More frequent oil changes, to begin with...................

 

I can't speak for the state, but the greater Houston area (about the size of Virginia) has about 3 E85 stations...

 

Never heard that one before. Do you have a link?

 

Read your owners manual. It shows the maintenance intervals based on the type of fuel you run. E85 does require more frequent oil changes.

 

Same reason as Maryland I think, they don't want it too close to DC or they might stumble on the truth by accident and try to do something about it...

 

Ah.... Here's what it says:

Use of E85 50% of the time or greater (flex fuel vehicles only)

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months – Change engine oil and replace oil filter.

Then normal:

Normal Schedule: 7,500 miles or 6 months, which ever occurs first.

I think the difference is inherent in the mileage you get. It doesn't apply to me since I replace the oil every 5k anyways (6 months time) and do not use E85 more than 50% of the time. I'd say the extra expense ($10/year from more frequent oil changes?) is not even worth mentioning for most.

 

If you don't meet the special operating conditions and choose to change the oil early, then you're right. The cost difference will be primarily the loss of MPG.

 

I work from home, so I drive under 10,000 miles a year. 6 months comes faster than the 5,000 miles. We'll have to see though. Road trip season is fast approaching in my part of the world!

 

There are also condensation issues with E85. Currently the E85 adjusted cost is 3.91 a gallon....

http://fuelgaugereport.aaa.com/?redi....com/index.asp

 

I change my oil every 5K no matter what. I like the performance of the e85. It picks up a little timing which gives you a little more pep. I don't loose anywhere near 6mpg. More like 2.5 for me.
If it is 45cents lower, that about costs out based on how it performs.
Higher alcohol content should make it repel or get rid of moisture in the fuel system better. that is basically what HEAT is.
These engines and supporting fuel systems were made to run e85 all the time with no issues. Don't be afraid of it, it won't hurt anything.
In our group at work we have several guys run 90% of their fuel consumption is E85 and 0 issues. It burns cleaner than regular gas with less sooting.

 

Same here. I just wish I had it more available. I would run it all the time just for the performance increase alone.

And of course anything to take away from the big oil profits!

 

A little perspective:

http://washingtonexaminer.com/opinio...porate-welfare

Regardless of your political persuasion, ethanol is a bad idea and should be abolished.