One of our bargain hunters, who is an expert in the petroleum industry, sent these suggestions on how to save money at the pump, and MarkdownMom would like to share them with you:

TIPS ON PUMPING GAS

1. Only buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning when the
ground temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations have their
storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground the more dense
the gasoline. As it gets warmer gasoline expands, so buying in the
afternoon or in the evening….your gallon is not exactly a gallon.

2. When you’re filling up do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to a fast
mode. If you look you will see that the trigger has three (3)stages: low,
middle, and high. In slow mode you should be pumping on low speed,
thereby minimizing the vapors that are created while you are pumping.

All hoses at the pump have a vapor return. If you are pumping on the fast rate, some
other liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor. Those vapors are being
sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you’re getting
less worth for your money.

3. Fill up when your gas tank is HALF FULL or HALF EMPTY. The reason for this is, the more gas you have in your tank the less air occupying its empty space. Gasoline evaporates faster
than you can imagine. Gasoline storage tanks have an internal floating
roof. This roof serves as zero clearance between the gas and the
atmosphere, so it minimizes the evaporation.

4. If there is a gasoline truck pumping into the storage
tanks when you stop to buy gas, DO NOT fill up–most likely the gasoline is
being stirred up as the gas is being delivered, and you might pick up some
of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom. Hope this will help you
get the most value for your money.

5. Lessen creation of vapors by parking in the shade, not in the sun. Heat makes the molecules speed-up and increases evaporation. Plus parking in the shade prevents sitting on a “hot seat!”

*photo courtesy of Aria @imagereferencedatabase.com

Recently, a local television network covered a story about an attempt to competitively attack high fuel prices by using hyrdrogen fuel cells for your car’s engine.

The theory behind these hyrdogen fuel cells is that it turns combustion powered engines into hybrids. Supposedly, by entering into the burn chamber along with your gas, the hydrogen ignites faster, propels the engine when the distilled water interacts with a catalyst in the cells.

The developer, J.Plante, a former computer employee, claims that installing these cells can increase fuel efficiency by 25%. He recommends one cell per one cylinder, and for six cells the price to the consumer is $314.95. In warm weather, distilled water is used, and for cold weather, he recommends using windshield wiper antifreeze.

There are some serious skeptics concerning these devices, since they are not comparable with the technology of PEM Hydrogen Fuel Cells currently used in hybrids, and there are questions regarding generating enough electricity to convert the water into electricity and the damage it may cause to a car’s alternator.

Without empirical evidence that this actually works, it is hard to evaluate the claims. However, there are some less “experimental” actions you can take to save fuel, here are a few:

1. No brainer is to slow down, you can save as much as 25% by not putting the pedal to the metal.
2. Keep your car in good running condition. Tune-up to increase gas efficiency.
3. Don’t pull-out from a stop like you’ve just been given the flag at the Indy 500.
4. If you have to pull-up at a red or stop sign by hitting the breaks so hard that your car reacts like a bronco, then you were going too fast.
5. Know the maximum air level to keep your tires efficiently inflated.
6. Shop around online search engines for the best fuel prices in your local area. Check out: Gas Buddy, Yahoo! Search Shortcut, Motor Trend, Gas Price Watch, and others.
   
7. Apply gas coupons that you find on the opposite side of your grocery bill, you can get 3¢, 5¢, up to 14¢ off a gallon by using them. For you gamblers, some casinos offer players cards that can be applied for a reduction at local gas stations.
8. Warehouse stores generally carry gas cheaper, not a member? Don’t worry, gas stations located near these warehouse stores usually will offer the same price per gallon to remain competitive.
9. Car pool to work, this way you can split the cost of fuel and parking.
10. Use a GPS to plan out your shopping and business destinations to save time and money. Make lists so that you avoid those additional runs to the grocery or hardware store.

Have other suggestions? How about sharing???

*photo courtesy of KBJR Northland’s News Center.

Recently, Markdown Mom had the opportunity, if you can put a positive spin on a near disaster, of being acquainted with the devastating aspect of heat and your car. A vehicle overheating is not a pleasant experience. When the gauge indicator moves into the red zone, and the “low coolant” sign starts flicking, panic is the only word that comes into mind. Oftentimes, car problems–any car problems come without any warning. Here are some tips to avoid the pitfalls of a long hot summer on your car:

1. If the gauge indicator moves into the red zone, immediately turn-off the engine to prevent engine failure. If you are in the middle of traffic, turn on your flashers to indicate that your car is in trouble. Do not wait to try to find an opportunity to pullover. Better to receive a few horn blasts or yelling, than to ruin your engine! Make sure your car completely down before even touching the radiator cap and adding coolant/water.

2. Prevention is the word; however be careful of where you have any work done. There are many fast service places offering a radiator flush, or exchange. However, a radiator flush can result in disabling your thermostat, especially if the coolant is very dirty. Make sure that the service is licensed to replace the thermostat.

3. Go to summer weight oil as specified by the manufacturer of your vehicle. Viscosity of the oil will affect the running of the motor and you do not want to keep the thicker winter weight in your car unless the manufacturer states a particular weight can be used for both winter and summer.

4. Make sure that the radiator fan is working. The fan can work intermittently giving you probems that appear and disappear. Have an electronic diagnostic run if you notice that your car periodically starts to get hotter. Several things with the fan can be causing the trouble, a short, a faullty fuse or heat sensor, and ultimately the fan motor.

5. Check that your tires have the proper air weight. Under-inflated tires can cause the engine to work harder and will also use more gas. Additionally, this is true of any additional weight, so don’t use your vehicle as a storage area.

*photo courtesy of 2carpros.com‰™

This year’s Living Green Expo is going on this weekend (May 3 to 4) at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul. Thousands of fair-goers of all ages walked through the exhibits and demonstrations. This year’s expo was mainly geared towards home-owners with several booths featuring energy-saving ways to power your home such as geothermal, wind, solar, and biofuel, as well as business that use eco-friendly roofing, flooring, and siding products.

Another major type of exhibit was fuel-saving vehicles, hybrid cars and SUVs (e.g. clean-ride.com, hour car, Minnesota Electric Auto Association) and tables supporting alternative travel arrangements. For example, the Minnesota Transit Authority (MTA) displayed a hybrid bus and passed out light -up buttons for those who pledged to car pool or take the bus and train most days of the week.

Educational tables such as the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Health, and the Minnesota Environmental Partnership were also available. Food, natural products, and re-used or recyclable venues were also present, many of which are listed below.

Birch Clothing
Mission: Provide consumers with fair trade, fair made, eco-friendly clothing.

Description: Birch clothing is made from natural fibers such as organic cotton, help, silk, wool, tencel and soy.
2309 West 50th Street

Minneapolis, MN 55410
Store Hours: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri (10am to 6pm); Th (10am to 8pm); Sat (10am to 6pm); Sun (1pm to 5pm)
Phone: (612) 436-0776
Website: http://www.birchclothing.com

Northwest Architectural Salvage
Description: Vintage house and furniture hardware.

981 Selby Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55104
Store Hours: Mon, Tues, Th, Fri 12:00 to 6pm; Wed 12:00 to 4pm and Sat 11 to 4pm.
Phone: (651) 644-9270

Pure Fiber
Description: Bamboo towels, sheets and more!

7740 Painter Avenue
Wittier, CA 90602
Phone: (562) 945-5060
Website: http://www.pure-fiber.com

Re-Gifts
Description: Beeswax candles, hemp soap and other all-natural bath and body products, guitars from old cigar boxes, bracelets from bicycle chains, and purses from old license plates.

1832 East 42nd Street
Minneapolis, MN
Phone: (612) 276-0105

The Re-Use Center
2601 21st Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55407
Phone: (612) 724-2608
Website: http://www.thereusecenter.com

Wedge Worldwide
Description: Wedge Worldwide empowers you to make lifestyle choices that support your well-being, your health and the health of the planet. Products are eco-friendly, fair trade, organic, recycled and local.

2105 Lyndale Ave South
Minneapolis, MN 55405
Phone: 651-209-1002, (800) 933-1002
Website: http://www.wedgeworld.coop

Markdown Mom’s husband has a friend at work who is one of the best bargain hunters.  Unparallel in so many ways, he has no qualms of making a great deal even when the "deal" is not the one offered.   In recent years, he has forsaken Black Friday since any deal is not a given despite arriving early and camping outside the retailers.  Oftentimes, he has found very limited stock that will not meet the demand of all the early bird shoppers.  Therefore, after waiting in the Minnesota cold only to be part of the stampede that ultimately ends up with only a very few of these diehard shoppers getting their hands on the item of their desires and the multitudes left being told "sorry, we are out of stock."

This year, he looked at ads in the surrounding towns and found a "deal" at a local car dealership.  Advertising "It only happens once a year," this local dealership offered for sale cars starting at $100 with a "first come-first served" provision.  Now, this ardent bargain hunter did not expect 2007 car for this price, but deemed it worthwhile to go there to look at these "$100 cars,"  with the possibility of finding a car and driving it home either as a fixer upper or for spare parts.  With that in mind, he went to the dealership and waited in the cold for 2½ hours. 

Finally the moment arrived, and he was ushered onto the lot to view the $100 cars except it wasn’t cars  as advertised in the paper, but car–singular.    Not only was it only 1 car, but the condition of the car was in no way road worthy.  Incensed at the deception, the savvy bargain hunter was well aware of the bait and switch, say nothing about the false advertising state laws.  With this obvious ruse, he informed them that there would be repercussions for his spending 2½ hours in the cold based upon a lie!  It was his intention to write the local media and the authorities of this flagrant violation. 

Now everyone knows car dealerships rely on their reputation and word-of-mouth recommendations by happy customers.  This "fast one" they had tried to pull would generate publicity, but not the right kind of publicity for their business.  They then proceeded to find him another car that was more acceptable.  The first car shown was not much better than the $100 car, and was flatly refused.  However, the salesperson showed him a ‘99 Oldmosbile, 100,000+ miles, large engine and economical 6-cylinder.  The bargain hunter had overheard another salesperson to two other gentlemen on the lot of $2000 on the same car, a price disparity of $1900 from the the $100 cars advertised.  After test driving the vehicle, the bargain hunter, was offered the same vehicle for $1500, but without any hesistation turned that price down reiterating the false advertising of vehicles that could not be driven on the highway!  He then offered the salesperson $500 for the vehicle.  The salesperson sputtered and said that he would have to speak with the "manager."  When he returned, the salesperson counter offered $750.   The bargain hunter remain firm at $500 suggesting that if he walked off the lot without a deal, others would know about the questionable advertising done by this dealership.  The salesperson conferred again, and came back accepting the $500 offer of the bargain hunter.

As the papers transferring ownership were being drawn-up, the bargain hunter checked the paper for a price comparison and found that similar vehicles were being sold for around $6000.  While Markdown Mom is writing this, this super bargain hunter is heading back to get the title, pay the sales tax, registration, and license plates plus $500 and picking-up his Black Friday Car!

This is a true story, and one that points out the necessity of every bargain hunter to be savvy not only about a particular item, but other issues that come into play such as the reputation of a business and laws governing sales.  Plus this bargain hunter did the one thing that everyone should practice, make an offer, stick to it, and if need be, be prepared to walk–and in this case, talk.   

Markdownmom’s Twin Cities tour has begun.   Today MDM visited the Easter Seals Goodwill store located in St. Paul, MN..  This thrift store is one of the contributors to the shopgoodwill auction site.  Expansive with a large inventory of clothing, many racks are reduced on Thursday by 50 percent.  Although MDM does not recommend thrift stores as a source of auto auctions, nevertheless if you have strong mechanic skills or know an expert mechanic you might want to check out their offerings every Thursday at 9 a.m..  To preview this weekly’s silent car auctions, log on at Goodwill Easter Seals.  If you would like to donate your car, this store offers free metro pick-up. 

MDM found china and glassware a bit expensive for a thrift store and there were not displays of antique items, possibly because of this store’s connection with the national auction site.  However, there were some deals on home appliances such as a BreadMan bread machine NIB for under fifty dollars and a medium cuisinart only missing its feeding tube for under five dollars.  Also, selected designer items, electronics, tools, and antiques are held under glass to bid on in a silent auction.  The Easter Seals store also has a large book and record collection.  College students can find some inexpensive furniture pieces and art work for their apartments or dorm rooms. 

Special tag sales on Monday and Tuesday at these stores, and if you are 55 or older Wednesdays offer senior discounts of an extra 25% off. 

Open 9-9 weekdays.  Handicapped accessible.

Trying to do everything on your lunch hour inevitably results in standing in a long line especially at the Department of Motor Vehicles.  Now avoid all that in a user-friendly site:  DMV.ORG.  Although an unofficial site, it does contain links to official sites and important, quick information by state from licensing a motorized vehicle including boats, to forms, recalls and so much more.  MDM recommends this site as a valuable, free resource for all vehicle drivers and owners. 

Save time and as a popular slogan states:  Let Your Fingers Do The Walking! 

Many people dread the car buying process. Our guide makes it easy enough for anyone and fool proof enough so you don’t get ripped off.

Step 1: Research
You need to do your new car research so you know exactly if this car will suit your needs.  Not sure of the best car, check out car rankings based on your lifestyle, once you have narrowed your car list to a handful of cars, we recommend you compare cars to get a bird’s eye view of your considerations.  Check out the research center at the bottom of this page.

Step 2: Pricing
Know pricing terms and understand the pricing for vehicles. Invoice price is the amount the car dealership paid for the car. MSRP price is the suggested retail price of the car. The MSRP is much more than the invoice price.  Market price is the average transaction price for a car in your area. In general, the market price falls in between invoice price and MSRP price.  You can get the Market price using this True Internet Price Tool. You can also find the MSRP and Invoice price.  You should not get ripped off if you get the True Internet Price, and pay plus or minus $200 for your car.

Step 3: Find a Quality Dealership Near You
You want a car dealership near your residence or work. You will have to get routine maintance on your car, and the closer you are the better. This dealership locator tool, powered by Google Maps can show you the top dealers near you. They use a special voting formula to provide you with the higest rated dealers in your community. Try it!

Step 4: Buying Tips & Negotiation Tips
The True Internet Price gives you a printable price brochure after you complete a pricing quote. Print that. In addition, take a pen and some paper so you can write down all the math when you are talking with the car salesman. That way you can take your time calculating all the costs. Do not be afraid to tell the salesman you are going to take a walk to think about the purchase — and that you will be back in an hour or so.

Step 5: Financing
Financing depends on your credit score. This article on credit scores and financing will help you understand what you can expect based on your credit worthiness.

Research Center
Need more information on your new car? We have everything you can image. Just select a manufacturer from below for car pictures, movies and more…

MapQuest® says turn left onto 77, but there is no left exit and you know that the mall is south of the highway you are on, so it makes sense that the exit should be on the right side.  But the online directions say Left, and you are trying to merge and find the exit at the same time.  1,2, 3 cars are honking from behind you because you are going slow, yeah, yeah, I know, but–well that’s okay, they can go into the middle lane  Oh, oh, now the semi is putting on its  brakes simultaneously honking and screeching.  The passengers in the car are yelling and it’s indecipherable, something about their "…lives flashing before their eyes."  Well, the &*%#  directions said left, now you make the executive decision  to get over to the right lane and look for an exit.–remember Mapquest® does have that disclaimer.   Aha!  You knew it –there is the exit to #77 and the mall, and it is on the Right, going south!  You knew it! 

Sound familiar? Perhaps like MDM you hope that Santa or someone will give you the Garmin Street Pilot 2720 GPS® for the holidays, especially if that someone is a passenger.  With this GPS system, not only will you prevent a repeat of this scenario, but in this time of high gas prices you can input several stops scheduled for the day, and the Street Pilot will sort and create the best route.  Audible and visual prompts will give you verbal directions, a touch screen, and more.  Plus unlike the built-in GPS systems, this system goes with you no matter what car you take.  Now at  WalMart in the Electronics Department–and online, on Sale at $689.99/reg.$899.99. 

Great Holiday Gift–MDM is counting on finding  this in her stocking hopefully before she goes on another  trip!

Here’s a Fantastic Opportunity to Win a new  2007 Saab 9-3 Areo Sport Sedan and attend the Saab Aero Academy in Atlanta, Georgia.  Learn to drive your new Saab like a professional race car driver at the Academy, all expenses paid!

CLICK PHOTO TO ENTER NOW

GOOD LUCK!

Car and Driver recently gave the Honda Civic the coveted Car of the Year award. With a low MSRP, and robust features, we agree with the prestigious magazine. In fact, we found a website that helps you search for overstocked cars. When car dealers have to make room for new shipments, they often cut prices to clear their lot. Auto Discount Group helps you find these deals, and make car buying a little bit easier. In addition to using the overstock car finder, we recommend you do your homework, and investigate the true market value of a car before you complete your purchase.