Costco

[berkeley]

Corn-based ethanol does have a lower energy content than gasoline. The trade off is using a domestically produced fuel source with lower emissions. When we finally get a cellulosic-based ethanol, there will be more benefits (better energy return, etc). If all you're worried about is MPH, then go for 100% petroleum.

The problem with power tools is because they're left sitting for long periods with gas in the tank not being used, I would imagine. That's not really a good idea with any type of gas.

Did you know Brazil has been on ethanol since the 1970s? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethanol_fuel_in_Brazil

[Tuckervill]

Yes, it's all I care about, my gas mileage.

Karen

[berkeley]

Yes, it's all I care about, my gas mileage.

Karen

I'm not trying to put words in your mouth - that's the reason you gave. Are there others?

Ethanol is used instead of MTBE as a fuel additive, too, which is another big environmental upgrade.

[Tuckervill]

I'm not going to use ethanol if I have a choice, a) because it is inefficient and b) because it's a political boondoggle. When it becomes practical to get where I want and need to go without burning fossil fuels, I will do it. But right now, I'm making the best choice for me that I can make.

Karen

[ZenSojourner]

I'm a Sam's club member, and I've been a Costco member.

If I had a choice, I'd STILL be a Costco member. No Costco anywhere near me since I left Oregon.

Definitely worth it if you can get it.

[WrensMom]

We love Costco! Of course, we have 3 kids at home also, so we definitely use stuff up. It is right by where I work, so it's not out of my way at all. We get practically everything there. One of my big scores was a Natuzzi leather sofa for $500 a couple of years ago. They have a very generous return policy also, and really stand by their products. I like that they treat the employees well too. We have the "executive" membership where you get the 2% back, plus their AmEx for another percentage (varies between 1-3%, depending on what it is). There is no risk to joining--if you are not happy with the membership, they will cancel it and refund you. I say give it a shot!

[KatieJean]

I can't really say that I've gotten my money's worth at Costco. The annual fees are proabably higher than any money I save, and really, how do you use a 1 gallon can (or whatever it is!)of tuna for sandwiches for a family of five? Having said that, I know lots of people who swear by it. I just have a problem with buying in huge quantities when half of it spoils before being used.

I have found that Smart & Final has the same or lower prices, and their big sizes are not as big as Costco's.

Recently I shopped for an upgraded Direct TV satellite receiver--same exact price as elsewhere. Ditto for a new computer when our old one bit the dust.

So...unless you can really use the big sizes, or benefit from the glasses/RX dept., I don't see it as being a good deal for a family (as opposed to a small business owner--it's great for that).