435 miles on a tank

[Skylab™]

Title says it all.

Filled up with 15.1 gallons.

That's about 28.8mpg

Mostly freeway driving, lots of coasting whenever possible.

[jandree22]

heh, this reminds me of the Seinfeld episode where Kramer takes the Saab out for a test drive.

What kind of pace were you moving at, and I assume it was mostly flat terrain? It's my goal to get to 100mi before the 3/4 mark and if I hit that, then I go for 200 @ the 1/2 mark... with mixed driving that is. Zoom-Zoom makes that hard for me sometimes, though (burnout)

[WhiteStar III]

495.4mi - 16.996 gal - 29.15mpg - 1/10/2007 - 100% Hghwy/rural

[paging_drburgos]

yowza. i quit trying to get good gas mileage and just accepted my 19-20 mpg. :P

[doctorz]

I see 65 mph with cruise control on in that picture.

We tend to fill up well before we get under 1/4 tank, so we won't set any records for most miles on a tank. But the conditions where we got over 33 mpg: 50 mph for about 200 miles, mostly fifth gear on the Natchez Trace Parkway, where the speed limit is usually 50.

[jandree22]

I see 65 mph with cruise control on in that picture.
uuuuhhmm... right... I KNEW THAT! I was just testing you. You passed ;)

[WhiteStar III]

I see 65 mph with cruise control on in that picture.

We tend to fill up well before we get under 1/4 tank, so we won't set any records for most miles on a tank. But the conditions where we got over 33 mpg: 50 mph for about 200 miles, mostly fifth gear on the Natchez Trace Parkway, where the speed limit is usually 50.
I have the auto so I don't have the luxury of the extra gear. But I usually cruise at 2500-2750 rpm and that works out on average to about 60(+/-2)mph. Don't use the cruise control as it tends to not take advantage of momentum when going up or down hills.

Best recorded mpg was near 32mpg, but I discount that as it was early into ownership, and I never had any true indication as to how much fuel the tank could take (until recently); but I have gotten above 30 with some regularity.

12,497mi - 433.111gal - 28.85mpg

[antlind]

435MILES???
I usually get 400+KM before I refill at about 3/4 tank....How did you do that?

[2cam16]

heh, this reminds me of the Seinfeld episode where Kramer takes the Saab out for a test drive.

LOL! I remember that episode. They kept on skipping the exits.

[da1nonly]

435MILES???
I usually get 400+KM before I refill at about 3/4 tank....How did you do that?


I get about 400+KM too at just about the 3/4 tank... I'm with you...How does he do that?

[antlind]

I get about 400+KM too at just about the 3/4 tank... I'm with you...How does he do that?

Must be something with our Canadian gas eh?;)

[MD5]

Must be something with our Canadian gas eh?;)

Yea, maybe it's not 10% ethanol which kills mileage(yupnope)

[da1nonly]

Must be something with our Canadian gas eh?;)


well it does say he's from southern california... so I'm hoping when we hit the summer months we get better gas consumption...

[Kid Red]

Wow, your tank must have been dry. I've never gotten more than 13.2 gallons in my tank.

[jandree22]

I always wondered what sucks up more gas… downshifting to get higher RPMS with less throttle or upshifting to get lower RPMs with more throttle? When I say lower RPMs, I’m not suggesting dropping down to 1.5k rpm and mashing the throttle. ;)

[cron]

I get about 400+KM too at just about the 3/4 tank... I'm with you...How does he do that?

Mine is pretty new (2000km), so I guess it will do better, but I'm getting between 13 and 14 liters/100km so far (city)... The best I got was 11l/100km (only highway).

[da1nonly]

Mine is pretty new (2000km), so I guess it will do better, but I'm getting between 13 and 14 liters/100km so far (city)... The best I got was 11l/100km (only highway).

The worst I had so far was 11.82L/100KM... The best was 9.3L/100KM...

I seem to average about 9.5L/100KM...

This is with mixed driving 50/50 hwy/city (between 110-115km/h), during the winter season ...

I'm at 5000KMs ... and I'm hoping this gets better but it seems to be about the average

[Skylab™]

:-)

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b5/kf6vgz/Scion%20xB/SSPX0215.jpg

[coolmazda5]

Impressive :D

So, the recipe is:

a) you switch the engine off when the red traffic light lasts more than 3 minutes
b) You never carry other human beings nor groceries. Also, trips to the hardware store are banned
c) The engine is switched off and car is rolling on inertia when going downhill
d) You don't step on the gas unless is absolutely necessary (i.e. to fire it up in the morning or to get it moving out of a parking lot)
e) It is a diesel one and you live in Holland (flat land)

No, no, good job, seriously. I guess my best record was around 380 miles once (purely highway, 65mph). It is hilly around here so I keep my expectations low (drive)

[antlind]

Here's the best mileage I have got......I drove 494km all hwy (avg spd 120km/hr) and took 44 litres to fill the tank yesterday. That translates to 27mpg.
Anthony

[hagow_boy]

Just used up the 1st tank of gas since I picked up the car last week. Drove exactly 400 Kms (90% city) before needing to fill up. Drove 12 Kms after the low gas red indicator came on. Needed 48.5 Ltrs to fill the tank back up.

[raspykart]

I just got 40ish mpg at 70ish mph. I got a pic I'll have to post it... was like 170miles right at 1/4 tank used. Was downhill from Denver to Hayes. I also went through a good stretch in Wyoming at 55 +/- 5mph due to bad weather and got 160ish miles on the first 1/4. I've found the gas gauge to shockingly be more accurate and consistent than any car I've owned before. The gas light comes on and its always 12.5ish gallons. Also we've gotten a rock solid 25mpg since we bought the car in city driving. Here in Boise we don't do a lot of interstate driving so its a good rep of "city" driving.

[cron]

I seem to average about 9.5L/100KM...


I would be satisfied with that. Actually, I went from 14.something to exactly 13 in a month (always same driving). I'm going on a long ride next weekend, so I expect it will be much better when I'll come back.

If I can get about 10 with my driving (4 persons in the car, city driving), I'll be more than happy!

[cron]

I would be satisfied with that. Actually, I went from 14.something to exactly 13 in a month (always same driving). I'm going on a long ride next weekend, so I expect it will be much better when I'll come back.

If I can get about 10 with my driving (4 persons in the car, city driving), I'll be more than happy!

Just got back and made 9.07 and 9.03 liters/100 km on the highway (plus 25% driving in the city). I'm impressed. I kept it at 117km/h on the highway with the cruise control.

[coolmazda5]

Filled it up during the week and got a chance to do a quick calculation (odometer vs. pump reading). In our case gas station locations vary, yet I got a a decent ~24.5MPG, mostly city driving. It is hilly around here so I was expecting of a worse number, but hey, can't complain :)

[jandree22]

358.7mi. / 12.188gal = 29.43 MPG. 75% City driving

Oh so close to the holy grail of 30MPG, but not quite... maybe this next tank (second)


Skylab, what do you do to get that kind of mileage on the trip odo? What type/speed of roads are you on? How many clicks to you go through when topping off? I'm intrigued as to how you're getting so freekin close to 500 mi on a tank! (wow)

[Skylab™]

358.7mi. / 12.188gal = 29.43 MPG. 75% City driving

Oh so close to the holy grail of 30MPG, but not quite... maybe this next tank (second)


Skylab, what do you do to get that kind of mileage on the trip odo? What type/speed of roads are you on? How many clicks to you go through when topping off? I'm intrigued as to how you're getting so freekin close to 500 mi on a tank! (wow)

Ok, it's like this(and yes, it will sound kind of corny):

1. You have to believe that good gas mileage is achievable. I'm very light on the gas pedal.

2. Don't ever go over 65mph on the freeway.

3. Use cruise control on the freeway most of the time. Drive in the slow lane. Leave on time, or early, so you won't be late...thereby eliminating the need to speed.

4. Coast whenever possible! I live in San Diego, and yes, there are plenty of hills/mountains here. My commute is about 20 miles each way...whenever there is a downhill, I put the car in neutral and coast...you'd be surprised how fast your car will coast downhill...easily at 65mph, sometimes faster! On the way to my job, at least 2 miles of that is coasting...that's collectively. Obviously, on the way home, I can't do that, because I'm going back uphill somewhat.

5. Having a manual transmission helps. I guess you could try this with an auto...your results may vary.

6. I top the tank off all the way to the very top, untill a little bit of fuel is visible right by where the cap screws on. My local gas station has pumps w/out the springs in the nozzle...so it's easy to top off. A fillup is usually 14.7 gallons. Yes, I run it close to being empty, but there are so many gas stations around here, there's no fear of running empty.

That about sums it up...

2006 Mazda 5 (16,600 miles) My Mazda 5's Average Fuel Economy: 30.8mpg's on 14.7 gallons of gas


oh, and here's the stats on the supposed MPG ratings for the Mazda 5:


EPA Fuel Economy:

Fuel Type: Regular Gasoline

MPG (city) 22

MPG (highway) 27

MPG (combined)24

Average User MPG
25.6
Disclaimer

Miles on a Tank: 343 miles (boom08)

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/sbs.htm


Good luck!

[jandree22]

Great, thanks for that detailed reply! #3 is usually my Achilles heel… this morning for example (although I was in the Solara ;))

I’ve been trying some of those… particularly feathering the throttle, coasting down hills, and keeping at < 65mph. This is a good time of year because I can keep the ACC off, too. This is looking to be a good tank, I’m at 45 miles and the needles still a bit above the Full line. It’s kind of disturbing how addicted I’ve been to high FE numbers lately :)

[da1nonly]

well this last outing is the best i've done since i've owned it ...

GS Auto - 70% hwy (110-120km/hr) ...

8.5L/100km = 27.7 MPG...

not even close to 30mpg but decent enuff... hoping it still gets better...

[traffikboy]

Ok, it's like this(and yes, it will sound kind of corny):

1. You have to believe that good gas mileage is achievable. I'm very light on the gas pedal.

2. Don't ever go over 65mph on the freeway.

3. Use cruise control on the freeway most of the time. Drive in the slow lane. Leave on time, or early, so you won't be late...thereby eliminating the need to speed.

4. Coast whenever possible! I live in San Diego, and yes, there are plenty of hills/mountains here. My commute is about 20 miles each way...whenever there is a downhill, I put the car in neutral and coast...you'd be surprised how fast your car will coast downhill...easily at 65mph, sometimes faster! On the way to my job, at least 2 miles of that is coasting...that's collectively. Obviously, on the way home, I can't do that, because I'm going back uphill somewhat.

5. Having a manual transmission helps. I guess you could try this with an auto...your results may vary.

6. I top the tank off all the way to the very top, untill a little bit of fuel is visible right by where the cap screws on. My local gas station has pumps w/out the springs in the nozzle...so it's easy to top off. A fillup is usually 14.7 gallons. Yes, I run it close to being empty, but there are so many gas stations around here, there's no fear of running empty.

That about sums it up...

2006 Mazda 5 (16,600 miles) My Mazda 5's Average Fuel Economy: 30.8mpg's on 14.7 gallons of gas


oh, and here's the stats on the supposed MPG ratings for the Mazda 5:


EPA Fuel Economy:

Fuel Type: Regular Gasoline

MPG (city) 22

MPG (highway) 27

MPG (combined)24

Average User MPG
25.6
Disclaimer

Miles on a Tank: 343 miles (boom08)

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/sbs.htm


Good luck!

i had my mazda 3 get a check engine light go off from overfilling (thank god it was under warantee)... if you overfill, there is a sensor in the gas tank that can be damaged... (attn) oh, and my 5 averages about 25 to 26 mpg (i can baby her and get it up to about 28)...

[Wytchdctr]

6. I top the tank off all the way to the very top, untill a little bit of fuel is visible right by where the cap screws on. My local gas station has pumps w/out the springs in the nozzle...so it's easy to top off. A fillup is usually 14.7 gallons. Yes, I run it close to being empty, but there are so many gas stations around here, there's no fear of running empty.

thats a really good way to kill off the evap system.


i had my mazda 3 get a check engine light go off from overfilling (thank god it was under warantee)... if you overfill, there is a sensor in the gas tank that can be damaged... oh, and my 5 averages about 25 to 26 mpg (i can baby her and get it up to about 28)...

I think your lucky they fixed it. I think it says in the manual to not do that and they know what causes that damage. It wasn't Mazda's fault you overfilled it. I hope my dealership is that forgiving.

[Skylab™]

thats a really good way to kill off the evap system.



I'm aware of this...this is the fourth car I've done this with, and perhaps I'm playing russian roulette, but there's never been a problem with any of the cars before. (125,000mi. on one of them)

How long will it take for something to go wrong?

[traffikboy]

I'm aware of this...this is the fourth car I've done this with, and perhaps I'm playing russian roulette, but there's never been a problem with any of the cars before. (125,000mi. on one of them)

How long will it take for something to go wrong?
its a hit and miss thing.... I got my car serviced in NJ, so I think they fix these things under warantee as a rule... (most of NJ is full serve at the gas pumps)

[WhiteStar III]

Best recorded mpg was near 32mpg, but I discount that as it was early into ownership, and I never had any true indication as to how much fuel the tank could take (until recently); but I have gotten above 30 with some regularity.

Addendum: With the weather warming up I have been able to achieve 31-32 mpg lately with no change in driving style or route. In winter some of the tanks had averaged 27.5mpg. Never seen that much disparity in any other vehicle I have owned.

14,639mi - 504.486gal - 29.02 mpg

[WhiteStar III]

6. I top the tank off all the way to the very top, untill a little bit of fuel is visible right by where the cap screws on. My local gas station has pumps w/out the springs in the nozzle...so it's easy to top off. A fillup is usually 14.7 gallons. Yes, I run it close to being empty, but there are so many gas stations around here, there's no fear of running empty.

Per my experience, your not even close to being empty. Your filling up right after the low fuel warning light comes on (2.5gal left). I fill up the same way you do and have gotten 17 gal in there by the time I get to see the fuel.

I don't worry about the evap system because I still have to drive rougly 11 mi home (which should cost me rougly a .333gal).

[Wytchdctr]

I'm aware of this...this is the fourth car I've done this with, and perhaps I'm playing russian roulette, but there's never been a problem with any of the cars before. (125,000mi. on one of them)

How long will it take for something to go wrong?

depends on the car and how the evap system is setup. Ive done it on accident with my car a few times and no CEL. I do know of more than a few people that caused atleast a CEL and a few more that caused damage. That and if you are a green peace type person the evap system cannot function correctly like that, so your releasing gas fumes into the air. As if opening the gas cap doesn't do that already.

[07MZ5SA]

2. Don't ever go over 65mph on the freeway.

You'll get run over by other larger vehicles here.

[jandree22]

Well, no where close to some of the numbers thrown down so far in this thread, but for the first time I've crossed the 400mi/tank threshold, woot! I don't drive too far past the gas light and I stop filling at the first click of the pump, so as you can see below a tank for me usually ends around 13 gallons.

Filled up at 408.5mi. / 13.073gal. = 31.25mpg... welcome back summer! (thumb)

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i199/jandree22/401milesTank.jpg

[rweatherford]

Good deal! We never go an entire tank to E without filling up so I don't have any big numbers for miles on a tank.

I've had about 5 tanks over 30 MPG, one was right at 31 MPG.

One thing I noticed about filling up. If I fill any faster than the first position on the handle, fuel comes shooting out of the filler and goes all over the car. Talk about a good way to piss a guy off the first night he has a new car. Gas went all over me! So I fill at the slow postion until it shuts off and that's it.

I've been experementing with blending some fuel and I have not seen any degrade in mileage. I may go back to E10 fuel only soon and see if it makes any difference.

[coolmazda5]

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i199/jandree22/401milesTank.jpg


(wow). I've seen those numbers, but when I forget to reset the trip odometer :D

I have my in-laws this weekend and we are planning a relatively long trip with the cargo box, so 5 passengers and a cargo box, let's see how many GPM I get ;)

[remarquian]

I'm on my third tank of gas.

Yeah, I'm trying to go for the holy grail of 30mpg, I've gotten 27.5, but my biggest obstacle is my wife. She gets all pissed at me when I'm going 45mph on the freeway. I tell her to ignore the people honking, but, you know ...

Anyone else have the same problem?

[jandree22]

One thing I noticed about filling up. If I fill any faster than the first position on the handle, fuel comes shooting out of the filler and goes all over the car. Talk about a good way to piss a guy off the first night he has a new car. Gas went all over me! So I fill at the slow postion until it shuts off and that's it.
Rex, I have the same issue with my 5. When I first bought it, I took it back to be looked at and they replaced the filler tube and some other part in the fuel system but I forget what. Seemed to temporarily fix the issue, but it came right back after a month or so. Must be some kind of design flaw? Some here have expressed complaints, some don't have this issue. Who knows!

I pump full speed ahead until I get to the 10 gallon mark, then I back off to 1/2 flow, if not less, until the first click. As you've discovered, simply pumping slower takes care of it.

I have my in-laws this weekend and we are planning a relatively long trip with the cargo box, so 5 passengers and a cargo box, let's see how many GPM I get ;)
I vote 9 mpg, lol (ugh)

...but my biggest obstacle is my wife. She gets all pissed at me when I'm going 45mph on the freeway. I tell her to ignore the people honking, but, you know ... Anyone else have the same problem?
meh... just ignore your wife! lol Seriously, I too think it's insanity if you're doing 45mph on say, a 65mph road... I mean in PA you are required to use your flashers at 40mph or less! But if you're doing like 5 maybe 10 under, others will think you're a granny, but it's at least not as dangerous. ;)

I go the speed limit generally, and still get aggressively passed at times, especially during rush hour. People don't know me so I don't care if they think the loser behind the wheel is a granny. Now OTOH, you live/eat/sleep with your wife, so do what'cha gotta do to keep the peace under the roof (bowdown)

[Captain KRM P5]

phenomenal

[MSP2024]

damn those are nice mpg's im kinda jealous my last tank in the msp lasted me 179 miles haha

[coolmazda5]

I'm on my third tank of gas.

Yeah, I'm trying to go for the holy grail of 30mpg, I've gotten 27.5, but my biggest obstacle is my wife. She gets all pissed at me when I'm going 45mph on the freeway. I tell her to ignore the people honking, but, you know ...


I may not sound like a normal husband, but listen to your wife!

45MPH is dangerous, it is not worth the savings, serious :D. Keep it at the speed limit 60-65MPH and that gives the top gas mileage if you read along some posts.

[mrguy19]

Yup i got on my last tank 30.7899999 MPG

at .505 a for milage riembursment thats meant I make $$$$$

[jandree22]

Yup i got on my last tank 30.7899999 MPG
Obviously 30+ MPG is doable, but it does take some disciplined driving IME. Nice work! (thumb)

[Skylab™]

With all the talk about hypermiling on the cleanmpg.com (www.cleanmpg.com)forums, I pumped up the 5's tire pressure to 42psi all around after they were warmed up. Max pressure is rated at 44psi w/max load.


The car is at half a tank right now with 250 miles traveled. I'll see how much better mileage it will get. :)

[opus]

On our trip to Hilton Head Island last summer we averaged aroun 30.5 mpg with a high of 33 mpg and a low of 28.5mpg.

[dreamym5]

just got 32.7 MPG.. just passed 5000 miles...(naughty)

[mrguy19]

It boggles my mind why someonw would get a much heavier gas guzzling SUV without considering the 5.....

[rweatherford]

I didn't even know the 5 existed until I happen to find it on Yahoo Autos when searching for 6-7 passengers.

[mrguy19]

Just got back from work trip to Vegas...the results are.....

L.A to Vegas (plus a little city driving) a whopping = 33.2 mpg
Doing around 65 to 70 mph...... (five-0)

Vegas to LA = 29.5mpg (freak)
The big drop was cause of the high winds the way back, had it on
cruise control felt the engine working hard....

THIS IS BETTER THAN MY JETTA 1.8T!!!!

[straw10]

I am currently at 408 miles with NO light on yet...I haven't seen a 500 miler in the thread...might have to try...wife has car today, so we'll see if the light went on while she had it...appeared to have 10-15 miles left before the light. Have had a 32mpg tank and this current tank will put me over the 29 mpg listed in my signature. Also...last fill up was 2.95/gal. currently at 4000 miles.

[raspykart]

well I woulda had a 500mile'r easily if I hadn't filled up in Kansas I bet. Downhill from Denver to Kansas at 65mph got 40mpg... 170miles on first 1/4.. woot. I'd love to test that again, thought my gauge was broke or something till I filled up.

[coolmazda5]

2008 Mazda5 5MT: 305miles tank, low gas light was already red, not yellow (wow)

:D

[straw10]

wait...the low fuel light also turns red? I didn't read that...How much fuel from when it goes red?

[coolmazda5]

wait...the low fuel light also turns red? I didn't read that...How much fuel from when it goes red?

Ooops, I was just kidding, figurative speak meaning it was already running with the gas vapors at the time of filling up ;), yellow is the only color we'll see...

[straw10]

whew...thought I missed something...lol. I thought to myself...I don't think I've ever let it get that empty yet...I usually say that it's past E, all the way to D.

[coolmazda5]

whew...thought I missed something...lol.

Good thing you didn't try. "this $#%@ light does not go red!" LOL

[straw10]

As I go pushing my 5 to the gas station.....if I don't get close to 500 this tank, I'll give it a real try next tank...

[mde8965]

I'm jealous. I can't get more than about 330 miles on a tank. My 08 only has 1,8xx miles so I have only filled it 5 times now. All city and it only gets 18.1mpg on 1st tank and 17.9 on the 2nd. Half city and half highway and the range has been between 21.7-23.2mpg on my last 3 fillups. But on the interstate I drive about 68-70 with the cruise and AC on, and I am NO leadfoot around town but always use AC. I am hoping this gets better with more mileage.

My dad's 09 with 700 miles got 24mpg according to his math on its first tank and 24.8 on the second (95% city).

[Rocket]

I get 325 per tank. I don't think I would ever get more than 400 if it were all highway. 2006 AT sport.

[straw10]

Didn't fill the tank, just had a $20 on me, but I was at 458 when I put the gas in. I'm guessing maybe 475-480 would have been possible. Next fill I'll go for 500.

[South-FL-5]

i got 455 on a tank at half it was at 225 miles. I notice that the more miles you have on the better gas mileage you get. So that makes it 35 MPG and I was driving between 65-75 MPH on the Fl turnpike. with the air on.and its a 08 Mazda5

[derstar]

Just back from Montreal to Toronto....

Boy, my 08GTAuto feels as good or better than MOST MERCEDES BENZ I driven - from my MB fanatic mouth. The stability/secureness/downforce at high speed generated that makes your bottom closer to ground is rarely found on most cars on the market regardless price, period. The highway response speed and liveliness just don't make you feel like this is a tiny minivan with just 150hp... With fatter sway bar, it should be perfect. The 4th gear is also welly design for highway over passing. Again... last Cayenne/X5 i drove wasn't that smooth on the highway... as well as secureness.

Anyway, I'm getting close to 600 km a tank... dunno how much MPG is that... but not bad compare to 3XX - 400 km a tank in city! Was driving average 130 km/h... not slow!

[straw10]

This tank should be around 460 or more...I'll have to see when the light comes on...still a day or two away from that.

[coolmazda5]

Boy, my 08GTAuto feels as good or better than MOST MERCEDES BENZ I driven

Yeah, that makes sense.... no, wait, What? LOL. Anywho, I feel that I love my car a little bit more today :D

[AIMWO4]

I just had 226 at half a tank. Drove to Colorado Springs and back. Helped the mileage!

[derstar]

Yeah, that makes sense.... no, wait, What? LOL. Anywho, I feel that I love my car a little bit more today :D

NO seriously, this is a very good highway car.

2 things can makes it better - lower windnoise/soundproofing. and better lateral suspension supports - sway bars... (laugh)

Fast and more stable (or should i use secure), on the highway than my last GTI or Civic SIR (hatchback made in UK).

[Skylab™]

After close to three years and 40,000 miles, I wouldn't mind having the GT auto transmission. So much shifting, and the tranny isn't really inspiring. But it's holding up well. I haven't had any issues with the car...okay, it still does that damned hesitation thing once in a blue moon when the car is cold. (wedge)

[coolmazda5]

After close to three years and 40,000 miles, I wouldn't mind having the GT auto transmission. So much shifting, and the tranny isn't really inspiring

Have you had troubles with the manual transmission?