i have an '06 xA, auto, stock (save for security system and iPod stereo). 1200 miles by now. i've had it for 3.5 weeks and filled up 4 times so far: 29, 28, 29, 29 mpg.

all of the driving has been done between downtown nashville and franklin (~18 miles - i live pretty much right in between the 2 destinations, go to school downtown, and work in franklin). city streets from my apartment to the highway (~2.5 miles), from the highway to school (~1.5 miles), and from the highway to work (~.5 miles). obviously go on a few jaunts here and there around town...

i drive ~75-80 on the highway, try not to accelerate too fast at lights (though i have a few times), and go to my friend's house often (1.8 miles one-way).

how can i improve the mileage? i'm taking my first all-highway trip in the new car this saturday (nashville to just south of louisville, ky), and will probably hit the 1500 mile mark on the way.

let me know what i can do to make it better...i hear all y'all saying you get over 30 even in the city and i just REALLY want to hit the 30 mark and get over it (even if it's just 31. ha).

thanks.

 

try driving slower then 65 but no slower then 54 mph on the highway when driving on city streets keep it around 35mph...

 

hmm...is there such thing as an add-on to keep the car from going no faster than a certain speed?

<---has a lead foot and no patience...

 

you dont want something like that anyway

two weekends ago i got the oil changed, put some Lucas Fuel System Cleaner in the gas tank and filled it up. I drove from Albany, NY to the Massachusettes coast doing about 70-72 and got 41 miles to the gallon - best mileage ive gotten yet. Theres really nothing you can do but keep your speed under 75, fuel system in good order, and the windows up on the highway (proven to get better gas mileage with AC than with windows down because open windows create a lot of drag)

good luck!

 

when i picked her up from the dealer, the salesman said it might be a good idea to get an oil change at 1000, but it wasn't a need. would this help any?

and where can i get that cleaner stuff?

 

Your mileage will increase as the engine "breaks in." I was concerned when I was getting 28-29 my first few tanks, but it just kept creeping up...I average 34-35 now (just cracked 11K miles), and the only thing I have done to the engine is a drop in K&N air filter.

 

that's what i was hoping to hear

thanks!

 

i have the TRD drop in filter, not sure if it really does anything or not, but its there

you can get the fuel treatment at any autoparts store, you don't have to use it often, but ive seen definite mileage and power gains if you use it after a lot of rain, or after the car has been driven alot, using it around every couple thousand miles might work out for ya

let us know if you try anything and see results

 

Another reason is the switch to better summer fuel and or 10% ETOH added to summer fuel. Winter fuel=low mpg but lower emissions.

 

10% Ethanol hurts mpg, not helps it.

 

yes i dunno whats with the fasination of the 10% ethonal being in chicago its all im offered and i hate it. all of our stations have a sign reading may contain 10% ethonal and when u goto a crap a station that uses i can tell in my fuel milage

 

Never go to ARCO. Although the prices may be slightly less than other stations, it really shows in your mileage.

With Mobil and Shell I usually get 30-35 which is a dream for me. But with Arco its usually around 26-28. Lame sauce.