The school run is turning out more expensive than I realised... I dont think we can afford it

[Blueschool]

My ds, now in year 2, was attending a local infant school -which was fine.

However, we saw many parents with older children having hugely complex problems with juniors, so we put ds down on waiting lists for "through" primaries as a back up.

Unexpectadly, a space came up at a good school 2 days before start of term. It was a rush decision tbh. The school It is a 20 min drive away, but I calculated we could just about afford the petrol.

However, it Seems despite me checking figures the actual reality is petrol has already exceeded my monthly calaculation is just 3 weeks.

We were already cutting it fine, but this is just beyond our budget with the reality of the spending.

I have no idea what I expect anyone to say Im just sat here wondering what the heck to do, and has anyone else been in this position?

Re: hypermiling.

I coast in gear if I can - i.e. car in gear, no feet on any pedals. On a modern (Euro IV I think?) car this means it isn't using any fuel at all. If you coast in neutral the car is using fuel to keep the engine running (albeit not much)

Having the tyres pumped up more means you have less rolling resistance so you can roll further - check the maximum on the sidewall of your tyres. It does make the ride a bit harder though.

I also hardly ever brake, and if I can slow down for everything by lifting off in time. It's amazing how many people drive past me on the approach to traffic lights still burning fuel and then brake quite hard at the red light. If If I can I don't stop at all.

Some cars though are just not efficient. I cold never get significantly more than 30mpg out of two of my cars (and no more than 26 out of one of them) no matter how I drove them. Short runs are worse, especially in the winter, as the engine never gets properly warm.

Could you drive half way and walk the rest? or are the roads unsuitable- sorry, havnt read whole thread so dont know if this has already been discussed

Discussion of mpg of a Citroen AX diesel and driving economically in general here - www.hypermiler.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=645