E85 cars?
Posted by Steroid_Cyborg@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 12 comments
I'm considering buying an E85 car. I heard they run cleaner and deliver slightly more power, at the cost of a little less range but I don't do long trips anyway. The price for regular in my area is 3.15 vs 2.70. Any recommended cars? Reliability and mpg is up high on the list, but I don't want it to be gutless to drive.
Budget of let's say, 15k
IWillAssFuckYou@reddit
They do exist. There are benefits and disadvantages to be aware of. Yes E85 is cheaper but it gets less MPG and E85 is hardly worth it. Even my father never used E85 on his 2004 Chrysler Sebring which was flex fuel. Most gas stations don't carry E85 for a reason.
Where E85 makes most sense is on a muscle car where you can modify and tune them to use E85 and make more power as it makes a great racing fuel.
cloutoracle@reddit
How about now since pres screwed up gas prices? (This is a serious question)
Hersbird@reddit
It was great when it was $1/gallon vs $3/gallon but I think those subsidies are gone. Count on 20% less mpg so if it is not more than 20% less expensive you will be spending more time and money at the pump. It's does make more power if the car was designed for it. Probably not noticeable on most but with a supercharger or turbo it can add some.
Direct_Cabinet_4564@reddit
https://www.edmunds.com/fuel-economy/e85-vs-gasoline-comparison-test.html
Steroid_Cyborg@reddit (OP)
As I said I don't do road trips that often, if at all. E85 might actually make sense for me considering the cost.
thebraxton@reddit
Usually the cost savings is offset by mpg loss
Spiritual-Let-3837@reddit
E85 does not save you money fuel wise, I’m not sure why you think that. It costs less to fill up but gets way worse mileage. E85 has higher octane than regular gas but much less energy. This makes sense for high output cars with upgraded fueling. It does not make sense for a daily commuter car. E85 is also harsh on cars that sit for days on end. It has water in it that’s harsh on pretty much everything engine wise.
Lort_Voldelort@reddit
E85 will ruin your engine if you only do semi frequent short drives
doctrsnoop@reddit
cleaner maybe, more power , generally no. price offset by more fuel needed.
pugzly8765@reddit
When I run E85 my Silverado only gets 70% of the mileage that I get with Regular. So I have to do the math, if E85 is less than 70% of the cost of Regular, it's a good deal, otherwise not.
KeepBanningKeepJoin@reddit
Buick flex fuel, best kept secret
Confident_As_Hell@reddit
Volvo V50 flexfuel