[hailwren]

Yes, these are common. However, it's important to ask yourself why they're common. They're usually chosen because of cheap real estate and car buying being a destination event. i.e. we buy cars infrequently enough that we value ability to choose among more options more highly than the time it takes us to arrive at a destination. This is the opposite of how we consume fuel. How often do you drive out of your way for a lower gas price? I almost never do.

[mark-r]

Costco charges enough less for gas that I'll often make a special trip to fill up there. But I also try to combine that with some shopping, which I suppose is why they do it.