Fair way to share petrol costs

wantonnoodle

I would use Google Maps to work out on average how far you go picking up/dropping off your friends and going between the various places you go together. Then work out how much it costs. Divide between 5 (you do really need to pay your fair share).

Ask them for the money up front - if a friend says "we're going to x - you need to bring your car", then text back saying "OK, I'll need £x from each one of you". Send a similar message to each one in the group.

I would also identify (before going out) a bus station or whatever, where they could all get home from on public transport, that is not too far out of your way home. If they haven't paid up, just drop the lot off there (in plenty of time for last bus etc). I'm sure they'll soon get the message. If they don't, then move on.

londonsurrey

Idiophreak wrote: »

You think?
Say four of them go, buy a pint each at what, £3.50 average? That's £14. That would get them 70 miles even at 30mpg. My car would go 120 miles for the cost of that round. When the OP said "out of town", I didn't think they meant 60 miles out of town...More likely, the OP's talking about a couple of miles here and there and a couple of miles driving out of town - 20 miles all in? Around £4 in an average car, probably £2.50 if they drive carefully. So it's the cost of a drink, once every few months.

(I do agree, however, about having to tidy up after them - that's just not on)

Yes, I do think. The figures were based on what the OP mentioned they were looking at, i.e. a £3.80 travel card per person.

Idiophreak

londonsurrey wrote: »

Yes, I do think. The figures were based on what the OP mentioned they were looking at, i.e. a £3.80 travel card per person.

£3.80 was suggested as a simple way of charging OPs friends and, frankly, ripping them off. It had nothing to do with the amount it was actually costing the OP to make the journeys, just how much they'd have to spend otherwise.

I just don't see how it's fair for OP to profit from her friends on the basis "it would cost them more if I didn't give them a lift".

Judith_W

I think one of the problems is that they are only seeing the petrol cost, but there is all the insurance, extra wear and tear which you have to pay and allows them a more comfortable ride. Next time I would try and meet them wherever and not offer lifts, but if they want to use your car, just say I'm a bit skint so if you want me to ferry you around you'll have to pay all my petrol. At the end of the day if they don't like it or want to pay less, you can just say sorry not gonna work, you'll have to take public transport/choose another location.

I think they take advantage that you are shy and don't like confrontation. If you stick up for yourself they will accept and back off.

beth.stephenson2009

aliasojo wrote: »

Imo, this is the other end of 'extreme' (as in one extreme to the other).

A friend *should* be happy to help their pal out on occasion. Telling a friend who asks for a specific favour 'sure but this is what it will cost you', is just wrong. Different if the friend takes the mick regularly but not in the instance described. (Unless it was extreme mileage involved and would seriously affect your fuel costs shouldering it yourself.)

As for the OP, you chose to have a car so you are responsible for the running costs etc. I agree that everyone should pitch in to pay for petrol for a trip out somewhere but I don't agree they should split it between themselves and you shouldn't have to pay anything just because it's your car that's being used.

These are friends, not some group of neighbours you barely know. There's a middle line to be found between being fair to you and being friendly to them iyswim.

Would of cost me a good quarter-half tank of petrol. 12 miles from my house to hers, 20 miles to the job interview, 20 miles back and then 12 miles back to my house.

64 miles. I think I was well within my right to charge her fuel. She has a free bus pass, and parents who can take her. If she doesn't want to pay, then dont ask. I told her from the day I passed my test I would charge her the fuel cost for journeys I didnt need to make that involved her.