1. The buyer of a new car wants to determine whether it will be more cost efficient to run the car she chose using E85 flex-fuel or regular gasoline.

Did you know that E85 flex-fuel, which blends 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, is often cheaper than regular gasoline? However, the energy content in E85 is lower, meaning the vehicle may require more fuel to cover the same distance. So, while the upfront cost of E85 might be appealing, buyers should calculate miles per gallon (MPG) for both fuel types to decipher the actual cost efficiency. To avoid common pitfalls, the buyer should carefully consider factors such as fuel availability in their area, potential engine modifications, and how the vehicle’s warranty might be affected by using E85. It's essential also to keep an eye on the fluctuating prices of both fuels, as they can vary significantly over time and impact overall cost efficiency.