heads up overpaying gas consumers

Posted on

Administrator Since: Apr 03, 2002

Just heard about some new scams, er, one new scam and one old scam.

Syphoning is on the rise, big time, spend the 10-15 dollars and get a locking gas cap...

Now for the new, and not sure how to stop it...people are stealing license plates, putting them on their car, doing a fill n' fly at the gas station, then pitching the plates...

This concludes the public service message. I must now weep for the future.

[ Back to Top ]


Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


May 15, 2008 09:00 am

Yup, If you can't lock it down, don't bother owning it. My shed got hit last fall, about a grand worth of lawn equipment. Used crow bars to tear the locks off. I say a grand, but the fence value was no doubt a lot less. No more using the garage for storage. Both cars go in there as we pull into the driveway and stay there till we leave. Gotta also really think about where you are parking, especially at night. Next Saturday I take my CPL class. It's gettin a bit shaky out there. Those with half mill homes in gated communities aren't there yet, but the rest of us are seeing the effects.

www.TheLondonProject.ca
Member
Since: Feb 07, 2005


May 15, 2008 10:42 am

Around here all gas stations have to be paid upfront. This came into affect after a gas station attendant got run over by a guy who just stole gas. The attendant got caught under the car a dragged for a mile down the road and died later of his injuries.
As for the locking gas cap.... we have one but it didn't stop them from stealing our gas. On our truck there is a hose that runs by the frame. They simply cut that and syphoned our gas causing and additional $100 in damage.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


May 15, 2008 10:45 am

yeah, more and more are pay before ya pump to, just us suburbian folks that aren't yet, we will be though.

The Czar of BS
Member
Since: Dec 31, 2007


May 15, 2008 10:59 am

Did you hear that a locking gas cap only deters them for about two seconds. After that, they have been puncturing the gas tank, or cutting the fuel lines. If you got one, keep your car in the garage.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


May 15, 2008 11:02 am

oh yeah, there is always a way, but the bulk of people, it's much quicker to just move on to the next car...only the most losery of losers take it to that next step.

Garages are great when your car is home, but there is work, the mall, the park...etc...

The Czar of BS
Member
Since: Dec 31, 2007


May 15, 2008 11:04 am

Where is that Batman security system when you need it? You know, the one where a metal shield raps around the whole car.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


May 15, 2008 11:06 am

I'd rather have the Jetson car that folds up into a brief case...or, better yet, arrest and jail losers.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


May 15, 2008 07:26 pm

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t16/wemrick1/Car_Parts.jpg


Banned


May 15, 2008 08:37 pm

Im wondering if they will start reproducing electric cars again. obviously they worked and were a threat to the oil industry back in the mid 90's, which explains why they were all taken back and shredded!

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


May 15, 2008 09:40 pm

Yep, its really sad to think about the looser's out there. Get a job, or if ya got one stop smoking or drinking your whole paycheck and start paying for what you need or want like the rest of us.

No wonder I hate people.

Eat Spam before it eats YOU!!!
Member
Since: May 11, 2002


May 15, 2008 10:19 pm

here in Columbus, OH they're stealing catalytic converters apparently... and tail-lights...

I don't know of any stations that aren't prepay... I don't think my dad will ever come to terms with that...

I think a lot of the 'steal copper off everything' crimes cuts down a lot after a guy was killed trying to steal power lines... but in the hilltop area of Columbus I can put a load of junk wood out on the curb and it'll be gone in an hour.

http://www.reverbnation.com/2ndg
Member
Since: Nov 27, 2007


May 16, 2008 07:48 am

that's scum for ya...and unfortunatley scum breeds scum...and cause they got nothing else to do, they breed more scum.
before ya know it(oh, and we all know it alright!)

its everywhere.



Answer:On a good day, lipstick.
Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004


May 16, 2008 11:04 am

Over $4 here in sunny California.

As XTC noted, those electric cars work too well...Can't have that.

It takes $70.00 to fill my tank, and I get about 23-24 mpg on the freeway average.

I've seen the "Escalades" etc. (12 mpg) filling up and going into the $100 range...

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


May 16, 2008 11:06 am

My neighbor has an Avalache, the lesser version of the Escalade...he cries every time he has to fill up, which is frequent...

My little Chevy Cavalier costs $45 to fill...WTF?

I'm looking at 250-350 cc scooter and motorcycles...75 MPG, yeah, baby!

Pinnipedal Czar (: 3=
Member
Since: Apr 11, 2004


May 16, 2008 11:36 am

Yeah, cycle sales are boomin' .

I was thinking along those lines, m'self... puting the hoopty up for sale this week . Good thing I work for a cab company, sheesh .

The Czar of BS
Member
Since: Dec 31, 2007


May 16, 2008 12:05 pm

Here on the East Cost, you can still find gas for around $3.45 a gallon. Fun for me with the Monte. Being that I drive 36 miles each way to work.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


May 16, 2008 10:16 pm

And to think I got really mad when gas went up from $0.38 a gallon to $0.55. I was livid!

And that was for Premium, real premium I mean as well. With lead in it and it made your car run great.

Now the crap is half man made chemicals and they are charging us an arm and a leg for it.


Eat Spam before it eats YOU!!!
Member
Since: May 11, 2002


May 16, 2008 10:36 pm

sigh... I still have to get my trek fixed from it's 'run in' with the local bike shop last year...Westerville Bike Shop, Westerville OH...the ****'n stupid shits... one of those situations where I was so angry I just took the bike and left... I so far fixed the chain, shocks, tires, brakes,... still have to adjust spokes and replace the gripshift... how the **** they broke that i dunno... then again the chain was in the dérailleur backwards... god damnit... $1200 in the bike and they treated it like a huffy...grrr...

Ne'er ate 'er
Member
Since: Apr 05, 2006


May 16, 2008 11:39 pm

There's got to be something you can run from the command line.

Try

bikconfig spoke0 0.0.0.0 up
bikconfig grip0 0.0.0.0 up
brctl addbr br0
brctl addif br0 bik0
brctl addif br0 seat0

Ne'er ate 'er
Member
Since: Apr 05, 2006


May 16, 2008 11:54 pm

Deleted By Herb Utsmelz

Member
Since: Jul 02, 2003


May 17, 2008 02:13 pm

I have to say the our Civic Hybrid is paying off now. I don't care much for the car but since we commute 100mi r/t each day the gas milage is definitley a plus. We can go about 450mi on a bit over 10 gallons (12 gallon tank).

Dan

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


May 17, 2008 02:18 pm

I'm looking at this

www.baronmotorcycles.com/models_d.asp?m_id=27

or something similar...75 MPG...

Member
Since: Jul 02, 2003


May 17, 2008 02:31 pm

Nice looking bike but you'd never get me on one around here. My son hadn't had his new bike a month before someone ran him off the road. Luckily just some scrapes and bruises, but you don't get many second chances on a bike.

Dan

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


May 17, 2008 02:33 pm

yeah, that's my fear too...funny how having a wife, kids, mortgage and such kinda makes you think differently...never knew fear before that...

Member
Since: Jul 02, 2003


May 17, 2008 02:39 pm

A'int that the truth...

Dan

Eat Spam before it eats YOU!!!
Member
Since: May 11, 2002


May 17, 2008 03:09 pm

http://www.bikernewsonline.com/uploaded_images/babe-cage-747531.jpg



http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1358/1297069400_1fc0407ab9.jpg



...but considering everyone I know who rides a motorcycle has been hit at least once... I don't think I'll try it...

Ne'er ate 'er
Member
Since: Apr 05, 2006


May 17, 2008 09:37 pm

http://lorry.org/Misc/Animationart/picture-jetsons-gerry-dvorak.jpg



I won't settle for anything less.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


May 18, 2008 08:34 pm

I've been eying this one up for the wife.

www.smartcarofamerica.com..._cabriolet.html

Cone Poker
Member
Since: Apr 07, 2002


May 19, 2008 06:56 pm

Not that I agree with syphoning your neighbors gas but I had to comment on noizes "get a job" line. Sad thing is a lot of people are paying almost their hourly wage just to put a gallon of gas in their tank. Even with a job it doesn't help. The government needs to lower gas prices, plain and simple. There is NO reason whatsoever for gas to be hitting damn near 5 dollars a gallon this summer... aside from the simple fact that the masses will pay for it.

Really, the most useful thing to do would be buy a bike and use that for your around the house transport, and take public transportation as often as you can. If your city doesn't have decent public transportation, raise hell to get it. Houston public transportation blows, but it's a hell of a lot better than going broke on gas.

Not everyone needs a car, but we do all need transportation. Scream in the streets, have them add bus routes/train stops, whatever. This gas thing is rediculous.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


May 20, 2008 08:32 am

We the people have to get our energy needs under control. Oil has been the imputis of every war since WW1. We are handing monitary control of our country to the OPEC nations no questions asked. The oil industry has our government in it's pocket. Oil production by 2030 will at least quadrupal in cost and difficulty to extract. This effects every industry. The most noticable impact the automobile is the tip of the iceburg. It is however the simplest to address. I got over my ego a long time ago and ditched the drive to work as poor-man's social event. I have no need to be seen in the biggest SUV on the road. In fact I take pride in doing the right thing and driving something that exhibits effeciency. For God's sake people by a Rolex, if you have to feed your ego and quit writing you're children's epitaph by parading around in that Ghetto-Box.

Member
Since: Jul 02, 2003


May 20, 2008 12:43 pm

My wife wants one of those Noize, but since all our commuting is on the freeway it wouldn't be very practical.

Dan

Eat Spam before it eats YOU!!!
Member
Since: May 11, 2002


May 20, 2008 07:09 pm

IMO

1. The only thing that price restriction will do is cause shortages...

2. Halting strategic oil reserve shipments was a very bad idea.

3. Gas Tax Holiday will kill people... what do they think people will do on the last day right before everyone knows the price will jump up 50 cents?... we had police out directing traffic at stations when gas hit $3 on 9/11...



"I'd put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don't have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that."

— Thomas Edison, 1931




Ne'er ate 'er
Member
Since: Apr 05, 2006


May 20, 2008 07:35 pm

[quote]"I'd put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don't have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that."

— Thomas Edison, 1931[/quote]

He shoulda put his money on alternating current...

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


May 20, 2008 09:58 pm

OD, the one we are looking at will do 75 or so. At least that is what I have been told. I know I might have a hard time getting in or out of it. But the dealer we normally use is getting one in and I am going to check it out to see if it is too low for me to get in or out of. Not that I even drive the wifes Saturn as that is far to low for me to get in or out of.

The Czar of BS
Member
Since: Dec 31, 2007


May 20, 2008 11:33 pm

Hey Noize, I was on the highway this morning, when one passed me.

Dropped my jaw right open! I was doing 80 mph.

Member
Since: Jul 02, 2003


May 20, 2008 11:38 pm

I think for in town driving that would be great car to have, but I'm not sure I'd want to be doing 75 on the freeway with it. They don't look like they'd be hard to get in and out of.

Eat Spam before it eats YOU!!!
Member
Since: May 11, 2002


May 20, 2008 11:41 pm

My concern is getting the thing stuck... I got a prius hopelessly stuck in about an inch of mud... that thing might have problems with damp grass...so you'd have to stay on the path as you drive it around the golf course :)

The Czar of BS
Member
Since: Dec 31, 2007


May 20, 2008 11:44 pm

I don't know Zek. It looks as if it's small enough to just pick up and move where you want.

Kaos is only a form of insanity
Member
Since: Feb 03, 2005


May 21, 2008 12:03 am

The Smart has become extremely popular here in Europe, They are great cars, comfortable and well built, (that's mercedes for you) Not only are they very economical, they can be fully recycled (not like a lot of cars) the body panels are made using a percentage of recycled plastics. People over here use them for mainly daily commuting, but a large number also use them for distance. I have a customer who travels back to the north of England every month and he uses it all the time.Go Get One

Byte-Mixer
Member
Since: Dec 04, 2007


May 21, 2008 12:18 am

Man, I hear you on the gas prices. If I were to actually -fill- my tank, I'd be paying more than double, possibly triple! what it was back when I was going to UNF in 2003. I just started working 40hr/wk at my job (first 20 still with the lab, but added 20 to work for our IT dept, which was a blessing) But being an OPS tech at the university isn't exactly a high-paying job. :P

The whole price issue, and the probability of it not going down anytime soon has got me seriously thinking about getting a bike for my primary transportation and keeping the car for rainy days and inclement weather.

Either that or just give in, and sell the car and use that towards the bike. I've been looking pretty closely at the Harley Nightster.

www.harley-davidson.com/w...sp?locale=en_US
and specs:
www.harley-davidson.com/P...ecTable=showall

I'm really seriously considering saving up for a bike.

-Jim

Hold 'Em Czar
Member
Since: Dec 30, 2004


May 21, 2008 03:02 am

i rode in a toyoda hybrid for the first time in my life and the second best thing about them was how quiet they are....i fell in love instantly. music sounds much better with such a lower noize floor...

thing was loaded with gps, satalite radio, and all kinds of real time fuel consumption charts....i was quite impressed with them.

i've been walking 30 mins to and from work, and i've come to enjoy it, as i have no license and a dead car, so i'm really not feelin' it at the pump (i usually offer 5 or 10 bucks to friends when i need a ride, or my gf....it's a bit burdensome sometimes, but on the whole, i don't miss driving.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


May 21, 2008 06:36 am

My neighbor owns a hybrid, it is quiet, if I am outside tossing the ball for the dog or something, he'll stop to chat and the engine basically shuts off while he's sitting, when he hits the gas she fires back up...but surprisingly, he siad he only gets 40-45 a gallon, which isn't bad mileage, but not nearly as much as I thought they'd get...

...of course then when time comes around to change that energy cell you can kiss $4,000 or better goodbye...not very economically viable from what I hear.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


May 21, 2008 08:33 am

We effectively have two Mazda 3's. One has a Ford label on it. Ford messed it up a little but couldn't screw it up too much. 35mpg regularly if your not stopped at a light. I went to it form a Grand Cherokee, and like the Mazda a lot better. Much better seating position, much better handling charistics, quiter engine (per above better music). All of the features I care to try to keep track of, and of course an manual trans, which I dearly love.

The Czar of BS
Member
Since: Dec 31, 2007


May 21, 2008 11:06 am

I don't know how true this is? I over heard a person talking to the gas station attendant last night while waiting to pay for gas.

This person was saying that they are getting rid of they Prius. Reason being that the battery was around 10,000 to replace. And that he had found that the battery needs to be replaced on a regular basis.

Once again, this is second hand info. But if it is true, then that sucks! Everything you save in fuel mileage, goes to replacing the battery.

Member
Since: Jul 02, 2003


May 21, 2008 11:08 am

The battery in the Hybrid's are guaranteed for 8-10 years these days, so it's not much of an issue. Likely it will be replaced once under warranty so the odds that you'd have to pay for one over a 20 year period aren't too likely.

On the mileage yeah it's not what most would expect but then again not many cars even come close to what they are rated for. If your willing to drive them at under 65mph and are careful you can approach 50mpg. Of course my wife and I aren't so we get generally around 42-44mpg driving at 75 most of the time which is more than double what our Equinox got no matter how you drove it. :)

Dan

Hold 'Em Czar
Member
Since: Dec 30, 2004


May 21, 2008 04:44 pm

yeah, the one i rode in stayed between 40 and 50mpg just driving around the city (30-40mph) it plotted it out on a big LCD. the damn thing was so quiet, it beeps when you're in reverse, because people around the car might not know it's even running....

oh and the power switch was a trip (no key), well there's was a box type thing you plug in, step on the break and press power. and the golf-cart transmission was wierd, i felt it shift 'gears' once, i think.

i'm sold on 'em.

Answer:On a good day, lipstick.
Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004


May 21, 2008 04:57 pm

Crude is $130 a barrel!

Woohoo!

And nobody is going to do a thing about it. Too many (relative term) people getting too rich from it.
Nothing to do with anything but that.

Recession? Nope, look over there - it's another distraction.

Quote:
This person was saying that they are getting rid of they Prius.


Another fuel efficient car goes buh-bye? Like the original electric cars? See above.... Can't have people not buying gas.


Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


May 21, 2008 10:14 pm

J-bot, the bikes are now being considered here as well. I just sold one of my old race cars today and may buy a pair. But the Smart is looking really good. I had not idea they went much over the 70 or 75 mph mark. but after hearing Rob state one passed him I'm more impressed.

The problem with the bike around here is the short usage you get out of one. On the other hand if I bought myself say a 250 or larger enduro type machine I could ride that all winter long.

On the Smart getting stuck, I'm with the fact you can probably simply lift it up and move it.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


May 21, 2008 10:51 pm

Wow, ole Hardley is claiming some real impressive looking gas specs. My 1100 Tourer only gets around 38 on a good day. Watch ole Hardley unless you like wrenchin. I have yet to go on a decent ride without one vibrating apart. Last run was about a 2k trip and the brand new sportster started loosing parts at about 1500 and by 1700 was decomishioned and in a shop. Great fun pushing it around, getting someone to pick up the rider and taking a day off work to pick the thing up. They're really a lot more for show than go.

Answer:On a good day, lipstick.
Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004


May 22, 2008 11:28 am


Here's what I'd have if I wasn't p***y-whipped and banned from motorcycles by 'er indoors:

www.vincentmotors.com/BIK/index.php

That's a bike...

The return of the Black Shadow....

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


May 22, 2008 10:18 pm

Yessieree bob. A vincent Black Lightning would be my choice if one could be had around here for a reasonable price.

That Black Shadow does indeed look sporty though for sure.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


May 23, 2008 08:10 am

BMW K12. Ahhhhhh, let it roll!

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


May 23, 2008 10:27 pm

Like this one Walt?

http://www.k12rs.com/Nandi2-0/Shiva-Nandi-07-55.jpg


Or a more stock type one?

I think of the bikes I owned before getting married I miss my VF 1000 Interceptor the most. In its day it was un friggin beatable.

http://w3.bikepics.com/pics/2008%5C02%5C07%5Cbikepics-1175554-full.jpg


Member
Since: Jul 23, 2004


May 25, 2008 12:16 am

Hydrogen is the answer.. clean burning, the exhaust is water vapor.
The Hindenburg? well the unfortunate people who died, died because of the fall.. not burning. Hydrogen is lighter than air, so once the blimp ruptured, the gas went up. The cause of the explosion was the outer skin of the craft.. which was chemically similar to rocket fuel and was sparked by static electricity. So in a car.. if you wreck.. the gasoline can pool around and incinerate everyone in the vehicle. Had you a Hydrogen cell, if it punctured, it would outgas skyward. Comparison tests show Hydrogen to be safer, cheaper, and have negligable effect on the environment. Would a president from oil producing Texas want you to know this?
There are a few technical hurdles..catalysts etc.. but I bet if they spent a fraction of what it costs to "stabilize the middle east" on R&D.. we could see a very intelligent shift to Hydrogen.
BTW.. I bought a Husqvarna reel-mower and I love it on a quarter acre.. no gas, no oil, no electricity, no noise.
I am Jetglo and I approve this message.

Ne'er ate 'er
Member
Since: Apr 05, 2006


May 25, 2008 12:35 am

Hydrogen > Helium. Hey, It was easy to figure out how to convert elements into useful energy when it involved bombs. Utilizing physics to create new fuels just isn't quite as interesting.

/could be wrong. prolly not

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


May 25, 2008 12:30 pm

That's real close Noize!

The one I've got my eye on is a touring bike. Bags, a little more farring. Last time Sandy and I jumped on we went out to Kansas City. Next summer we are looking at possibly Washington state. Good friend here that likes to ride has relation out there. Also would like to be able to say "coast to coast", Ya, ok, a litte ego showing there. I like shooting out to the north east as well, Vermont, New Hampshire. Got an army buddy out there. Want to get into Maine next trip.

Eat Spam before it eats YOU!!!
Member
Since: May 11, 2002


May 25, 2008 10:21 pm

screw siphoning gas... apparently the market is now in garage sale signs...

I had a yard sale this weekends and bought some garage sale signs from meijer...well... I got about half of them back...

Related Forum Topics:



If you would like to participate in the forum discussions, feel free to register for your free membership.