GasBuddy.com helps users find and share cheaper gas prices in their local areas. I noticed that in our area there was Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma and Washington (state) listed as the actual content websites. GasBuddy is just a portal that leads to other websites for the details (and detailed ad targeting, I presume). Spokane is across the state and Seattle, though close, is not exactly near our area, so I chose the closest: Tacoma (which led to the content site: tacomagasprices.com) and found listings for Puyallup (pictured above). Prices listed were a good 5-10 cents per gallon cheaper than what we’ve been paying for regular unleaded lately. I didn’t verify the accuracy of the data provided.

The website has some pesky overlay ads that you see some of the news sites using these days, but hey it’s a free service so can’t complain too much there.

Users earn points by entering gas prices, voting in the opinion poll, post messages on the message forum etc.. These points can be used to participate in raffles to earn “valuable prizes.” I registered, though I don’t know how much I’d ever report back gas prices (seems like they are always high wherever we are) and saw that I received 100 GasBuddy points just for joining. Here’s their request once you get registered:

We rely on individual consumers like you to submit gas prices to the web site. Now that you are a member, you can help everyone find low priced gas prices. Next time you’re out, make a note of the gas prices that you pass on your daily route and post them to the web site for everyone to see.

They also list other things you can do on their website like seeing where gas prices have been with historical gas price charts, keep track of fuel expenses and fuel economy in a fuel logbook (smart!), view the tax rates in your state or across the country, receive gas conservation tips, vote in weekly polls and more. I tried clicking the link to put real-time gas prices on our website and ended up at a server error page. Looks like the backend is: Microsoft .NET Framework Version:1.1.4322.2032; ASP.NET Version:1.1.4322.2032

Check out their Conduct Regulations:

Members who abuse the web site by posting erroneous prices, use vulgar language or degrade the web site in any other way will immediately have their membership suspended.

So no posting: “Hey man, I just got gas for a buck a gallon!” You have to know they’ve got some lamers working that angle. GasBuddy is a good idea and seeme pretty well executed from my limited review. Grade: B

• $4 per gallon for gas this summer, say some experts
• Cancelling Labor day plans
• Calculate fuel cost for trip - cheaper to fly?
• How to find great water
• Gas was more expensive in 1918, adjusted for inflation
• Subpar voter turnout here, your area?