For years, we were loyal to the gasoline companies. All of our vehicles were gas guzzlers of one variety or another, but then we had a few experiences that changed all of that. First, we made a huge leap of faith, and moved several hundred miles out of the city and into the outback. We now live a full forty five minute drive from the closest town, and love it, but it has it's downsides.

When we first moved here, we drove a 1998 Chevrolet 4x4, an absolute necessity out here as our only heating system is wood burning and that requires wood collection yearly, for a start. Then, owning a small hobby farm has it's share of challenges that just can't be met in a smaller car.

The first thing we noticed was that most of our budget changed. Instead of spending it on food like we used to, we were now spending it on fuel. As one of us still worked at our old job, it meant traveling back and forth to our old residence weekly, and the gas cost was prohibitive. This was seven years ago. Within a few months, we knew we'd be sunk financially if we didn't make some fast changes.

The first change was the truck. We traded our 1998 Chevy 4x4 gas burner in on a 1998 Chevy 4x4 diesel 3/4 ton instead. Big improvement, at least for a while. Then, inexplicably, diesel prices rose. It isn't enough that gasoline is priced so high that no one can afford it, but what simply astounds me is that they are able to charge virtually the same price for diesel, when it is a fuel that requires so much less refining. Who are we kidding here? This is one of the biggest gouges going.

When considering which fuel is right for you, consider how much driving you do and how much you care about the environment. Diesel is a cleaner burning fuel, and worth thinking about despite the sometimes obvious grab for dollars done.

Learn more about this author, C Davison.
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