Thrifty and Thriving

Oil market analysts say $3 gas is a matter of when, not if. Read the story here. Are you feeling more pain at the pump? And if so, what, if anything are you doing to soften the blow?

Yahoo! has a list of the ten worst cars of the decade (made since ‘00). Find the list here.

I don’t agree with the Toyota Echo, #4 on the list. That was our first new car, after our Oldsmobile Delta ‘88 finally clunked out. My husband did get teased occasionally for driving a “chick” car, because the design was kind of cute with bright-colored spots in the interior, but it was a very reliable car and surprisingly roomy. Not roomy enough when baby #2 and all her stuff came along though. That’s when we traded it in.

Did you own or do you still have a car on this list? Do you agree with it being one of the worst cars of the decade?

Starting Monday, if you buy a new Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, or GMC vehicle and decide you don’t like it, you can bring it back within 60 days of purchase for a full refund. Here are the basics:

• There can be no more than 4,000 miles on the returned vehicle.
• You must be current in your payments.
• The promotion does not apply to Pontiac, as that brand is being phased out.
• The promotion does not apply to leases.
• You need to buy by November 30.

Read today’s story from the AP for more details. Has anyone out there purchased a new GM vehicle lately? Do you think there will be many returns?

According to a recent article from the Daily Green, you can save money on gas — and your brakes if you use cruise control. This is because it prevents you from gradually accelerating without realizing it, only to have to hit your brakes when you realize you are going too fast. Each time you hit the accelerator, you’re burning more gas. What’s the optimum speed you should drive to conserve gas? 55 mph. Read more.

Anyone who has spent much time driving around the Capital Region (or just about anywhere else) might find this tip a little unrealistic. Sure, you can set your cruise control to 55, but you won’t make many friends on the highway. Edmunds.com agrees that cruise control can help you save. Check out their list of 10 ways to waste gas.

Okay, that doesn’t apply to very many of us, but in celebration of finding his 1971 Z28 Camaro that he sold more than 25 years ago, Papa John’s founder John Schnatter will be offering a free large, one-topping pizza tomorrow. The catch is, you have to own a Camaro. Read more from MSN money.

In you’re still unsure about trading in your older car for one that is more fuel-efficient, now might be the time to make a decision. According to the AP, the Obama Adminstration is making plans to bring the program to an end, with an announcement expected as early as tomorrow. The reason? The program will shortly run out of money. Read more.