oh ya, mpg def decreases. I average about 30mpg, but do 80%city driving. So, i figure it takes off 3-4%mpg.

 

ok is it just me or did u create a thread and just start talking to yourself?

 

^ that is correct.
IBL

 

This thread is full of win.

 

he hit new topic instead of postreply go me for the obvious

 

lol....i thought of that, but then i was like well one would probably change that if they were slightly intelligent. Apparently not.

 

Especially when it says "You must specify a subject when posting a new topic." after you type in the text box and hit submit.

 

hahahahahaha


IBTL

 

when we had the xA it saved more gas then my honda Fit. I miss it.

 

Ok, original poster here, I am stupid apparently. What I did, was I meant to respond to a post in the roof rack thread and hit new topic instead. I havent checked out scionlife since. My bad!

 

haha its all good. gave us a good laugh.

 

Don't worry, this isn't anywhere near as bad of a fail as the person who actually managed to make some sort of comment.

 

it is pretty funny i was hoping it would of kept going but i guess its been killed

 

I let my dad drive my xa as Ive been sick the past week with a bad head infection. Got 36 mpg. He doesnt engine brake and shifts too early, 2500 rpms.

 

Cobb,

What Rpms do you suggest shifting at? I usually do 2500, but figure I should be taking it to 3000

 

3500 unless a hill, then 4 grand. Shifting too early puts more of a load on the engine and decreases fuel economy. Its not necessarly rpms that makes or breaks fuel economy its throttle position. I try to push the throttle no more than an inch open and wait for the engine to come to speed, when it does, then I shift to the next gear. If not I hold that gear and rpm, if it seems to be slowing down, I upshift. Its always better engine life and fuel economy wise to use too low of a gear vs too high as lugging an engine ruins fuel economy and causes the cylinders to become egg shape.

I take as many seconds as mph I need to travel, so 0-60 I make it take a minute. In some rural areas I will hold it at 3500 in 3rd gear at 35mph til I reach a level spot, then go into 4th. 40mph in 4th gear is the best speed/gear for fuel economy, if your road allows it. Many of the rural roads I travel in va are vacant excecpt for past present and future road kill, so its just me and the trees.

 

Hey Thanks for taking the time to write such an informed response. I am def shifting too early and I can feel the engine just die until the car catches up. I will have to watch more closely.

Also, this might be the source of my mediocre 30mpg average. I also do mostly city driving under 5 mile trips and have a roof rack. Thanks again

 

If it dies or chugs when you switch gears, you need to take it higher next time. I think the max torque is at 4200, but in some situations with the gear ratios with steep grades I will take it to 5 grand and hold it a second before switching to second or third as you need to engage the next gear at 3-3.5 grand or you loose your momentinum and the start of the narrow powerband. Plus the hold for an extra second helps it to engage in the next gear.

As for city driving, the secret is to use the throttle and clutch to brake. In situations with 25 and 35 mph limits, I will not shift from 2 for 25 or 3rd for 35 mph areas and let the car roll back down to a stop. Of course I will hard brake if necessary, the secret is to engine brake as it shuts the engine injectors off and spins the accessories like alternator and ac so you get free power and cooling from your gas you previous used to move the car. If the light takes a few minutes to cycle, I will kill it, turn the key back on and as I see my light is changing again, refire and go.

So, light green, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, hold third, then upshift to second, ride brake. Apply more brake as you come to a stop and hit the clutch at next light. If you know the route and lights well, many causes I will roll up at a crawl so as I approach the light or car in front of me I do not have to come to a complete stop and can gas out.

The roof rack mainly effects highway economy from wind resistance. Turns out I have never had to use it, but bought it just incase.