Purchasing a car can be quite the financial endeavor — and sorting out the associated costs of ownership takes careful planning, too. But what would you do if someone asked you to choose between a lifetime of free gas and the keys to your dream car?
We asked over 1,000 Americans this exact question. Their clear preference may surprise you at first, especially when you look at the Chicago Tribune’s list of top dream cars and their price tags. But the results make more sense when you consider that the typical American household spent about $4,155 — 8.4 percent of their income — at the pump in 2011, according to The Blaze.
Would you rather have a lifetime of free gas or your dream car? How have you coped with rising gas prices?
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Comments
Daniel on November 20, 2012 at 10:16am
I'd take my dream car, which is the Tesla Model S. The gas problem takes care of itself. If you'd like to send me a Model S for having the best answer, I'd be happy to provide you with my details ;)
Brian on November 20, 2012 at 9:15pm
Free gas. Totally.
Ally on November 27, 2012 at 4:46pm
Ha! We’re cracking up here, Daniel.
Ally on November 27, 2012 at 4:47pm
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Brian!
Lauri on December 19, 2012 at 2:59pm
My dream car...Yukon Denali! I work from home so gas is not a problem unless we are traveling. That is the point at which I start to panic!
Liz on December 19, 2012 at 3:01pm
Free gas for life...definitely. Cars come and go, and my dream car today may not be my dream car in 10 years. Plus, the dream car of today would be getting old in 10 years, even if I still liked it. But with free gas, I could afford to upgrade every 5-10 years.
Heather on December 19, 2012 at 3:01pm
I would do the Free gas.. all the money you save from the gas could buy your dream car.
Cheryl on December 19, 2012 at 3:07pm
free gas for life is better, because my "dream" car changes every few years and I like getting new cars. Now if it's NO CAR PAYMENT for life on whatever I want to drive, I'd choose that over free gas :)
Ida M. on December 19, 2012 at 3:09pm
Regardless of the make or model of your car, all it does is get you from point A to B. You need gas to make it move. So FREE GAS is my choice.
Lloyd on December 19, 2012 at 3:11pm
Dream car, I'm 63 years old and in very poor health. So just let me enjoy the rest of my days, note days instead of years, Ford mustang with 750hp, ha,ha. yeah.
samuelthurmand on December 19, 2012 at 3:12pm
mydreamcar.ischrysler.300
Mary on December 19, 2012 at 3:13pm
just bought my dream truck and would rather have it paid off
mike w. on December 19, 2012 at 3:16pm
I have my GREAT VAN that I will be with me for a long time. I need gas every week. MIKE
Stephanie on December 19, 2012 at 3:17pm
Gas
Kinante on December 19, 2012 at 3:33pm
I would take the car. 1970 Chevelle SS 396, 4 Speed, Cowl, shadow gray black rally stripes then again that BB burns alot of gas lol
Tracy on December 19, 2012 at 3:34pm
I finally got my dream car but at a high gas price, since it takes 93 octane for the high performance engine. So, needless to say, free gas for life would be a wonderful thing for me.
Bill on December 19, 2012 at 3:36pm
I already have my dream car, my '63 split window coupe corvette, but I wouldn't trade it for free gas for life!!! My '09 Dodge Mega-Cab 3500 uses diesel anyway and gets 22 mpg on the highway.
gabriela on December 19, 2012 at 3:42pm
I want a new suv I really need it.
Denise M. on December 19, 2012 at 3:45pm
I would like the free gas becuse I have my car that I want! I just need the gas to put in it!
Blond o. on December 19, 2012 at 3:45pm
Without a second thought I'd take the free gas. Gas prices, even now, keep me from driving where I want and when I want...What good is a fantasy car if I can't afford to drive it. I have simple tastes anyway.. I don't buy used but I don't go crazy either so gimme that free gas and I'm outta here!
william on December 19, 2012 at 3:54pm
free gas
clarence on December 19, 2012 at 4:00pm
who would not want free gas
deborah on December 19, 2012 at 4:02pm
i would take my dream car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the money that i save from not having a car note, i could afford the gas and be a help to others. everyone have a safe and blessed Christmas may all your dreams be given unto you!!! pray for healing of our world!!!!!!
Angela on December 19, 2012 at 4:14pm
I'd take my dream car, Cadillac XTS. At least enjoy it for the moment.
Mark on December 19, 2012 at 4:27pm
While the Tesla Model S is a fine choice, especially if Ally is going to give one away, I'll keep my preference with the free gas! Thanks for asking. Now, Ally, IF you're giving the gas away, please just fill up my account!
Juan on December 19, 2012 at 4:33pm
I would like to have my dream car. Why, well whatever car you want should be if concern how much gas it going to use. If its a V8, or a V10 you might want to consider driving it slow and on weekends. If you buy a smart car well that is common sense . It will be your daily work and run errand type of car to save on gas. But gasoline will soon be out of the picture in the near future and electronic will take over its just a matter of time. My dream car the Super Snake Mustang from Ford is my dream car. Thanks
Sendy R. on December 19, 2012 at 4:36pm
Definitely free gasoline without thinking, the car of my dreams can wait for when I retire and I can enjoy. My children are very small and would not let me enjoy it.
Lonnie on December 19, 2012 at 4:47pm
I'll take the car.
Jessica T. on December 19, 2012 at 4:53pm
With rising cost in gas prices, I would chose the gas!
Tom D. on December 19, 2012 at 4:54pm
I have always dreamed of a 57 Chevy 2dr hardtop and gas is something that i buy all the time .I would definitely want the car.
Eunice on December 19, 2012 at 4:55pm
I already have my dream car (2012 Camaro SS) now all I need is the free gas!!!! ;)
TARA on December 19, 2012 at 5:00pm
Free gas for now, until all vehicles are TOTALLY electric and affordable!
Lawrence on December 19, 2012 at 5:02pm
While it would be nice to have that dream car, I feel the NEED for gas is greater than the WANT for a dream car.
Paul on December 19, 2012 at 5:06pm
Free gas, if I have that, I can afford my dream car :)
Fireman E. on December 19, 2012 at 5:07pm
the free gas let's me afford to have any car I want and not worry about milage. Although I do like that Tesla Model S, I think I might opt. for something bigger that would fit my family lifestyle and cargo needs a bit better.
Michelle on December 19, 2012 at 5:10pm
Always free gas.....one day my car will be paid for, but I will always have to pay for gas. Any chance of getting some free gas??? LOL
AXLEROD44 on December 19, 2012 at 5:19pm
[INFOGRAPHIC] with no car payment you could afford the gas
James on December 19, 2012 at 5:24pm
Now I shared my thoughts, can you give me that car? lol
leo j. on December 19, 2012 at 5:29pm
Free gas this sounds good thanks cliff.
Michele on December 19, 2012 at 5:43pm
I'd like my dream car paid in full! I can deal with the gas prices, but paying a car note, insurance, and gas prices are a bit much at times.
Joey on December 19, 2012 at 5:56pm
I'd like a Corvette ZR1. How much fuel can you buy for $125,000
"Bobo" on December 19, 2012 at 5:57pm
Do to the fact that im totaly disable and on a fix income for life i would reather have the free gas and keep the upkeep of my truck. And keep on keeping on with life.
MARY A. on December 19, 2012 at 6:15pm
gas seems to be the only good reply!!!
robert on December 19, 2012 at 6:21pm
dream car all the way. Gas would not be a problem if i didnt have a car payment!!!!
Amber on December 19, 2012 at 6:23pm
The Gas, definitely. $100 per week for me. That's $5200 a year! I'm wondering if I can claim it as a dependent for tax purposes.
sergio on December 19, 2012 at 6:25pm
I'll take my dream car, and I hope will be electric.
Scott on December 19, 2012 at 6:48pm
I would take the Gas, already have the car!
ben on December 19, 2012 at 7:14pm
free gas yeahsir!!!!!???????????????
billie on December 19, 2012 at 7:16pm
Free gas need to ride
veronica on December 19, 2012 at 7:34pm
I have my dream car just need the free gas now or you can have my notes on the car ,,,lol
tressie w. on December 19, 2012 at 7:37pm
Absolutely without any doubt......free gas!!!!
Carol B. on December 19, 2012 at 7:52pm
I'm dreaming of the free gas Just like it's never been before Where the highways beckon The Garmin reckons I hear traffic evermore I'm dreaming of a tall gas pump Beside the door of my garage Where I smile at the nozzle And my van can guzzle Oh yes, it isn't a mirage 'm dreaming of a free road trip With every Rand McNally page May just "Full" be writ upon your gauge... And your miles be costed out to Zip! Merry Christmas! And may all your Christmases be white
Kathy D. on December 19, 2012 at 7:53pm
Free gas for sure! I have a fairly new vehicle but would like to keep is gassed up!
Hank on December 19, 2012 at 7:56pm
Seventy years old, retired and driving about 5000 miles a year, I think I could afford to put gas in a Bugati Veyron at 14 mpg and something over 200 mph top end I probably wouldn't be driving very far.
Elizabeth R. on December 19, 2012 at 8:06pm
I'd take mid size SYVI love them.
Katie B. on December 19, 2012 at 8:14pm
I have had two of my dream cars, so quite naturally I would prefer a lifetime of free gas.
Matt on December 19, 2012 at 8:15pm
Gotta go with dream car! If I can't afford to fill up with gas at least I can stare at it (and make the neighbors a little jealous)!
Edison on December 19, 2012 at 8:17pm
Definitely the gas as it is the biggest single ongoing expense during the lifetime of the vehicle.
linda on December 19, 2012 at 8:27pm
I should would like to say a corvette, but at 64 , i cannot get in and out of 1 now---so i will say a snazzy caddy, sure am tired of my 2001 explorer, but i will keep on dreaming-and spend my little extra cash on my 1 and only 6 yr old grand daughter--thanks for asking though--now i have to go buy a lottery ticket---Merry Christmas
jude on December 19, 2012 at 8:51pm
Dream car as I really don't drive that much less than 15,000 on a new 2011 when purchased.
Sue on December 19, 2012 at 8:51pm
I want both, does that make me greedy???
Brian B. on December 19, 2012 at 8:54pm
I chose the dream car because ... potentially, gasoline powered cars might not exists in the not-so-distant future. So gas for life could end up ... not being for life after all. :-)
Sheryl on December 19, 2012 at 9:06pm
I'll take the free gas. I love my current vehicle.
Jerry on December 19, 2012 at 9:41pm
I would take my dream car. A 69 Camaro, pearl white. So when will I be getting it lol....
Tom on December 19, 2012 at 9:46pm
Free gas. I plan to live a long time!
kim on December 19, 2012 at 9:48pm
free gas
George on December 19, 2012 at 10:10pm
Free gas can go into any car This is a reaLLY GOOD IDEA
randy L. on December 19, 2012 at 10:17pm
i would like to have gas for life than a dream car i already have a dream car an truck that is the only ones i will every need yes the free gas Randy
randy L. on December 19, 2012 at 10:20pm
yes give me the gas for life
Rustler on December 19, 2012 at 10:53pm
Could we make that fuel (Diesel) ?
ann on December 19, 2012 at 10:53pm
Free gas ovcer a dream car for sure.
Rustler on December 19, 2012 at 10:54pm
BTW - Nice of you to do this.
ann on December 19, 2012 at 10:54pm
Gas over a dream car for sure.
jeff on December 19, 2012 at 11:06pm
i would like my dream car as well. i would like a 63 lincoln continental sedan with suicide doors. black on black. i don't drive much so this makes sense way more than gas for life. i would love and rub and hold my lincoln tight. i promise. please give me my dream car. i will take you all for a sunday drive i promise. my dog gets the front seat though. :) thanks for your consideration. jeff
Eric on December 19, 2012 at 11:56pm
Free Gas!
Gary on December 20, 2012 at 12:36am
I would take the lifetime of free gas. My wife and I both are driving our dream cars already. Me in my Chevy Silverado pickup truck and she in her Kia Sorento with the heated seats and sun roof, just to mention a few of the bells and whistles it has. Thank you.
Robert E. on December 20, 2012 at 1:01am
free gas for sure whether I'm driving my Jeep or an old clunker I'll still need gasoline..
Ken S. on December 20, 2012 at 2:16am
To cope with the gas price, I just insert my credit card and don't look at the total cost. Then just hope I can pay it off at the end of the month.
Ramon M. on December 20, 2012 at 3:55am
Free gas meand unlimited driveing, thats what I want, I can always by my dream car and drive it without worry if I could just have the free gas.
Helen on December 20, 2012 at 4:44am
Commuting only having one car. Free gas for life would be totally awesome.
Anne L. on December 20, 2012 at 5:07am
Free gas
David on December 20, 2012 at 7:34am
Free gas? What happens when we all have Eco friendly or electric cars? Give me my fully loaded Escalade XLT.
Doreen on December 20, 2012 at 7:40am
I would rather have the free gas,I already have the car of my dreams.FORD ESCAPE (2012) andbthankm you Ally for making it happen!!
Emilia on December 20, 2012 at 8:00am
Free gas of course.
Sue on December 20, 2012 at 8:36am
I would totally like to have my dream car. Then I could take care of the gas for it myself
Jerry on December 20, 2012 at 8:38am
Once you have free gas; getting the dream car is next becomes easy.
ismael on December 20, 2012 at 8:43am
I GOT MY DREAM CAR 2010 FREE GAS
Vicki on December 20, 2012 at 9:15am
I would go for the free gas, I already have my Dream car. It's the GMC Acadia (2111) Denali version. Absolutely love this SUV.
daniel m. on December 20, 2012 at 9:39am
free gas hands down
ron t. on December 20, 2012 at 9:41am
I have a suburban, so it would have to be gas. By the way my dream car is a Yukon XL.
Marcia on December 20, 2012 at 9:45am
I would rather have free gas!! But it is a tough choice. Really l would like both, greedy me!! Merry Christmas!!
Barbara on December 20, 2012 at 9:52am
For me this is a no-brainer -- FREE GAS! With what I save I can BUY my dream car, probably within a few months (ha!).
Norman on December 20, 2012 at 9:59am
Rather have the gas for lifetime!
Marsha on December 20, 2012 at 10:12am
Free gas would be great! Question IS would you REALLY give somebody FREE GAS for a lifetime.
Vicky on December 20, 2012 at 12:21pm
I'd have to choose my dream car. Aston Martin maybe? I only have to pay for gas weekly. But OWNING my dream car is just that - a dream!
Dean on December 20, 2012 at 12:51pm
I'll take a Shelby Cobra 1965 please!!! Thanks!
Katrina on December 20, 2012 at 1:13pm
I agree with Daniel on the Tesla! I have seen them up close and they are awesome.
Lyle on December 20, 2012 at 2:08pm
To have gas for life would be GREAT If keeps going up , and we know it will I wont be able to drive it
Jody on December 20, 2012 at 3:05pm
Are you crazy? This is a no brainer! Free gas is the only way to go no matter what the price is!
MaryLee M. on December 20, 2012 at 3:45pm
My husband and I are on very fixed incomes, we have a car but not enough money to barely keep it on the road throughtout the month, absolutely would want gas!
gregg p. on December 20, 2012 at 3:53pm
send me my jaguar xkr
Delia on December 20, 2012 at 3:56pm
I voted for free gas, but after seeing Daniel's comment, that really got me to thinking. Hmmmm.
Joey on December 20, 2012 at 6:21pm
I said I'd like a Corvette ZR1 yesterday. I know there are a lot more expensive exotic supercars out there but I'm a GM guy. I don't want just any ZR1 either. I want the white one from the rocket building commercial with Tim Allen doing the voiceover. Its an incredible ad if you're into factory built streetcars with more horsepower than the race version. Oh yeah, can I get a couple sets of tires with that?
Freddie on December 20, 2012 at 6:35pm
We trade cars all the time but free gas for rest of my life is a blessing from on high. I would take the gas any day!!!!!!!
Robin on December 20, 2012 at 6:49pm
I chose the car, but the laughs I got from reading some of these is what I really needed. Thanks for keeping humor alive, Merry Christmas To All!
Bernie C. on December 20, 2012 at 7:21pm
Definitly the gas. Without gas, I can't even think of what a 18 mile walk to work would be like.
Terry on December 20, 2012 at 9:23pm
My dream car would cost over $100,000, gas over my life time would cost less than $30,000, plus I have my dream car now, not over my life time. This is a no brainer.
Terry on December 20, 2012 at 9:29pm
Please send the Tesla Roadster to my address and I will have my dream car and not have to pay for any gas. Kind of my cake and eat it too.
Terry on December 20, 2012 at 9:34pm
P.S. The Tesla Roadster uses 6,831 small “commodity” lithium-ion cells—the same kind used in mobile phones and laptops—to provide 0-to-60-mph acceleration under 4 seconds and a real-world range of 150 to 240 miles, Keep your gas, I would not need it.
Royce M. on December 20, 2012 at 10:09pm
Free Gasoline would be so wonderful and drive endlessly!
James H. on December 20, 2012 at 10:59pm
Gas of course!!!
ELSIE F. on December 20, 2012 at 11:25pm
I vote for a car. Well if you do not have a car then what is the point of a free gas.
Ally on December 21, 2012 at 4:01pm
Good point, Elsie. Thanks for sharing your feedback!
Ally on December 21, 2012 at 4:01pm
Thanks for sharing, James!
Ally on December 21, 2012 at 4:02pm
Sounds like you love to drive, Royce. Thanks for your feedback!
Ally on December 21, 2012 at 4:03pm
Thanks for sharing, Terry. The Tesla Roadster sounds great!
Ally on December 21, 2012 at 4:03pm
An 18 mile walk does sound a bit rough. Thanks for your response, Bernie!
Ally on December 21, 2012 at 4:04pm
Ha! Thanks so much for your response, Robin!
Ally on December 21, 2012 at 4:04pm
Thanks for your feedback, Freddie!
Ally on December 21, 2012 at 4:05pm
Ha! Sounds like you definitely know exactly what car you want, Joey. Thanks for your response!
Randy on December 21, 2012 at 6:23pm
I would take the free gas.
Randy on December 21, 2012 at 6:27pm
Free gas and then a new zr1
Patty M. on December 22, 2012 at 9:48am
Gas prices are so bad already that I'm considering moving to the North Pole. I suppose everything from there would be downhill, so I can just put the car in neutral and go.
Ginger on December 22, 2012 at 1:52pm
The free gas since we never know what the latest price will be. Since I already have my new car of my dreams--it is only logical.
MARY on December 22, 2012 at 3:34pm
JUST PAY OFF MY HUSBAND'S TRUCK SO I CAN BUY A NEW VEHICLE
Leonel G. on December 22, 2012 at 4:33pm
I'll take free gas for life because I already own my dream car
OUT D. on December 22, 2012 at 5:04pm
Free gas will last longer than any car these days and gas will never not be needed in my lifetime! Electric cars will never replace gas or maybe CNG or another medium for over the road travel!
Billy B. on December 22, 2012 at 11:59pm
free gas ,, sorry Exon and BP, I really hate you guys.
Hugh on December 23, 2012 at 11:53am
I'd rather have my dream car now, because cars are becoming more energy efficient and may balance out in the future.
Eddie on December 23, 2012 at 2:06pm
E Get your cheque ready,I will by my wife a new car in july 2013.
mckeever c. on December 23, 2012 at 7:34pm
having free gas for life great but having your dream is even better
Scott on December 24, 2012 at 5:52am
Free gas for a life time is worth a lot more then just a dream car, if I could save the money I spend on gas would be a great deal for me and more practical. It would actually be my car payment.
Russ on December 25, 2012 at 7:09pm
If I had my "Dream Car" I wouldn"t be able to pay the taxes and insurance on it much less the gas costs. I woldn't be able to enjoy it now. But with free gas I could save up for a better vehicle than the old clunker I drive today! Free gas definitely!! My dream car? Black on black Lamborghini Diablo.
Ann on December 25, 2012 at 8:10pm
I have my dream car and still worry about being able to afford the gas to take me where I need and have to go.
Ally on December 26, 2012 at 11:47am
Thanks for your response, Scott.
Ally on December 26, 2012 at 11:48am
Thanks, McKeever! Do you have a specific dream car that you love?
Ally on December 26, 2012 at 11:48am
Congrats, Eddie! Hope your wife loves the new car.
Ally on December 26, 2012 at 11:48am
That’s a great point, Hugh. Thanks for your response!
Ally on December 26, 2012 at 2:45pm
Thanks for sharing your experience, Ann.
Ally on December 26, 2012 at 2:45pm
Thanks for sharing your perspective, Russ!
Ally on December 26, 2012 at 2:47pm
Congrats on the new car of your dreams, Ginger!
Ally on December 26, 2012 at 2:47pm
Thanks for your response, Mary.
Ally on December 26, 2012 at 2:48pm
Congrats on having your dream car, Leonel!
Ally on December 26, 2012 at 2:48pm
Great points, John. Thanks for sharing with us!
Ally on December 26, 2012 at 2:48pm
Thanks for your response, Billy
Ally on December 26, 2012 at 2:49pm
Ha! Thanks for your response, Patty.
Theresa on December 27, 2012 at 10:02am
I'd prefer the free gas. We travel to Upper Mich every summer and the gas prices kill us.It's 1800 miles. The further north you go the higher the price.
Gary B. on December 27, 2012 at 1:48pm
Would take the lifetime of gas.
Ally on December 28, 2012 at 8:10pm
Thanks for your response, Gary!
Ally on December 28, 2012 at 8:11pm
Thanks for sharing with us, Theresa! Definitely sounds like free gas is the way to go for your family.
Pat R. on December 29, 2012 at 8:51am
I would rather have my dream car an Jaguar XK 150 S roadster. I would not need any gas to just sit there and look at it.
Pam on January 1, 2013 at 9:22pm
I recently purchased a 2012 Dodge ram to pull a travel trailer. My parents sold there home and helped buy the trailer. We all dreamed of traveling different places.However gas is so high now we cannot take very many trips. So yes I would gratefully take the gas over my own selfish want for a dream car. Family time cannot be replaced, but dream cars can.
Ally on January 2, 2013 at 1:08pm
Ha! Sounds like you really love that car, Pat. Thanks for your response!
Ally on January 3, 2013 at 9:40am
That’s a great outlook, Pam. Thanks for sharing with us!
Timmy on January 6, 2013 at 7:25pm
Its a no brainer i would choose my dream car because for one it would be paid for and second being a mechanic i know that gasoline will be around for a while so gassing up versus a car payment, ill take the gassing up. Its much cheaper than a car payment!!!!!!!!!