freebies. Just leave your name and phone number. They will randomly select the winners and call to notify them. (Don't worry, you're still a winner even if they don't call). You gotta go back to a WSS store to pick up your winnings. The gas cards are for specific stations.

WSS also sells clothes and music. They have stores in Canoga Park, Resdea, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Sun Valley, San Fernando, Oxnard and across Southern California. Find a WSS near you.

Posted by Julia Scott at 12:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

High gas prices are not going away anytime soon because the price of crude has soared to $110 a barrel. "Anyone hoping that the surge might have reached its peak is in for a rude awakening," says a LA Times story by Ronald White. I'm bracing for $4 a gallon and you should too.

Alternatives that were easy to shrug off at $3 a gallon seem much more appealing now. Arranging a carpool one or two days a week (if not five) is made easier by the Los Angeles Carpool Center. You must be a member to contact others who have posted a carpool route. Working from home (you get so much more done anyway) saves time and money as long as you can convince your boss of the merits. Here's how to be persuasive.

Last but not least, take public transportation (a little exercise will do ya good). Check out subway and bus schedules and lines on the MTA's Web site. The ever popular Orange line may expand beyond Canoga Park to Chatsworth. Thought of one more idea. Make sure to get a good price at the pump by consulting the LA Gas Map.

Posted by Julia Scott at 1:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's hard not to notice how much gas prices have gone up. Well over $3 a gallon when I filled up this morning. That's up about $.14 from last month, according to AAA. Times like these I like to check out the LA Gas Map, which lists prices all across the region. If you live elsewhere, find the lowest prices near you by clicking here.

In the Valley, a few stations list prices as low as $3.19 for a gallon of regular, but that is for cash only places like Arco. Otherwise it is mostly in the $3.30s and $3.40s. Good time to start carpooling, taking public transportation, working from home, or riding your bike to work. More tips on saving gas here.

Posted by Julia Scott at 1:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

At least one gasoline expert predicts prices at the pump will rise after the Superbowl this Sunday. Right now the lowest price for a gallon of regular in the Valley is about $2.99, according to LA Gas Map. Get even lower prices at cash only stations or places that require membership (Costco). Use $2.99 as a barometer for the prices you see, but check back daily because prices can fluctuate as much as a dime a day.

Posted by Julia Scott at 2:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Enjoy the "low" gas prices while they last, says oil expert Tom Kloza. He predicts pump prices will keep falling until Superbowl Sunday. "But like my beloved Giants, I would urge you to enjoy the run while it lasts. The pleasant times could persist for weeks, but I fear it will end badly." Expect the crap to hit the fan in February or March. Last year we hit the bottom on Jan 29, at $2.143/gallon, then steadily fattened up by 50% to hit a high of $3.21/gallon by Memorial Day weekend, Kloza said.

There is hope, if only in the short term. We may see prices fall below $3/gallon if we shop around and buy from off-brands. My Momma told me...to check LosAngelesGasPrices.com to find cheap gas.

Just to be safe, Kloza throws in this caveat: "I’m not an economist (although I occasionally play one on TV) but as far as fuel prices go, I’m pretty confident. We’ll be back on the up ramp later this quarter, thanks to the typical manifestation of petronoia."

Posted by Julia Scott at 8:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A story from Bankrate.com via Yahoo says no. Phew. Here's why: "The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, mandates that all gasoline meet certain standards for detergent additives that combat potential deposits on an engine's valves. In addition, gasoline is periodically tested at the pump to make sure it meets minimum octane ratings for regular, mid-range and premium levels."

So the cheap stuff meets EPA standards, but it may differ from what's coming out of the pump at Chevron or Shell. "At the fuel depot, where gasoline from the refiner is dispensed, a lot of brands mix in their own formula of additives that they say goes beyond what the federal government requires...Gas companies that meet these standards include QuikTrip, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Shell, MFA Oil Company, Kwik Trip/Kwik Star, The Somerset Refinery Inc., Aloha Petroleum, Tri-Par Oil Co., Texaco, Petro-Canada and Sunoco-Canada." Makers of cars like Audi, BMW, General Motors, Honda, Toyota and Volkswagen suggest drivers use gas that meets standards above those set by the EPA.

You can also buy gas additive for a few bucks. Bankrate does the math: "So, a 20-gallon fill-up at a Chevron or another Top Tier station that costs 10 cents a gallon more than the rate at Joe's bargain gas means a driver would pay $2 more to get those additional additives. Assuming one such fill-up a week, a driver would save $104 a year by buying at Joe's, a savings that would more than cover a twice-a-year purchase of a bottle of detergent additive."

Posted by Julia Scott at 9:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It may already be too late to get a relatively decent price at the gas pump because prices started to creep up last week. But analysts say we should be prepared to see another bump, according to a story today in the LA Times. (Basically a weak dollar is driving the cost of crude up yada yada yada.) So fill up...10 minutes ago! LosAngelesGasPrices.com lists $3.05 at the Valero (cash only) at Sherman Way and Tampa, $2.99 at the Costco (membership required) at Sepulveda and Erwin. You can't find anything better when paying by credit card so for the rest of us, there's $3.09 at the Chevron on Woodman and Sherman Way or $3.07 at the Shell on Sherman Way and White Oak. Check the map for best prices near you, and note the time and day the price was reported. If it's not from today, it has probably already gone up.

Posted by Julia Scott at 12:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Attacks on Mexican oil and natural gas pipelines Tuesday put a serious crimp on their production, which in turn sent the price of crude oil (the stuff refineries process into gasoline) to an all time high of $79 per barrel. Translation: gas prices are going up, up, up. So find an excuse for a morning break, squeeze it in on your lunch hour, or make 10 minutes on your way home. Someway, somehow, FILL UP YOUR GAS TANK.

Prices on the Los Angeles gap map show a lot of choices around $2.77. Don't settle for more.

Posted by Julia Scott at 11:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Usually gasoline prices jump right about now in anticipation of the driving-heavy Labor Day holiday this Monday, Sept 3, and I would be screaming at everyone to fill up immediately. This year is different. For a bunch of reasons you can read about here , gas prices are expected to hold steady or even DROP a few pennies this weekend. As always, look for the best prices in your neighborhood before filling up.

Posted by Julia Scott at 10:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Gas prices are still falling! I fill up about once a week and check LA Gas Prices.com before I do to get an idea of what is a "good" price. It's all relative, baby. Some stations are still charging more than $3/gal, but really you should wait until you see prices sub $2.80. If you've got a 10 gallon tank, the difference is $2 - morning coffee and a donut. Over a year the savings are roughly $100, more if you've got a big ass car.

In the East Valley:
$2.75 at United at 7204 Van Nuys in Van Nuys
$2.77 at Shell on Victory at Woodman in Van Nuys
$2.79 at 76 on Sherman Way at Haskell in Van Nuys
$2.79 at Shell on Victory at Lankershim in North Hollywood

In the West Valley:
$2.79 at Alliance on Topanga at Saticoy in Canoga Park

In the North Valley:
$2.79 at 76 on Balboa at Parthenia in Northridge

Posted by Julia Scott at 10:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Gas prices are dropping a few pennies per week. Here are a few of the best prices, according to LosAngelesGasPrices.com.
Prices are for a gallon of regular:
$2.88 at Valero on Victory at Woodman in Van Nuys
$2.89 at United on Van Nuys at Sherman Way in Van Nuys
$2.87 at Quality on Vanown at Denny in North Hollywood

Plus, there are all the Costco and cash/debit card options.

Posted by Julia Scott at 11:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The New York Times just had a story about how gas prices are skyrockting, but that's not the case in the Valley. Prices at the pump have been slipping a few pennies here and there. Find the best prices at Los Angeles Gas Prices.

Prices have dipped below $3 at places like Costco (membership required) and Arco (cash only). But regular stations have good prices too: Valero in Van Nuys (Victory and Woodman) has $3.02, Thrifty in Northridge (Reseda and Napa) has $3.03, United in Van Nuys has $3.03.

Don't settle for paying more!

Posted by Julia Scott at 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Whoever though $3 a gallon would be considered a "good" gas price? It's not really, but who wants to take the bus? South of Ventura prices have jumped to $3.29 in Encino and $3.27 in Sherman Oaks according to Los ngeles Gas Prices. But by driving a short ways, you can find much lower prices. Costco on Sepulveda in Van Nuys has $3.03, as does Arco on Victory in Van Nuys.

If you're closer to the west Valley, Valero on Sherman Way in Reseda has $3.07. So does Mobil on Saticoy in Reseda.

Posted by Julia Scott at 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There are a couple of web sites I like to check to keep tabs on gas prices. Gaspricewatch.com is one, and losangelesgasprices.com is another. Pump prices are rising so be sure to fill up soon. And get a decent price when you do. For a gallon of regular $3.05 is the lowest in the Valley, while $3.15 is at the top.

Posted by Julia Scott at 10:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Filling up at the pump always hurts, even if you drive a relatively efficient car like my MINI Cooper!

Ease the pain with a credit card that gives a 5% to 10% discount on GAS. (It shows up on your bill.)

This web site reviews various gas cards, including the Discover Student Clear Card which claims a whopping 10% off gas. Sign me up for Econ 101!

http://www.cheatincorporated.net/Splashgoogle/gas.html

Posted by Julia Scott at 5:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)