My gas mileage sucks

Started by the Teuton, May 18, 2008, 01:48:58 PM

the Teuton

Car background:

1993 Impreza, 165k on the car, 117k on the engine.  The oil was changed about 300-350 miles ago.

I drive a very modest drive to work -- about 3-4 miles in dense traffic.  It takes a little under 20 minutes to get to work from my apartment.  If my calculations are correct, I am averaging about 15 mpg right now, if that.

I'd prefer not to take the bus to work because of wait times, inclement weather, and the fact that I really don't like riding the bus, but is that poor of gas mileage to be expected for such driving?  Is there any way to improve it?
2. 1995 Saturn SL2 5-speed, 126,500 miles. 5,000 miles in two and a half months. That works out to 24,000 miles per year if I can keep up the pace.

Quote from: CJ on April 06, 2010, 10:48:54 PM
I don't care about all that shit.  I'll be going to college to get an education at a cost to my parents.  I'm not going to fool around.
Quote from: MrH on January 14, 2011, 01:13:53 PM
She'll hate diesel passenger cars, all things Ford, and fiat currency.  They will masturbate to old interviews of Ayn Rand an youtube together.
You can take the troll out of the Subaru, but you can't take the Subaru out of the troll!

Rupert

Novarolla-Miata-Trooper-Jeep-Volvo-Trooper-Ranger-MGB-Explorer-944-Fiat-Alfa-XTerra

13 cars, 60 cylinders, 52 manual forward gears and 9 automatic, 2 FWD, 42 doors, 1988 average year of manufacture, 3 convertibles, 22 average mpg, and no wheel covers.
PRO TENACIA NULLA VIA EST INVIA

The Pirate

Quote from: the Teuton on May 18, 2008, 01:48:58 PM
Car background:

1993 Impreza, 165k on the car, 117k on the engine.  The oil was changed about 300-350 miles ago.

I drive a very modest drive to work -- about 3-4 miles in dense traffic.  It takes a little under 20 minutes to get to work from my apartment.  If my calculations are correct, I am averaging about 15 mpg right now, if that.

I'd prefer not to take the bus to work because of wait times, inclement weather, and the fact that I really don't like riding the bus, but is that poor of gas mileage to be expected for such driving?  Is there any way to improve it?


You already stated the reason for the poor mileage - "3 to 4 miles in dense traffic."  The car probably has a cold engine for half of that commute (cold engine = worse fuel economy) and you're always switching from the throttle to the brakes in traffic, which hurts mileage as well.

Plus, it's an AWD car with a small engine saddled to an automatic transmission.  That's not the ideal drivetrain for efficiency.  You could try changing your plugs, wires, air filter, etc., but I doubt you'll see a substantial increase.
1989 Audi 80 quattro, 2001 Mazda Protege ES

Secretary of the "I Survived the Volvo S80 thread" Club

Quote from: omicron on July 10, 2007, 10:58:12 PM
After you wake up with the sun at 6am on someone's floor, coughing up cigarette butts and tasting like warm beer, you may well change your opinion on this matter.

Secret Chimp

We had an automatic 94 2.2L Legacy wagon and it would easily get mileage in the teens. You might try changing out any differential fluids you have for compatible synthetics.


Quote from: BENZ BOY15 on January 02, 2014, 02:40:13 PM
That's a great local brewery that we have. Do I drink their beer? No.

the Teuton

Quote from: The Pirate on May 18, 2008, 02:09:29 PM

You already stated the reason for the poor mileage - "3 to 4 miles in dense traffic."  The car probably has a cold engine for half of that commute (cold engine = worse fuel economy) and you're always switching from the throttle to the brakes in traffic, which hurts mileage as well.

Plus, it's an AWD car with a small engine saddled to an automatic transmission.  That's not the ideal drivetrain for efficiency.  You could try changing your plugs, wires, air filter, etc., but I doubt you'll see a substantial increase.

So I should just bite the bullet?
2. 1995 Saturn SL2 5-speed, 126,500 miles. 5,000 miles in two and a half months. That works out to 24,000 miles per year if I can keep up the pace.

Quote from: CJ on April 06, 2010, 10:48:54 PM
I don't care about all that shit.  I'll be going to college to get an education at a cost to my parents.  I'm not going to fool around.
Quote from: MrH on January 14, 2011, 01:13:53 PM
She'll hate diesel passenger cars, all things Ford, and fiat currency.  They will masturbate to old interviews of Ayn Rand an youtube together.
You can take the troll out of the Subaru, but you can't take the Subaru out of the troll!

J86

Bite the bullet, ride a bike, it will be quicker!  Shit, I rode one 7 miles this past summer to work 'cause it's less stressful than sitting in traffic.

The Pirate

Quote from: the Teuton on May 18, 2008, 02:20:04 PM
So I should just bite the bullet?


The bullet being what?  New tranny, new car...?  You have no payment on that car, and you know it's history.  I'd keep it.  Even if you get something else that brings you up to 25mpg, you are still going to come out behind because you'll be making payments (and your insurance costs will go up as well).
1989 Audi 80 quattro, 2001 Mazda Protege ES

Secretary of the "I Survived the Volvo S80 thread" Club

Quote from: omicron on July 10, 2007, 10:58:12 PM
After you wake up with the sun at 6am on someone's floor, coughing up cigarette butts and tasting like warm beer, you may well change your opinion on this matter.

the Teuton

Quote from: The Pirate on May 18, 2008, 03:03:27 PM

The bullet being what?  New tranny, new car...?  You have no payment on that car, and you know it's history.  I'd keep it.  Even if you get something else that brings you up to 25mpg, you are still going to come out behind because you'll be making payments (and your insurance costs will go up as well).

On the highway, I'm still averaging somewhere around 30 mpg, but this transmission just doesn't like city driving.
2. 1995 Saturn SL2 5-speed, 126,500 miles. 5,000 miles in two and a half months. That works out to 24,000 miles per year if I can keep up the pace.

Quote from: CJ on April 06, 2010, 10:48:54 PM
I don't care about all that shit.  I'll be going to college to get an education at a cost to my parents.  I'm not going to fool around.
Quote from: MrH on January 14, 2011, 01:13:53 PM
She'll hate diesel passenger cars, all things Ford, and fiat currency.  They will masturbate to old interviews of Ayn Rand an youtube together.
You can take the troll out of the Subaru, but you can't take the Subaru out of the troll!

the Teuton

Quote from: J86 on May 18, 2008, 02:55:18 PM
Bite the bullet, ride a bike, it will be quicker!  Shit, I rode one 7 miles this past summer to work 'cause it's less stressful than sitting in traffic.

The traffic in this city sucks, and the drivers are worse.  I can't see myself buying one.  Also, I'm seemingly getting more than enough of a workout at work with all of the running around and washing.
2. 1995 Saturn SL2 5-speed, 126,500 miles. 5,000 miles in two and a half months. That works out to 24,000 miles per year if I can keep up the pace.

Quote from: CJ on April 06, 2010, 10:48:54 PM
I don't care about all that shit.  I'll be going to college to get an education at a cost to my parents.  I'm not going to fool around.
Quote from: MrH on January 14, 2011, 01:13:53 PM
She'll hate diesel passenger cars, all things Ford, and fiat currency.  They will masturbate to old interviews of Ayn Rand an youtube together.
You can take the troll out of the Subaru, but you can't take the Subaru out of the troll!

Northlands

Quote from: the Teuton on May 18, 2008, 03:09:26 PM
On the highway, I'm still averaging somewhere around 30 mpg, but this transmission just doesn't like city driving.

Yikes, that's quite a difference between city and hwy. Besides some of the normal maintenance recommendations, is there another route to work available you can take? I've changed mine a few times to suit a more mileage friendly experience and it does work.



- " It's like a petting zoo, but for computers." -  my wife's take on the Apple Store.
2013 Hyundai Accent GLS / 2015 Hyundai Sonata GLS

The Pirate

Quote from: Northlands on May 18, 2008, 03:15:39 PM
Yikes, that's quite a difference between city and hwy. Besides some of the normal maintenance recommendations, is there another route to work available you can take? I've changed mine a few times to suit a more mileage friendly experience and it does work.


That's actually a really good idea.  I did something similar, there's myriad ways for me to get to work and school.  The route I usually take is a bit longer (an extra 3 miles or so), but the traffic density and "stop and go" stuff is much less, so the increased fuel economy more than makes up for it.  It's probably the best route in terms of time, as well.
1989 Audi 80 quattro, 2001 Mazda Protege ES

Secretary of the "I Survived the Volvo S80 thread" Club

Quote from: omicron on July 10, 2007, 10:58:12 PM
After you wake up with the sun at 6am on someone's floor, coughing up cigarette butts and tasting like warm beer, you may well change your opinion on this matter.

the Teuton

Quote from: Northlands on May 18, 2008, 03:15:39 PM
Yikes, that's quite a difference between city and hwy. Besides some of the normal maintenance recommendations, is there another route to work available you can take? I've changed mine a few times to suit a more mileage friendly experience and it does work.

There's an excellent alternative route.  The only problem with it is that it's completely brick, and after driving on it, my turn signals and steering rack started making funny clicking noises.  It's not very smooth.
2. 1995 Saturn SL2 5-speed, 126,500 miles. 5,000 miles in two and a half months. That works out to 24,000 miles per year if I can keep up the pace.

Quote from: CJ on April 06, 2010, 10:48:54 PM
I don't care about all that shit.  I'll be going to college to get an education at a cost to my parents.  I'm not going to fool around.
Quote from: MrH on January 14, 2011, 01:13:53 PM
She'll hate diesel passenger cars, all things Ford, and fiat currency.  They will masturbate to old interviews of Ayn Rand an youtube together.
You can take the troll out of the Subaru, but you can't take the Subaru out of the troll!

Raza

Quote from: the Teuton on May 18, 2008, 03:09:26 PM
On the highway, I'm still averaging somewhere around 30 mpg, but this transmission just doesn't like city driving.

15/30 sounds pretty good to me.
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
If you can read this, you're too close


2006 BMW Z4 3.0i
http://accelerationtherapy.squarespace.com/   @accelerationdoc
Quote from: the Teuton on October 05, 2009, 03:53:18 PM
It's impossible to argue with Raza. He wins. Period. End of discussion.

the Teuton

Quote from: Raza  on May 18, 2008, 04:57:13 PM
15/30 sounds pretty good to me.

The car was doing about 22-23/28-31, but this short driving is killing that.
2. 1995 Saturn SL2 5-speed, 126,500 miles. 5,000 miles in two and a half months. That works out to 24,000 miles per year if I can keep up the pace.

Quote from: CJ on April 06, 2010, 10:48:54 PM
I don't care about all that shit.  I'll be going to college to get an education at a cost to my parents.  I'm not going to fool around.
Quote from: MrH on January 14, 2011, 01:13:53 PM
She'll hate diesel passenger cars, all things Ford, and fiat currency.  They will masturbate to old interviews of Ayn Rand an youtube together.
You can take the troll out of the Subaru, but you can't take the Subaru out of the troll!

Soup DeVille

So, you're getting about 15 MPG and doing a 3-4 mile commute each way?

In other words, you're taking two days to burn a gallon of gas to get back and forth from work, making the cost of commuting fuel about $10/week at $4/gal?

I'm sorry, you were complaining about something?
Maybe we need to start off small. I mean, they don't let you fuck the glumpers at Glumpees without a level 4 FuckPass, do they?

1975 Honda CB750, 1986 Rebel Rascal (sailing dinghy), 2015 Mini Cooper, 2020 Winnebago 31H (E450), 2021 Toyota 4Runner, 2022 Lincoln Aviator

Raza

Quote from: the Teuton on May 18, 2008, 05:04:39 PM
The car was doing about 22-23/28-31, but this short driving is killing that.

Duh.
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
If you can read this, you're too close


2006 BMW Z4 3.0i
http://accelerationtherapy.squarespace.com/   @accelerationdoc
Quote from: the Teuton on October 05, 2009, 03:53:18 PM
It's impossible to argue with Raza. He wins. Period. End of discussion.

Cookie Monster

Quote from: Soup DeVille on May 18, 2008, 05:23:47 PM
So, you're getting about 15 MPG and doing a 3-4 mile commute each way?

In other words, you're taking two days to burn a gallon of gas to get back and forth from work, making the cost of commuting fuel about $10/week at $4/gal?

I'm sorry, you were complaining about something?
+1
You're not even spending that much money on gas. Either pay for the gas (not that much) or ride a bike and keep the car for rainy/snowy days.
RWD > FWD
President of the "I survived the Volvo S80 Thread" Club
2007 Mazda MX-5 | 1999 Honda Nighthawk 750 | 1989 Volvo 240 | 1991 Toyota 4Runner | 2006 Honda CBR600F4i | 2015 Yamaha FJ-09 | 1999 Honda CBR600F4 | 2009 Yamaha WR250X | 1985 Mazda RX-7 | 2000 Yamaha YZ426F | 2006 Yamaha FZ1 | 2002 Honda CBR954RR | 1996 Subaru Outback | 2018 Subaru Crosstrek | 1986 Toyota MR2
Quote from: 68_427 on November 27, 2016, 07:43:14 AM
Or order from fortune auto and when lyft rider asks why your car feels bumpy you can show them the dyno curve
1 3 5
├┼┤
2 4 R

CALL_911

Quote from: Soup DeVille on May 18, 2008, 05:23:47 PM
So, you're getting about 15 MPG and doing a 3-4 mile commute each way?

In other words, you're taking two days to burn a gallon of gas to get back and forth from work, making the cost of commuting fuel about $10/week at $4/gal?

I'm sorry, you were complaining about something?

That's what I thought too.


2004 S2000
2016 340xi

the Teuton

I'm getting the impression none of you think this is particularly bad. 

On another note then, will this mean I'll have to change the oil or any other fluids more frequently?  I'm using Mobil Clean 5000 in the car right now.
2. 1995 Saturn SL2 5-speed, 126,500 miles. 5,000 miles in two and a half months. That works out to 24,000 miles per year if I can keep up the pace.

Quote from: CJ on April 06, 2010, 10:48:54 PM
I don't care about all that shit.  I'll be going to college to get an education at a cost to my parents.  I'm not going to fool around.
Quote from: MrH on January 14, 2011, 01:13:53 PM
She'll hate diesel passenger cars, all things Ford, and fiat currency.  They will masturbate to old interviews of Ayn Rand an youtube together.
You can take the troll out of the Subaru, but you can't take the Subaru out of the troll!

Cookie Monster

Quote from: the Teuton on May 18, 2008, 08:57:43 PM
I'm getting the impression none of you think this is particularly bad. 

On another note then, will this mean I'll have to change the oil or any other fluids more frequently?  I'm using Mobil Clean 5000 in the car right now.
I don't think it's very bad, because as Adam and others listed out, you have an automatic AWD car, which is the least fuel efficient drivetrain, you're driving in the city in dense traffic and you barely get the car warmed up.
RWD > FWD
President of the "I survived the Volvo S80 Thread" Club
2007 Mazda MX-5 | 1999 Honda Nighthawk 750 | 1989 Volvo 240 | 1991 Toyota 4Runner | 2006 Honda CBR600F4i | 2015 Yamaha FJ-09 | 1999 Honda CBR600F4 | 2009 Yamaha WR250X | 1985 Mazda RX-7 | 2000 Yamaha YZ426F | 2006 Yamaha FZ1 | 2002 Honda CBR954RR | 1996 Subaru Outback | 2018 Subaru Crosstrek | 1986 Toyota MR2
Quote from: 68_427 on November 27, 2016, 07:43:14 AM
Or order from fortune auto and when lyft rider asks why your car feels bumpy you can show them the dyno curve
1 3 5
├┼┤
2 4 R

the Teuton

Quote from: thecarnut on May 18, 2008, 09:07:06 PM
I don't think it's very bad, because as Adam and others listed out, you have an automatic AWD car, which is the least fuel efficient drivetrain, you're driving in the city in dense traffic and you barely get the car warmed up.

And you all are absolutely right.  It's not incredibly fuel-efficient, but I'd also like to get more out of each gallon of gas.  This is about as well as my car has been handling winter weather, gaswise.  It just sucks that after filling my tank at $3 a gallon when gas is hovering at about $3.80 around here now, my efficiency has gone way down.  I filled my tank on the 8th and it's right around 3/4 as we speak on a 12.9 gallon tank.
2. 1995 Saturn SL2 5-speed, 126,500 miles. 5,000 miles in two and a half months. That works out to 24,000 miles per year if I can keep up the pace.

Quote from: CJ on April 06, 2010, 10:48:54 PM
I don't care about all that shit.  I'll be going to college to get an education at a cost to my parents.  I'm not going to fool around.
Quote from: MrH on January 14, 2011, 01:13:53 PM
She'll hate diesel passenger cars, all things Ford, and fiat currency.  They will masturbate to old interviews of Ayn Rand an youtube together.
You can take the troll out of the Subaru, but you can't take the Subaru out of the troll!

giant_mtb

Quote from: the Teuton on May 18, 2008, 09:14:57 PM
And you all are absolutely right.  It's not incredibly fuel-efficient, but I'd also like to get more out of each gallon of gas.  This is about as well as my car has been handling winter weather, gaswise.  It just sucks that after filling my tank at $3 a gallon when gas is hovering at about $3.80 around here now, my efficiency has gone way down.  I filled my tank on the 8th and it's right around 3/4 as we speak on a 12.9 gallon tank.

Three and a quarter gallons of gas for 10 days of driving?  That's fantastic.

Soup DeVille

Quote from: the Teuton on May 18, 2008, 09:14:57 PM
And you all are absolutely right.  It's not incredibly fuel-efficient, but I'd also like to get more out of each gallon of gas.  This is about as well as my car has been handling winter weather, gaswise.  It just sucks that after filling my tank at $3 a gallon when gas is hovering at about $3.80 around here now, my efficiency has gone way down.  I filled my tank on the 8th and it's right around 3/4 as we speak on a 12.9 gallon tank.

You filled your tank on the 8th. It's the 18th. You have 3/4 of a tank left.

Seriously, stop this conversation now.

I filled up today. I filled up on the 13th, the 8, the 3rd as well.  About 10-11 gallons each time. And I get about 30 MPG.
Maybe we need to start off small. I mean, they don't let you fuck the glumpers at Glumpees without a level 4 FuckPass, do they?

1975 Honda CB750, 1986 Rebel Rascal (sailing dinghy), 2015 Mini Cooper, 2020 Winnebago 31H (E450), 2021 Toyota 4Runner, 2022 Lincoln Aviator

Cookie Monster

Quote from: giant_mtb on May 18, 2008, 09:19:35 PM
Three and a quarter gallons of gas for 10 days of driving?  That's fantastic.
srsly.
When a tank of gas lasts you over 5 weeks, you have nothing to complain about. That's less than $50 for an entire fillup, assuming you don't have ANYTHING left in your tank. That's $1.25 a day. Two freaking bus tickets will cost more than that a day.
RWD > FWD
President of the "I survived the Volvo S80 Thread" Club
2007 Mazda MX-5 | 1999 Honda Nighthawk 750 | 1989 Volvo 240 | 1991 Toyota 4Runner | 2006 Honda CBR600F4i | 2015 Yamaha FJ-09 | 1999 Honda CBR600F4 | 2009 Yamaha WR250X | 1985 Mazda RX-7 | 2000 Yamaha YZ426F | 2006 Yamaha FZ1 | 2002 Honda CBR954RR | 1996 Subaru Outback | 2018 Subaru Crosstrek | 1986 Toyota MR2
Quote from: 68_427 on November 27, 2016, 07:43:14 AM
Or order from fortune auto and when lyft rider asks why your car feels bumpy you can show them the dyno curve
1 3 5
├┼┤
2 4 R

the Teuton

Quote from: giant_mtb on May 18, 2008, 09:19:35 PM
Three and a quarter gallons of gas for 10 days of driving?  That's fantastic.

I go to work and I buy groceries.  That's about it at the moment.  I don't particularly worry about people stealing my car because it's one of the uglier cars in Oakland (especially since I'm still rocking the steelies covered in surface rust), so it's a relatively low-worry car.  I just can't get over 10-15 mpg in a car this small and supposedly economical.
2. 1995 Saturn SL2 5-speed, 126,500 miles. 5,000 miles in two and a half months. That works out to 24,000 miles per year if I can keep up the pace.

Quote from: CJ on April 06, 2010, 10:48:54 PM
I don't care about all that shit.  I'll be going to college to get an education at a cost to my parents.  I'm not going to fool around.
Quote from: MrH on January 14, 2011, 01:13:53 PM
She'll hate diesel passenger cars, all things Ford, and fiat currency.  They will masturbate to old interviews of Ayn Rand an youtube together.
You can take the troll out of the Subaru, but you can't take the Subaru out of the troll!

S204STi

It does kinda blow my mind that your mileage is that bad...I get around 20-21 in the city, and I'm generally hustling.

giant_mtb

Indeed...that sort of mileage does seem inadequate for such a vehicle, even if it is an automatic AWD.

Rupert

It seems low to me, even given the circumstances. I changed my plugs and wires last summer, and my mileage increased four or so miles per gallon. They were all pretty worn out, though.
Novarolla-Miata-Trooper-Jeep-Volvo-Trooper-Ranger-MGB-Explorer-944-Fiat-Alfa-XTerra

13 cars, 60 cylinders, 52 manual forward gears and 9 automatic, 2 FWD, 42 doors, 1988 average year of manufacture, 3 convertibles, 22 average mpg, and no wheel covers.
PRO TENACIA NULLA VIA EST INVIA

Laconian

Check the emergency brake. :lol:

The Accord is a pretty efficient car, but even its instantaneous MPGs of the Accord are horrendous (10-15) while accelerating. If 100% of your driving is like this, well, of course it will average out to crap. If "biting the bullet" means getting a more efficient car, you'll be extremely hard pressed to find one that doesn't suck in a pure stop and go existence.
Kia EV6 GT-Line / MX-5 RF 6MT

Rupert

Buying a car specifically for a commute is really silly when it's a college kind of job that won't last more than a year or so.
Novarolla-Miata-Trooper-Jeep-Volvo-Trooper-Ranger-MGB-Explorer-944-Fiat-Alfa-XTerra

13 cars, 60 cylinders, 52 manual forward gears and 9 automatic, 2 FWD, 42 doors, 1988 average year of manufacture, 3 convertibles, 22 average mpg, and no wheel covers.
PRO TENACIA NULLA VIA EST INVIA