In fact, it is a gas!

The choice between new and used cars often comes down to your tolerance for variability in fuel prices! New cars are generally seen as leaders in advanced technology that enables the best possible fuel efficiency. While in Melbourne, used cars are generally seen as a low-cost compromise on fuel efficiency, it doesn’t really have to be that way. For now, you can have the best of both worlds by buying a used car in Melbourne and converting it to LPG. This earth- and wallet-friendly move becomes even more tempting with government rebates. Does it make sense to you? We find.

LPG reimbursement

The government is currently providing grants for the conversion of any Melbourne used car to run on $1500 LPG. However, the scheme is being phased out – the quicker you buy your used car in Melbourne and convert it, the more it will cover. the grant. The amount is reduced to $1,250 on July 1, 2011 and to $1,000 effective July 1, 2012.

Cost of conversions

The cost to convert your used car in Melbourne to LPG varies wildly, with prices on the low end around $1700, and for rare models, modified cars, or high-end mechanics, the cost of converting to LPG can be around $1,700. 3,000. Get a quote from at least 3 LPG converters to estimate your post-rebate cost.

Average ROI on LPG conversions for used cars Melbourne

Assuming your post-refund conversion cost was around $400, here are some possible recovery scenarios. All are calculated assuming that gasoline remains relatively stable at $1.30 per litre, and LPG remains relatively stable at around $0.60 per litre:

• Drive a small car, around 10,000 km a year – you’ll save around $30 per month, and the LPG conversion will pay for itself in around 13 months

• Drive a light 6-cylinder car, about 10,000 km a year – you’ll save about $65 a month and the conversion will pay for itself in 6 months.

• Drive a light 6-cylinder engine, about 20,000 km a year: you’ll save about $130 per month and the conversion will pay for itself in 3 short months

• Drive a V8, about 20,000 km a year: you’ll save about $173 per month and the conversion will pay for itself in 2 months. Your annual savings will be about $2,070…a decent vacation!

Other benefits of LPG conversions

While the monetary aspects will make sense to most Melbourne used car drivers, they are not the only advantages of converting your car to LPG. City drivers will be doing the environment a big favor, with:

• 15-20% less greenhouse gases

• 50-60% less carbon monoxide

• 35% less VOC

• Up to 75% less toxic pollutants such as sulfur oxides and benzene

But consider…

Of course, there are two sides to every story! Before converting your Melbourne used car to LPG, please note the following:

• You will lose some boot space, which can have a significant impact on the comfort of smaller cars

• Towing and driving uphill is often slower

• LPG refill points are sometimes more difficult to find.

• You will need to find a mechanic who specializes in LPG, too