Hi all, I admit it, I'm one of the major gripers about MPG on my box and also I'm VERY jealous of other's high mpg.

Here are some of my personal observations about mpg and my box.

My box is an automatic. I've owned it since July 1, 2004 (its a 2005 model) and it has 8,350 miles on it). I also keep my tires inflated at 36 psi instead of the suggested 29. Typically, I am the only person in the car (average weight)

1) I'm a granny when I drive my box. Drives my fiance nuts (he owns the xA and is a leadfoot and very aggressive driver - his MPG averages 24 , gotta love him )

2) Based on what I've read, I think there is a huge difference between quality of fuel offered in different states!!! California as sucky gas, especially in the winter (my mpg went downto 23!!!)

3) I think there is an enormous difference between 5 speed and auto mpg as well. As much as the sticker says the auto gets the same mpg, I think they are nuts!

4) My mpg have varied from 23 to 35 depending on speed and duration of travel (and season).

5) I believe my box is fine with city driving (stop and go). However I believe my box hates short distance driving in the city (possibly hwy too). For example, I drive 8 miles to work - total 16 miles a day. 3 miles on freeway, rest is city. I live on a small island of 4x8 miles (approx) so drivng around town is very short (and averages 25 miles per hour). If I am only drivng for work and around town, my mpg averages 25. If I thow in 50 - 75 miles of straight highway driving 45-75 mph, my mpg increases to 30.

6) My box loves long distance hwy driving. When I drive down to visit family in Montery, my box gets 35 mpg. This is all hwy, steady weekend flow (average 65-80 mph).

The plan I have to improve my mpg in the future is to change to synth oil after the three free oil changes run out. I hope to increase mpg a tad with that.

So, this is my observations from reading posts on Scionlife and my personal experience with my box.

YMMV, flame suit on, etc...

 

ouch, 36psi? You're teeth don't rattle with that pressure? I couldn't handle 35 for more than a week!

but then again, I did get the best mileage I've ever gotten at 35 (34.4.mpg)

 

Great info, and I'd have to agree with most everything
you've said.

My custom wheels, and my occasional heavy foot were
my problems. But watching how I drive, and maintaining my
box well, I've brought my MPG up by 3.

I'm curious about "winter gas" though. I wonder if that's for
real, or one of those urban myths.

 

I miss Alameda (like a sore thumb!!) I was stationed on the Enterprise back in 70-72.
Why not switch to the synthetic now. My dealer lets me give them the oil and they change for free, even throw in the Toyota filter.
BTW, I think you are right about the gas out there. I have heard numerous complaints that mention the poor gas situation, all because of the environmentalists!!

Walt

 

I believe CA uses oxygenated fuel which does give worse mpg but cleaner emissions.

restore your tires to normal pressure.. it doesn't make that much difference and your butt will thank you, plus you won't develop rattles or hurt your suspension.

Short runs will hurt your MPG...

Synth oil will not give your mpg a noticeable boost, but it is better for your engine.