New LTZ in Washington

[RobJob]

Hello everyone!
Got my black Sonic LTZ automatic 2 weeks ago as my commuter car. With 148miles round trip to work, I had to get something that did better than the 12.4mpg my H2 was getting (BTW, kept the H2 to tow my toys with).
Dealer said I should see 38-42mpg around the 8k mark; any truth to this? I am only seeing 30.4-30.8mpg for the past 2 weeks (fill up every other day) with 1612miles when I parked her yesterday.
Looking forward to chatting with everyone and getting tips/tricks to make this little car funner than she already is.

 

[SSpeckerwood]

welcome to the forum

Do you have the 1.8 or the 1.4

 

[RobJob]

1.4t
Automatic
Hatchback
90% highway driving @ 60-70mph

*edit* Been reading the 87 vs 93 Octane post, I've been running AM/PM cheapo gas - 87 octane w/ 15% ethanol - $3.75 gallon. I might have to give Premium Ocatane a try over the next few weeks to see if there is a difference and maybe even try a different gas station.

 

[Eric Smit]

And slow down. instead of 60-70, try. 55-65. You'll notice instant results.


-Eric Smit

 

[Mr. Oldman]

Mpg

I agree with Eric Smit. 5 or more miles per hour slower will make only a small difference in your time to work and give you lots more mpg.

 

[RobJob]

Posted speed limit is 60mph 90-95% of my travel time.

The "FLOW" of traffic is usually in the 64-68mph range, so to keep from getting run over and/or impede traffic, I go with the average flow of traffic. I still get passed often enough, however, I'm not one to sit in the slow lane or be a DIKHEAD and sit out in the left lane.
I tend to get into a line of cars (most usually the same cars/people that commute at the same times every day) and we roll on through until we start splitting off at our exits.

IF on average, 5mph reduces my mpg by 8mpg+ there is something SIGNIFICANTLY wrong with this vehicle. I might deal with 2mpg loss for going over the speed limit, but I should still be in the 35+mpg range with my driving style/habits, not in the 30mpg range.

 

[Eric Smit]

Go 60. Where I'm at, my commute is mostly freeway and is 60MPH posted. The flow of traffic is anywhere from 65-75 and I still go 60. That's how I get fantastic MPG.


-Eric Smit

 

[Johnny Alien]

Most of my highway driving has a posted speed limit of 65 and I routinely go 65-70 and I am seeing higher numbers than the OP with my 1.8. While going slower will make a difference I do not think 60-70 is in the "too high" range.

With the 1.4 I would think that the premium gas might give you some extra MPG. Also watch out for the start ups and stops. Coast whenever possible and start out slow.

Past that I have also heard there is a break in period so it's possible it will start to get better. Try switching gas stations too as it might be the amount of ethanol in the gas you are getting.

Congratulations on the new car!!

 

[Eric Smit]

If I'm trying for gas mileage, I shift before 1500 RPMs. Just a heads up.


-Eric Smit

 

[rdss]

If I'm trying for gas mileage, I shift before 1500 RPMs. Just a heads up.


-Eric Smit

I feel like I'm 90 if is shift below 2,500 rpm........ I aim for 3 through 1-3 and 2,5 for the rest of the gesrs. And I agree with the OP, I roll with the flow of traffic if not lead the traffic (10 mph over the speed limit is the most I will average. Fl cops let that go).

 

[Eric Smit]

I feel like I'm 190 when I go for mileage, but it feels good to get 55-60 MPG.


-Eric Smit

 

[rdss]

I feel like I'm 190 when I go for mileage, but it feels good to get 55-60 MPG.


-Eric Smit

You're the oldest young person I know!

 

[DeltaMP]

I get 37 MPG average on my daily commute but the distance is only a few miles and the highest speed limit is 35 MPH