Edmunds Answers questions

Thanks for your response to my RAV4 mileage question. Please see below.

marukasa — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:10:35 GMT

I'm almost at 2.5k. I have heard that it takes a little time for the mileage to optimize, but I expected to see some gradual improvement as the miles are adding up. I'm not seeing any improvement yet.

Will using the AC cancel out the improvement that the warm weather will bring?

Any additional input will be appreciated.

Is "water4gas" fuel optimizer a crock? Does it work? Does it ruin your engine?

nonajo — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:15:02 GMT

"water4gas" is a conversion system to increase your gas mileage. it's being touted all over the web. does it work?

Thanks for your response to my RAV4 mileage question. Please see below.

marukasa — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:05:03 GMT

I live in the mid-Atlantic region. While it's not warm, it's not all that cold either. I guess we've been averaging 30-45 deg F this winter. It's been pretty mild for here. I don't know whether they change the gas in winter around here.

The majority of my trips are less than 10 miles (round trip), and I don't wait for the engine to warm up because I thought idling suppresses the gas mileage performance. Should I do that, at least in the morning? In any case, it performs worse than I'd hoped even on long highway trips.

Any additional input will be appreciated.

Thanks mr_shiftright

tlove4 — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 05:01:52 GMT

hey thanks for the answer, also on a side note , i had changed the air filter, when i got home from my 200 hundred mile trip , and the gasket that is on the base plate was pinched and not alowing the plate to seat all the way flush. i asume that it allowed more air to flow into the carb, and i don't think that helped either ,,,, might have caused it to have run much richer than it is designed for...am now doing a mileage test.,. will let ya know what i find out...thanks for answering.....tlove4

In computing True Cost to Own (TCO), are you using current gasoline prices as of July '08?

profrob99 — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 15:09:18 GMT

TCO = True Cost to Own calculations

Why am I getting such horrible gas mileage?

tvancleave — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 00:42:20 GMT

The car sat for about 7 months. I bought it and put a new air filter in it along with new plugs and changed the oil and a new oil filter, the tires are new, so the air in them is the right amount. I even have been putting in a bottle of that stuff to help the fuel injecters?? cant remember what it is called. But filling up the tank...Im lucky to get 140 miles from it! That sucks! I have never got gas milleage that bad in my life from any car! What on earth can it be? Please help me to do something to fix this problem!

How come my gas mileage is so horrible?

tvancleave — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 01:31:47 GMT

I have a 96 mustange and it sat for about 7 months before i bought it. I changed the plugs, the air filter, the oil filter and the oil. I also put that stuff in the gas tank when you fill it up?? Cant remember what its called. I drive very regular, not gunning it at take off and have a stable speed. When I fill up (which takes about $50.00, I set the odometer and I get around 140 miles to the full tank! It is a 3.8 size engine. That is horrible!!! I think I have done everything I can? Also I have new tires and they are at the right level of air, so now what can it be? There has to be somthing else that I dont know. Please help me with an answer, thank you.

How do I calculate gas usage in mpg?

billi87 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:08:50 GMT

I want the mathematical formula to calculate miles driven per gallon of gasoline.

Can a fuel filter affect my mpg?

mikey46 — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:52:03 GMT

can a fuel filter affect my mpg?

Thank you very much.

mazzei — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:28:09 GMT

I plan to repair today.

When figuring mpg do you have to fill the tank each time?

lotsofcatz — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 16:52:38 GMT

I have never figured my mpg but thought I should start...but I am not sure the gas guage is working correctly. What if I can't tell when I am down to a quarter tank?

06 Dodge 1500 6 cylinder. After an oil change, at 1,600 miles the mpg averages 17.8 mpg. Afterwards, mpg drops down to average 16.4. Why?

amrw — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:17:19 GMT

The 06' shrt bd 1500 6cyl. has done this with first to last oil chg's. As an Reverend, traveled much about USA, we keep mileage manual, recording every fill-up w/ mpg records. Mon - fri Drive same route, same miles, same errands. Avg. 50 miles per day. Use Cruise daily. Have tires at safety max. ck'd frequently. Use Tach. in conjunction with speedometer to regulate best driving patterns. Have Dayton All Terain Tires. Filters chg'd on schedule. Useing Castrol semi-synthetic w/ Fram Flter. Except Fri. every other week, when load up two week's groceries and bottled water, runs empty on load. Chnage oil every 3,000 miles. Literally every oil change, first 1,600 or so miles, truck avg's 17.5 - 18 mpg. Then it automatically begins dropping mpg down to 16.4 - 14.5 as it gets close to 3,000 - 3,500 miles on oil change. Only once let oil go to 7,000 miles. Acted same as with 3,000 mile cycle. Is it the brand of oil?

Is there anything really better with TOP TIER Gasoline

sherry0604 — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:59:06 GMT

The website www.TOPTIERGAS.com lists a number of gas retailers that are "top tier" because they have more detergent than EPA standards. Do they really have more detergents than EPA standards? Do other retailers have less? Is it necessary? why is Mobile and Exxon not listed there?

Question about fuel economy methods I've read about.

bandit10 — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 22:44:03 GMT

One post said never to put the fuel nozzle fully into the filler neck, and never pump the fuel with the handle fully depressed. Just lightly or slowly. Another is never run your vehicle when near empty. Because the vehicle is working overtime as it attempts to function normally. And the last one, Fill your tank in the early morning or late evening hours because gasoline is at it's denest, thus allowing more for your money. Any thoughts about these methods? Thanks, Ben.

Water for gas? Looks like real.

kust — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:06:57 GMT

Did anybody hear or install the equipment to convert Your Car/Truck to BURN WATER as well as Gasoline--Double Your Mileage? It is difficult to believe, but I have read the information on some of the sites. There are some customer reviews, they say it really works, but I'd like to hear somebody else. Thank you.

Does anybody know about this "Water for fuel stuff"? I want better MPG, but they make some pretty hefty claims.

avssuc — Thu, 15 May 2008 20:27:22 GMT

I really want to believe this, but I'm thinking it's B.S.......

Do you use more gas in a non-hybrid going a short distance (4 miles) vs long distance (15 city; 40 hwy).

nonajo — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:32:47 GMT

A dealer said 2002 blazer getting 10 mpg city wasn't going far enough on short distance area errands to burn fuel to higher mpg. He said something about the auto choke was closed until the manifold heated up and then the heat would transfer to open the choke, let in more air for better efficiency. Is this true? Is this true with new cars as well as older models? How far would you have to drive to get the change-over to better mpg? If you are driving 4 miles to work, how much fuel are you probably using?

Is there a place that lists average MPG across each manufacturer's lines?

j17dascoli — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 08:53:25 GMT

I am working on a side research project and trying to find a place that shows the average MPG for each manufacturer. If possible by model line.

Thanks,

Jim
j17dascoli

Does gas mileage go down as a car gets older?

patrick51 — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 04:19:50 GMT

I was wondering if the gas mileage that a car gets goes down as the car ages.

How can to get per diesel gallon mpg with a Ford Ranger 2008 with a Mazda engine? Talking about economy.

joaco — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:00:35 GMT

I need to know the economy of this engine Mazda b4000 in a Ranger 2008.

Possible to save gas by drafting?

guidare — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 07:07:28 GMT

Is it true that you can save a lot of gas by drafting off of other vehicles like large buses and trucks? Is this true?

What year is this CTS ? I am having a similar problem but are getting blow off by the selling dealer.

anniesez455 — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 10:28:08 GMT

I have a new 2008 CTS that has an interior smell. The odor began after the first 400 plus miles..It is awful..Quite noxious I must say..Gives you a headache and makes you nauseas..Noone can sit in the rear seat at all..The smell begins as it warms up and most noticable when you come to a stop or drive slowly.. The car only has 1050 miles on it..I brought it in to my selling dealer who is blowing me off..At first I figured it had something to do with the catalyst converter, and it may..Or perhaps it is something leaking on the exhaust..Nothing like paying 45000.00 for a car you can't stomach to drive. Also night driving is trecherous to make turns..I do not have the adaptable forward lighting so there is no light from the sides..The car should have no other option but to have the headlights with the adaptable foward lighting ,it's unsafe. I have contacted Cadillac on these issues and are awiting the solution.. My seller dealer is totally useless. Way to go! Motor Trend Car of the Year 2008!! I believe sales will be slowing down..Also since this has begun I have noticed a dratic drop in the MPG

95 FIREBIRD ROUGH RUNNING. PLUGS AND WIRES CHANGED. NEW ALTERNATOR, AND THROTTLE SENSOR. STILL ROUGH RUNNING AND U

bill1995 — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:29:49 GMT

95 FIREBIRD ROUGH RUNNING. PLUGS AND WIRES CHANGED. NEW ALTERNATOR, AND THROTTLE SENSOR. STILL ROUGH RUNNING AND USING A LOT OF GAS.

what kind of mileage does the chevy hhr get with an automatic trans?

corvairbob — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 19:16:34 GMT

i have been thinking of the hhr for my next car but i'm wondering what kind of gas mileage it gets? i have a pt cruiser and that car gets terrible mileage. others i have talked to say the same thing, and i just don't want to get into the same situation i'm in now. i might as well keep the pt cruiser as to get an hhr and get the same low mileage. thanks bob.

I have a '94 Eclipse. 2.0 L 4cyl/auto. Any idea of what the MPG may be?

davedude — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 09:30:45 GMT

173K miles. No oil leakage. I changed the oil and filter; trans fluid and filter. Trying to find and estimated mileage.

just got 2004 Toyota Avalon. notice rpm is 2300 when cruising at 65mph. is there a problem?

almon — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 09:07:13 GMT

i noticed that at highway speeds, approx. at 65mph, the tach reads 2300rpm, and at 50 mph, i see approx 1700 rpm. is this normal?

What are some cheap, reliable, gas efficient cars I could buy for $2000 dollars or under?

coatal — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:51:40 GMT

BUDGET: $2,000
NEW/USED: Used
TYPE: Any
TRANSMISSION: Preferably automatic, but manual wouldn't be too bad.
PURPOSE: Daily driver.
LOCATION: Florida.
ANY OTHER PREFERENCES: 25+ MPG city would be nice, but 20 is still a big step up from my current car. Also, being a brand known for its reliability would be good.

I have a 1999 Chevy Suburban and in the last 2 months the mileage went from 18 to 13 on the highway. Dealer pleads stupid!

rodeoshooter — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:53:48 GMT

I have a 1999 Suburban & in the last 2 months the mileage went from 18 to 13 on the hiway. It started on the 11th of Jan when I got 16.7 after driving 167 miles in ice and snow. Filled up and got 14 on dry roads with 45 degree temps. The engine was replace on 1 Jun 2007 and has 20,000 miles on it. I took it to the local dealer twice. The first time they claim the timing was retarded 6 degrees and claim the corrected it. I then got 11.5 mpg after their "repair". Took it back in on the 24th of March and they claim it is running perfect. Now the Dealer pleads stupid!

I would really appreciate any suggestions. I replaced the fuel filter and pump in Jan 07. The wires and cap and rotor were replace in Dec 06. The dealer states I might want to try replacing all of those again but states it would be a long shot. Replaced all of the exhaust system in June 05 and replaced right bank cat. converter a month ago.

Please help me. I drive about 30,000 miles a year and the gas will kill me at a 33% drop in mileage.

Thanks,

Al

Real world mileage in '08 Mini Cooper and Cooper S, mostly highway?

96blacktahoe — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:53:12 GMT

Looking @ new job with 125mi/day commute. Stuck between sensible civic hybrid and fun Mini's. Any input appreciated.

Gas mileage for 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport?

willysfish — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 11:32:02 GMT

need estimated city gas mileage

Fuel Injection cleaner brand recommendation?

bandit10 — Sun, 04 May 2008 22:34:18 GMT

Mr. Shiftright, you gave me the name of a Fuel Ijection cleaner the other day, and I misplaced it. Could please give me the name of the brand again? I think it was BB and then some numbers. Also why did you pick this brand? Was it from your personal experience? Thanks again, Bandit.

For consistent gas economy and dependability, which is better, Geo Metro or Ford Festiva.

jsade — Sun, 18 May 2008 13:44:29 GMT

Which car consistently gets the best gas mileage and
is the most trouble free? The Geo Metro or the Ford Festiva?

The Kia Sedona lists two different MPG ratings. What is the current "best guess" on the 3.8L MPG rating?

uncnav — Wed, 21 May 2008 11:24:30 GMT

The Kia Sedonna's new car window sticker list two different MPG ratings. I understand that ratings have changed for the 2008 year model vehicles. What can an "typical" (non-lead foot) diver expect in-town and on the highway? Is the Toyota Sienna's milage any better?

CLKUP or 2MODECLKUP? Honda Fit.

cjc3039 — Fri, 23 May 2008 22:43:16 GMT

First, what do these letters mean? I have an 07 Honda Fit (Base model, automatic transmission) and came across the letters at fueleconomy.gov. One set of letters gets a mile more per gallon for my Fit than the other, but I can't even determine which my Fit is - the CLKUP or the 2MODECLKUP? Help anyone?? And thanks.

When did the VCM technology come out on the Honda Odysseys?

amandamarie73 — Sat, 24 May 2008 22:49:35 GMT

I'm considering making an offer on a 2006 Honda Odyssey EXL w/RES. I asked the lot sales guy if it had VCM technology and he didnt know what that was, or if this car had it. I didnt test drive it so I wasnt able to take it on the freeway to see if the "ECO" light came on. We test drove a 2008 yesterday, and were told about this feature being standard now and the sales guy said he wasnt sure how long the technology was being used for older cars. I thought I read somewhere it was introduced in '06 and available on the higher end model options.

How do I find out if this car specifically has it? Also, hes asking $22,950 and it has 31,000 miles on it. Is this a good price? There are a couple rock marks on the front bumper but other wise its in pretty good shape.

I am only getting about 11 mpg in my 99 Jeep Wrangler Sport. Any ideas? There is no lift kit and it has 31's

lukescott1982 — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 12:07:47 GMT

i need to know how i can improve my gas mileage

Why did my gas mileage drop?

rdgrubb — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:39:06 GMT

I was getting at least 300 mi per tank now I'm down to around 175 Have replaced plugs, wires, air filter, gas filter, pvc value and the upper O2 Senor. the check engine light is on. The CAt. convertor is removed. Any Ideas? Will go by autozone tomorrow to get a code read The vehicle idle is not stable normal around 850 then it will jump to better than 2000 rpm. then it will fall back after a few minutes. HELP!!!!

I have '07 Dodge Caliber. History. Up to 2000 miles, 23 mpg. 2-8k miles, 19mpg. 8-14k miles, 25mpg. Same type driving. Reason?

ltyler44 — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 20:39:15 GMT

As question indicates, just like a switch was flipped, my Caliber gets bad milage for a few thousand miles, then good mpg for a while, then back again to bad. Very good mileage between 8 and 14K. Then back to less than 20mpg. I check often, every fillup, and have accounted for differences in driving and the usual minor fluctuations. Mileage is consistent for thousands of miles, then changes aruptly. Any similar experiences? Any theories? Cause to talk with dealer?

Has anyone determined what the exact IAT Temp for the best gas mileage and performance is? Mine is adjustable .

knightrj3 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:18:51 GMT

I have an adjustable IAT Temp MOd which I would like to set fot the most fuel efficient IAT temp and it will maintain that temp as far as the sensor signal is concerned. I read it somewhere, but can't find it now.
Thanks, Bob

What's the gas mileage for a 67 Shelby GT500?

nubber1 — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 22:59:07 GMT

does anybody know the gas mileage on a 67shelbygt500

What is the highway mileage for a 1997 Jeep Wrangler 5 speed 4x4 Sport?

breynoso — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 23:02:08 GMT

what is the highway milage for a 1997 Jeep wrangler 5spd 4x4 sport

I have a 2007 Chevy 3.5vvt delivering 32mpg . If it is e85 compatible, the mileage declines to 30. Why is that?

dvenesky — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:32:08 GMT

i have an engine that is not e85 compatible. it delivers 2 mpg better than the e85 version.

What are the vehicles comparable to the Hyundai Santa Fe? I would like to do your comparison page. Thanks. Donn

dprendota — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:56:55 GMT

I have no idea how to do that category thing. I just want the comps to the Santa Fee so I can do your comparison study. Thank you.

I have an 07 GTI with DSG. I put it in neutral when coming to a stop. Does this save gas or hurt the transmission?

ojizzle — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:14:14 GMT

i have noticed improved mileage using this method but I'm not sure if it is good for the transmission since it is going in and out of gear so often.

How much gas does a 1996 Honda Civic DX hold? Also what does Lute Riley mean on the back of the hatchback?

lcresci — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:38:34 GMT

just wanted to know how much gas the honda civic Dx holds it's a 1996 we just bought used

I have a 2002 Honda Accord EX and thinking of using the K&N air filters. Was it worth the cost.

pron — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:40:23 GMT

Was it worth the expense. Did your gas mpg/hp improve?

I am looking at getting a new 08 Jeep Liberty. It got 12 mpg city. Is that normal?

cook007 — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:30:18 GMT

I am looking at getting a new 08 liberty, it got 12 mpg city is that normal?

How does the 2008 Nissian Sentra do on mileage?

tyah — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 19:33:24 GMT

When I got my car it was just at 200 miles, I have only been out of town a few times, which is on 200 miles back and forth, and then i go to work which is only 15 back and forth and I might stop at places, which along the way. I have only had it for six months and I'm at 12,000. I think there is something wrong, also I was getting 24 or more miles a gallon; it has went down to 18 miles a gallon.

I have lost 12 mpg on my 2003 Dodge Stratus 3.0. Any ideas of what happened? 63000 miles.

68cuda — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:32:27 GMT

Was wondering if my computer got wet if it shorted or needs reset to gain back my gas mileage? Seems to have lost 12 mpg all of a sudden.

My 06 Honda Accord 4 cylinder has had a 5 mpg drop in fuel mileage last 2 months. Maintenance is up to date with new plugs. Any suggestions?

blacksburgboy — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 08:36:04 GMT

06 Accord Ex 4cyl automatic w/66,000 miles
New plugs, filters, oil changes, tires inflated to 35 psi
Used two types of fuel injector cleaners
Brakes are fairly new up front, original in rear with no detectible dragging.
Mileage still reasonable (21 city, 28 highway) but it is about 5 mpg less than before.
Car runs as great as always. Only noticeable change is that the throttle is very sensitive making it very easy to jerk vehcile when starting from dead stop.
Any ideas? I don't want to be one of those whiney customers going into the dealer about mileage.
Thanks! Tim