HOW FAR SHOULD YOU DRIVE FOR THAT CHEAPER GASOLINE? (updated 9/29/08)

If you're tempted to drive a little out of your way to get that cheaper gas, it may or may not be worth it.  Here's a simple Excel spreadsheet (also available for WORKS spreadsheet) that you can use to determine if those extra miles really pay off.

The spreadsheets are pretty self-explanatory.  Just enter the following information and it will tell you whether it pays to go a bit further to save on the per-gallon price:

• Your vehicle's average miles per gallon
• How many gallons you plan to buy
• The price of gas at the closer station
• The price of gas at the more distant station with the cheaper per-gallon price
• The approximate one-way additional miles to get to the more distant (cheaper) station 

Link to download the Excel file (updated 9/29/08 to be usable in metric units, as well)

Link to download the WORKS file