I’m sure you’ve seen them by now… those new commercials from car companies offering cheap or free gas to anyone willing to buy a new vehicle.
With a gallon of regular unleaded gas going for about $4 these days the ads got me thinking about whether the deal really could help save money.
For those of you who don’t watch TV on a regular basis there are two major auto manufacturers who are currently offering gas incentives to anyone who purchases a new car in the next few weeks.
For example, one commercial claims if you buy a Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep vehicle by the end of June the company will guarantee that you won’t have to pay a penny more than $2.99 a gallon for gas for the next three years. No matter how high the price of fuel rises.
With gas prices nearing the $5 mark in some cities it sounds like a bargain.
But, as with everything in life there is a catch.
With this particular deal Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep manufacturers say the gas program called “Let’s Refuel America” replaces traditional incentives like cash back AND the deal is only good for 12,000 miles a year.
Another catch: You have to fill your tank at participating gas stations, which means if your neighborhood station is not a “Let’s Refuel America” participant you will be forced to drive elsewhere to refuel for free.
Suzuki is also offering a gas savings deal. Right now it is promising new car buyers zero percent financing and free gas all summer.
Sounds great, right?
Well, if you read the fine print you would see that some restrictions apply. For instance, the deal works in accordance to the type of car you purchase. Not all cars qualify for the same amount of free fuel. According to the company, new car buyers will get between $320 and $470 in free gas depending on the make of car they buy.
Which means to make good on the manufacturer’s claim of “free gas all summer” you would have to keep your gas expenditures within the $320-$470 range.
Oh and by the way, both the Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep and Suzuki gas deals exclude certain makes and models.
Chevrolet and Ford have yet to unveil gas deals similar to the ones mentioned above, but analysts say they might if the price of fuel continues to skyrocket.
Related Articles:
Saving on Summer Travel: Take the Bus
Does “E” Really Mean Your Car is Empty?
Do You Visit Gas Tracker Sites?
The Great American Gas Out Fizzles Out
Pop Quiz: Test Your Fuel Savings IQ
Want To Save Money At The Pump? LOSE WEIGHT!
Preparing For Your Road Trip: Part 1