by "Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
Published 01/19/2017 at 19:09
by "Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
Published 01/19/2017 at 19:09
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STARS: 5
I’ve complained in the past about gas stations getting greedy and gouging the shit out of the price of premium gas by $0.80/gal or more over regular. It sucks but it’s everywhere. There is but one shining light in the darkness of evil: Costco!
The Costco near me sticks to a totally reasonable premium upcharge. They’re literally the only place in town that does this. A quick check on GasBuddy shows everywhere else charging anywhere from $2.83 to $3.19 for premium. Fuck that noise.
In fact, just the savings on premium gas pays for the cost of a Costco membership. If you drive 10,000 miles per year and your car gets 25 mpg, at a savings of $0.20/gal (assuming you went to the cheapest non-Costco station) that’s $80 saved right there. If you drive more, or get worse mileage than 25 mpg, or don’t religiously check GasBuddy before filing up, Costco saves even more.
And they have better hot dogs than gas stations too.
"B_dol" (bdolan40)
01/19/2017 at 19:13, STARS: 4
$80 saved annually is not worth the 5-15 minute wait per fill-up given Costco station lines (in this area).
Entering a safeway card also saves me $0.10-0.20/gal at Chevron!
"Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras" (jegoingout)
01/19/2017 at 19:13, STARS: 0
The only issue I have with Costco is the OUTRAGEOUS lines that form on a daily basis. Otherwise, this post all the way
"dogisbadob" (dogisbadob)
01/19/2017 at 19:15, STARS: 0
Sam’s Club has similar prices to Costco and shorter lines :)
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
01/19/2017 at 19:16, STARS: 1
$80 is on the low end of the range. I’ve never had a wait to fill up at Costco, and there’s the karmic benefit of not being all pissed seeing how much more you’re stuck paying for premium every time I fill up.
"Alfalfa" (alfalfa-romeo)
01/19/2017 at 19:17, STARS: 2
One thing I’ve noticed is that prices on premium seem to vary a lot more than regular. Also, Costco hot dogs are amazing.
"Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap" (ddadragon)
01/19/2017 at 19:18, STARS: 0
Costco gas is cheap and awesome.
"Decay buys too many beaters" (decay)
01/19/2017 at 19:20, STARS: 0
Based on a few of my motorbike engine tear downs, costco gas left a fair amount of carbon deposits where chevron did not.
"Amoore100" (amoore100)
01/19/2017 at 19:22, STARS: 0
We’re lazy. For us, driving 20-30 minutes to the nearest Costco isn’t worth $100 annually over the Chevron that’s half a mile away. Besides, our van runs regular, the V50 takes midgrade, and the V70 uses premium so at least there’s an even distribution across the range! (Plus you don’t have to deal with all the stereotypical “Asian” drivers who frequent our local Costco.)
"The AE86 of Mt. Akina (Hachi)" (theae86)
01/19/2017 at 19:27, STARS: 1
I live near a Cosco and it’s damn near deserted.
woo
"Amoore100" (amoore100)
01/19/2017 at 19:28, STARS: 0
Lucky. #BayAreaStruggles
"Honeybunchesofgoats" (honeybunche0fgoats)
01/19/2017 at 19:32, STARS: 0
I use American Express exclusively, so Costco ending their relationship with them was sort of a deal breaker for me.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
01/19/2017 at 19:36, STARS: 2
My car is direct injected so the detergent in gas doesn’t really matter for carbon buildup. That comes on the intake ports on the head from oil blow-by from the PCV. But I’ve got an oil catch can so that’s also not an issue.
"BlueMazda2 - Blesses the rains down in Africa, Purveyor of BMW Individual Arctic Metallic, Merci Twingo" (bluemazda2)
01/19/2017 at 19:38, STARS: 0
My family has always filled our cars with gas at Costco. My father always used either 87-Regular or 93-Premium in his 2004 Ranger until he sold it last week. He filled up his new 2016 F-150 XLT Sport EcoBoost for the first time today at Costco as well. My mom uses 93-Premium for her Passat from Costco. It’s a 20 minute drive from my house, but it’s always worth it because we usually tank up when we do our weekly grocery run to Costco. I’m just in it for the churros, pizza, and/or turkey sandwich from the little food court area.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
01/19/2017 at 19:38, STARS: 1
I have Visa and Discover cards, so when my only option was to use my debit card I kinda skipped going there.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
01/19/2017 at 19:39, STARS: 5
Putting premium in a 2004 Ranger is basically lighting money on fire.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
01/19/2017 at 19:40, STARS: 2
Sam’s here doesn’t have gas. They also don’t have some of the stuff I can only get at Costco, like the really good olive oil for super cheap.
"Nimbus The Legend - Riding on air like a cloud" (nimbus-the-legend)
01/19/2017 at 19:40, STARS: 0
costco is awesome
"Honeybunchesofgoats" (honeybunche0fgoats)
01/19/2017 at 19:40, STARS: 0
I think the whole exclusivity thing is pretty dumb. I mean, I get that they use it to negotiate lower transaction fees and pass that on to costumers, but it’s still pretty meh.
"DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti)
01/19/2017 at 19:41, STARS: 0
If you drive a car that requires premium gas, you should probably know what brand of gas you’re actually buying. I saw a Huracan at my local Costco once. Blew my mind that someone who spent so much on a car would cheap out on fuel for it.
"E92M3" (E46M3)
01/19/2017 at 19:42, STARS: 1
I don’t think Sams Club is “Top Tier” like Costco.
But yeah the lines at the local Costco is usually 5 cars deep for each pair of pumps. I’m not waiting 15-20 mins to save $2-3.
"DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti)
01/19/2017 at 19:42, STARS: 0
I’m guessing you never owned that craptastic 3L V6. Mine would knock without 91.
"BlueMazda2 - Blesses the rains down in Africa, Purveyor of BMW Individual Arctic Metallic, Merci Twingo" (bluemazda2)
01/19/2017 at 19:45, STARS: 0
My father absolutely loved that car. It was his pride and joy for almost 13 years until he sold it last week.
Hell, I loved it more than he did. That thing was a part of the family. I miss it so much. I want to buy it back whenever I find it.
"BlueMazda2 - Blesses the rains down in Africa, Purveyor of BMW Individual Arctic Metallic, Merci Twingo" (bluemazda2)
01/19/2017 at 19:48, STARS: 0
The 3.0 Vulcan V6 was a wonderful engine to us. I’ve never seen a more reliable engine than that one. It never had a problem in the 215k miles my dad racked up on it since new back in 2004. All the car needed was regular maintenance like oil changes, brakes, spark plugs, filters, and the clutch because I learned to drive manual in the Ranger (sorry, dad). After almost 13 years of ownership, my father swears by the Vulcan V6.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
01/19/2017 at 19:48, STARS: 7
The only thing different between brands of gas is the detergents. Costco is still Top Tier certified.
"404 - User No Longer Available" (toni-cipriani)
01/19/2017 at 19:51, STARS: 0
Only problem is the insane lines at the Costco gas stations. There’s only a few Costcos that have gas stations here in Canada, and the line wait burns so much gas it’s not even worth it anymore.
"e36Jeff now drives a ZHP" (e36jeff)
01/19/2017 at 20:08, STARS: 0
Here is the list of top tier gas brands as decided upon by, among other manufacturers, BMW: http://www.toptiergas.com/licensedbrands/
You’ll notice Costco is listed.
"DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti)
01/19/2017 at 20:09, STARS: 1
So what about the detergents makes the gas top tier certified, because every brand says it is top tier. It always sounded like a bs marketing term. I don’t put no name anything in my vehicles.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
01/19/2017 at 20:17, STARS: 1
Fancy detergents are all BS marketing. The specific kind is not really a big deal. There are minimum required detergents by law, Top Tier is more/better detergents. Some brands within Top Tier may have some differences but it’s much more the same than not.
"VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely" (vajazzlemcdildertits)
01/19/2017 at 20:24, STARS: 1
My local Costco now takes my regular Visa Credit Card instead of Amex. Saved me the hassle of having yet another credit card tucked away somewhere. I haven’t used my debit card in months. Your local one doesn’t take any credit cards at all now?
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
01/19/2017 at 20:26, STARS: 0
All Costco switched from Amex to Visa.
It used to be the only way to post at Costco without Amex was cash or debit. I don’t like using my debit card for anything besides paying bills.
Now I use my Visa at Costco.
"ttyymmnn" (ttyymmnn)
01/19/2017 at 20:27, STARS: 0
And those awesome Kirkland thick cut potato chips.
"V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches" (jbv12)
01/19/2017 at 20:30, STARS: 0
I only put holiday brand I’m my cars. There was a noticeable difference in smoothness the one time I put Costco has in my S600.
"VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely" (vajazzlemcdildertits)
01/19/2017 at 20:36, STARS: 0
Ah! Understood. I am loathe to use my debit card as well.
"DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti)
01/19/2017 at 20:49, STARS: 0
It’s a reliable engine, but far from wonderful. Thing made horrible power and got mediocre fuel economy. I never had any issues with mine except the knocking which higher octane fuel resolved. Makes the minivan engine in my Jeep look powerful and efficient.
"DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti)
01/19/2017 at 20:51, STARS: 0
Costco isn’t in the business of refining fuel, which is why I think thise lists are bs. They’re selling someone else’s gas.
"DasWauto" (DasWauto)
01/19/2017 at 20:56, STARS: 2
I haven’t tried with the WRX yet but I filled up the Golf at Costco twice and the mileage on that car took a ~5mpg hit both times. My nearest Costco is also a 45 minute drive away so it’s not worth seeking out for regular fill ups anyway.
My membership did pay for itself on a set of tires though, which is nice. I doubled down on that with the winter tires on the Subie and will probably buy RE71Rs there for autoX as well.
"e36Jeff now drives a ZHP" (e36jeff)
01/19/2017 at 20:58, STARS: 1
That’s fine if they aren’t the ones refining it, but the people they are refining it from have been qualified as having top tier gas that meets the approval of the guys that make his car’s engine. That isn’t just some random list, you have to meet the approval of BMW, General Motors, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and Audi to be on it.
"Rico" (ricorich)
01/19/2017 at 21:48, STARS: 1
Their tire warranty is second to none!
"DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti)
01/19/2017 at 21:53, STARS: 0
Takata airbags also met the the requirements of all those companies. They don’t actually verify anything. The fact the list calls it Costco gas, when it isn’t Costco gas, is kinda bullshit.
"e36Jeff now drives a ZHP" (e36jeff)
01/19/2017 at 22:03, STARS: 0
I’m guessing you aren’t aware that BP gas isn’t necessarily made in BP refineries, nor is Shell, Texaco, or any other gas manufacturer. They make their own additive packages that are used by whatever refinery actually refined the fuel that particular station is getting. Costco does the same thing, they have their own additive package, and the resulting fuel meets the requirements.
So even if you are getting gas from a top brand, there’s a decent chance it was made in someone else’s refinery.
"DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti)
01/19/2017 at 22:56, STARS: 0
You’re saying Costco, the grocery store chain, makes their own fuel additive? I don’t think so. You also think theu make their own t shirts, liquor, beer, and beef?
"e36Jeff now drives a ZHP" (e36jeff)
01/19/2017 at 23:33, STARS: 0
Well, you see, there is this thing, where a company can pay money to other companies for goods and services.
Costco is paying someone to make a fuel additive(or more likely just paying someone like BP, Exxon, or Shell to use their additive) which they then have added to the fuel made at the refineries that is going to be shipped to their gas stations.
"DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti)
01/20/2017 at 06:34, STARS: 0
Most likely Costco is just buyig someone elses fuel, like they do with literally everything else they sell.
"ateamfan42" (ateamfan42)
01/20/2017 at 08:35, STARS: 0
I’ve
complained
in the past about gas stations getting greedy and
gouging the shit out of the price of premium gas
by $0.80/gal or more over regular. It sucks but it’s everywhere.
This is super annoying, and even more of a hassle because most stations have stopped posting premium prices on their large signs. You can see the prices for regular for 2 or 3 nearby stations, but you have to go right up to the pumps for each to see the premium prices. And because of the price gouging bullshit, you can’t assume the place with the cheapest regular also has the cheapest premium— they often do not.
If you know ahead of time in what area you’ll be fueling up, the GasBuddy website is a great resource to search reported prices in an area, and helpful in tracking premium prices that aren’t on signs. I only wish the website reported whether a stations premium gas was 91 or 93 PON, as we are finally getting 93 PON back at a limited number of places here.
"Sovande" (sovande)
01/20/2017 at 08:37, STARS: 0
Seems to me if every station (with the exception of Sam’s and Costco, I suppose) are charging and 80 cent premium over regular, then they aren’t gouging, they are charging what the product costs and what the market will allow. If you don’t need to run premium (I do, because turbo) then running it is a waste of money anyway. It’s the cost of doing business. Higher octane gas cost’s more than lesser octane gas.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
01/20/2017 at 09:38, STARS: 0
It’s not like you have to be in front of a computer and look at GasBuddy before you head out, the are these amazing inventions called smartphones and the GasBuddy app lets you search by your location. ;)
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
01/20/2017 at 09:51, STARS: 0
I have tracked Costco gas specifically to give worse gas mileage. Something in the 2-3 MPG range. This was with regular gas in a 2005 Honda Civic. Not very significant but going to ARCO and paying approximately the same (within 5 cents per gallon) yielded that extra 2-3 MPG reliably. I have yet to test out the same with premium since I never want to wait on the terrible lines with my Miata. I have seen some other stations charge upwards of $1 or more per gallon for premium though, its nuts!
Typically at home I prefer to go to Speedway (formerly Hess) stations since they have a good price on 93 octane most of the time. I have never seen those higher than 10 cents more than costco. And with a 12 gallon tank, I am barely spending a dollar more to avoid the lines and have more stations available.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
01/20/2017 at 09:58, STARS: 0
They’re charging what they can get away with in the market based on nearly every gas station playing the same gouging game, not because that’s what premium costs. This is because:
1. Different stations mark up premium a different amount over regular. Near me, PDQ, a Midwest region chain, charges “only” $0.60 more for premium. But other stations add $0.75, $0.80, sometimes even over $1 for premium. If the cost at the pump of premium were based on what the stations actually pay for premium, there wouldn’t be so much variability in the pump price. PDQ at the moment is charging $0.01 more than Costco for regular but $0.20 more than Costco for premium.
2. These markups, as a percentage, are proportionally much higher than in the past, but premium gas hadn’t gotten more expensive to refine in relation to regular over time. If you look at pre-hurricane Katrina gas prices (because that’s when our current $2+/gal prices really started) it was usually $0.20/gal more for premium. Even if you figure regular was only $1, that’s a 20% markup for premium. After Katrina, when regular was much more frequently over $2, it took a couple years for the stations to mark up premium by even $0.40, to maintain that 20% markup. Now, PDQ charging $2.23 for regular and $2.83 for premium is at a 27% markup and places charging say, $0.90 more for premium are marking it up about 40%. It’s unlikely that refineries mark up premium by 27-40% because Costco wouldn’t be able to price premium so low if the refineries were selling premium at a similar markup as the stations are charging consumers.
"Sovande" (sovande)
01/20/2017 at 11:09, STARS: 0
I guess you found the solution then. Buy gas at Costco. I am fortunate enough that $80 over the course of a year (or about $1.55 a week) doesn’t impact me financially.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
01/20/2017 at 11:44, STARS: 0
I haven’t had that experience with mileage. Might be you’re able to get lower ethanol content at some other stations. Around me is all E10. There’s one place that has a separate row of ethanol-free pumps and charges another $0.10/gal extra for each grade.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
01/20/2017 at 11:54, STARS: 0
80 bucks is far from making or breaking me as well. It’s more like the increase over time in gouging for premium annoys the crap out of me. It’s a small but visible example of a group of businesses colluding to screw over certain customers (those who choose to buy cars that need premium fuel) for no reason other than they can get away with it. Free market will bear it, whatever. It bugs me on principle since I keep buying cars that take premium, so I vote with my dollars at the one place that doesn’t do it.
"Pistol Whipped Cream" (heynickhere)
01/20/2017 at 12:26, STARS: 0
I have an app that I use to track milage and I haven’t seen this in my 07 V6 Accord. I always just default to Costco gas because I know it will be the cheapest.
"ateamfan42" (ateamfan42)
01/20/2017 at 12:56, STARS: 0
Very true, but smartphones and apps don’t work for me while I’m actively driving. I’m not a fan of pulling off somewhere to play with my phone, though I’ll do so if I need to.