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My car has a custom aftermarket exhaust, so that might have helped some. I believe that the increase in altitude and mountainous terrain caused the MPG to decrease.
used v/ miles driven yet. Still learning how to use Shiftronics to maximize RPM to
MPH ratio. Hi rpm = less mpg as everyone knows. Using fully automatic side only
on 120 mile trip mostly hiway, best average 32.2 / 32.4 AC off, AC on 31.8 / 32.
Turned AC back on " to HOT". This was with cruise set @ 2000 rpm 72/73 mph.
Did not notice any fluctuation in rpm or speed w/ AC on or OFF. On 20 mile stretch
using manual side to shift @ max. 2000 rpm then up shift to 50 mph and then
putting into auto mode. Cruise set @ 50 mph rpm stayed @ 1250 in overdrive. That
brought average to 36.3 ( and still climbing). Will be taking a 2000 mile trip next
week. Will post update on mpg average both ways trip computer and hand figures.
So far luv this car. Hard to keep from stomping accelerator in this thing, very
strong off line in 1st and 2nd gear using manual side. Not going to try redline yet!
back seat loaded down w/ grandchildrens stuff. Up and down hills from St. Louis
to K.C. Coming back same route but ran thru 9 hrs solid rain, hard to keep steady set on cruise. Tried to keep cruise set at 2000RPM @ 72 MPH when possible the
whole trip. Saw up to 32.5 on trip computer. Average calculated for trip 30.5, I
consider very good due to some of the above mentioned adverse driving conditions.
Normal driving around home, combined actual calculated 24.75 also good for
249 HP
Over all extremely good car, comfortable, good looking in and out, smooth quite
ride, after 11,000 miles absulutely no problems.
I know they should be 19mpg but realistically over say 3 tanks or 1000 miles what are you getting with yours?
I am still not quite getting 19 with 20000mi on my 2006 LX. I am in the panhandle of FL (NW area) and use the A/C all the time, so I know that affects mine, what about yours.
Thanks, van
about 3 months old. My wife and I both drive very conservative, no jack-rabbit take
off's, start slowing ahead of time if possible buy letting off accelerator. Use cruise
when it is feasible, on open hiway w/ speed limit 70 cruise is set about 72MPH.
Luckily we don't have to do much inner city driving. We keep track of all fell up's and mileage after several tanks we hand calculate, and keep in the car service log.
Have never calculated less than between 26 & 27MPG combined, when we do more
open road traveling it goes up over 30 calculated. On long Interstate trips of 500 +
miles it is even better, stop fuel up get back on Interstate and set cruise. As for as
the average on the trip computer, it is just that an average, but have seen under
good driving conditions over 36 in 55mph zone over 25 mile distance, under same
conditions at 70-72 mph have seen 34+ all w/ AC on this is south Loiusiana.
Hope this helps!
van
van
I always average 33-34 MPG, without fail. I have the ’09 GLS I4 manual transmission with about 10k miles on it.
Here are some things that I do to help me squeeze out every MPG I can
1.) Eliminate all excess weight in your car. My trunk is completely empty (except for the tire and jack). Inside the car I have my son’s car seat, and my umbrella. That’s it. There’s nothing in the glove box or center console.
2.) I check my tire pressure at every fill up and add air accordingly.
3.) I coast whenever I can. With a manual transmission, this is very easy for me. On the highway, I can coast at 55 MPH and as far as the engine’s concerned, I’m idling at a stop light. Coasting is a HUGE gas saver.
4.) I never gun the engine, or “jackrabbit” start. I also try to never come to a complete stop – if I see a red light ahead, I try to coast all the way to it in the hope that it will turn green before I have to completely stop.
5.) I always use cruise control on the highway.
6.) I never drive over 60 MPH on the highway. Anything over 60 and you’re just losing fuel efficiency. You said you drive 70 on the highway. Stop. Even if the speed limit is 70, that doesn’t mean you have to drive 70. No matter what the speed limit is on the highway, you will always find me in the right lane going 55-60. In addition to saving gas, I notice that the road completely opens up – I never have to hit my breaks, change lanes, or readjust my cruise control. It’s great. In fact, I have never driven my car faster that 60, and I don’t ever plan to.
There you go. Those are my 6 “secrets” to 33-34 MPG on every tank.
Everyone will have an opinion on #6. Some people will say it’s dangerous and causes traffic. Others will say that they would rather save 4 minutes on a trip and drive 70. I don’t care. It’s how I choose to drive, if you don’t like it, you can pass me. I am always careful to stay in the right lane.
One last thing, don’t go by your MPG calculator on your instrument panel – it’s not always accurate. I calculate my MPG manually at every fill up. This is the best way to do it.
I hope that helps.
But you (and others) should check your state laws re coasting downhill in neutral... in at least some states it is illegal. Also not a good idea for safety, IMO.
Also, I expect you probably do what I do and check behind you when coasting to a stop for a traffic light. That can be very aggravating for someone behind you, e.g. if they are trying to get to the left-turn lane before the turn arrow disappears.
Yeah, it is illegal here in Virginia. I'm not sure how anyone could "catch me" in the act, but, you are right - it's illegal here and in many, many jurisdictions.
Also, I expect you probably do what I do and check behind you when coasting to a stop for a traffic light. That can be very aggravating for someone behind you, e.g. if they are trying to get to the left-turn lane before the turn arrow disappears.
I do. Though I may drive slow, I do try to be respectful of others and am always mindful of turnlanes and the like. For example, if someone is merging on the highway and I should either speedup/slow down to give them room, I always do.
Good MPG is useless if you're not a safe driver.
van
a little better than the V6. The I4 is made by Hyundai just like the V6 so it will
get that kind of MPG on an average, some owners post that on their reviews as they do w/ the V6. BUT in some cases they also report the same findings as you do. Example 2 brothers bought a new Sonata GLS about the same time 1 got the
I4 the other a V6 and the fellow with the I4 stated his brother beat his MPH calculation by a significant amount every fill up, he also said they both drive in the
same area and conservatively. He received a number of replys that did complain of
the same problem, others gave suggestions on how they drove to achieve a much
better rating. What I had suggested is to go back to the dealer and have them
check to see what the problem is " there is a problem probably mechanically" I
would also be upset if I chose the I4 over the V6 for MPG reasons and that is what
happened. Go to the dealer or several Hyundai dealers or a mechanic or even as
for as the Sonata plant in Alabama, they advertise this vehicle to do certain things
they should stand behind it, it's mechanical and that should be considered a drive
trane problem. If they can't fix it I would consider the possibility of checking into the
Lemon Law description. Good luck with your problem. Please post your findings it
may help others with the same problem. Have a good day!!
van
In my part of the country it is not uncommon to run into most filling stations pumping only 10% ethanol gasoline. This blend as opposed to pure gasoline, will reduce my mileage between 10 and 20%.
This is not the kind of savings I'm interested in. I much prefer to run 100% gasoline. When I do run 100% gasoline I can get between 20 and 22 miles per gallon in town. And between 32 and 37 miles per gallon on the highway, depending on how windy it is and if I'm running air-conditioning and of course, how fast I'm driving. I normally drive on the highway between 60 and 65 miles an hour. I have a 2006 Sonata four cylinder four speed automatic.
I have been quite happy with my car since I purchased it new in June 2006.
Our all knowing government looking out for us again! Big Brother knows better.
So, if I use 20% more fuel and if the emissions from my car are not at least 21% less, who or what gains? I think the answer is the *#^!@* government which collects tax per gallon. Meanwhile the people have to pay more per gallon and use more gallons.
My 2006 Sonata LX V6 with just over 20,000mi has shown me overall mileage of just under 19mpg from the beginning, I keep records up to date, just left them in the car, or I would be able to give the specifics.
Unfortunately for me, most of this is "city" miles, with "hwy" miles for trips over 200miles giving me readings in the mid to upper 20's...that is driving the limit plus a few more. (75mph, sorry but can't afford to support my highway patrol) I am relatively happy with it only because I use the A/C almost all the time (Florida-is either hot or humid)
I have tried twice to go 200 mi at 60-65mph and have only shown mpg at 26/27. My longer trips, ie 1000+ on a few occasions has shown me about 1 or 2 mpg less but there were some times where the speed was closer to 75-80 and a few still higher although not ever for long periods of time.
I read with envy of all these reports of guys/gals getting much better mpg, sure wish I could too.
Oh yes, this is with that lousy corn-gas substitute throughout Florida so that may account for some of it too.
Her mileage is a mix of 70/30 highway/city driving; she averages between 29.4 and 32.2 per fill up. On the highway, we routinely get 32+, even with our notorious lead feet (up 85-95 (average was still over 75) on a 400 mile each way round trip from Hampton Roads, Virginia to western Pennsylvania average 35.6 mpg, for example).
And yes, we have the Ethanol blend, too. I'd LOVE to have seen what we could get with real gas!
As for the ethanol mix. There are stations around here that sell 100% gas and most that sell the 10% stuff. Honestly, I couldn't tell you the difference. The major driver of what I get is how fast I go and how much AC I use. Also, the mpg dips in the very cold weather. It's really neat seeing the mpg plotted versus time. Trends upward in the summer and downward in the winter.
I think this 35.7 lifetime mpg rocks! In my 2006 Accent, I had a lifetime of 36.1, and that was around 80k miles driven the same way. So kudos to the Sonata!
It has been determined that E-10 reduces fuel economy by between 3-5%. I can verify this myself by charting the fuel economy on my 1995 Dodge Stratus over about 6 years and fuel mileage has dropped within that range with no change in my driving habits. Maybe older cars are more effected ??
Any comments would be appreciated.
Thank you.
You might look above for some tips on improving your FE--e.g. new air cleaner, check tire pressures, use a light foot on the gas etc. I have seen that synthetic oil can help also, but I don't use it in any of my cars right now.
Sonata. Next week I'm taking a trip to South Jersey from New York. I'll check it again I hope with better results. The service manager at my dealership said that the 24 MPG "sounds about right". I'm losing faith in the dealership.
P.S. I have the car one year and there is less than 8,000 miles on it.
I might add that this was an AT on relatively flat surfaces, only a few hills and I cruise right at 65 mph most of the way. Only used A/C about 10% of the way. Pretty ideal conditions actually.
I don't know if it was the "winter" gasoline or if the car needed to be "broken in".
Thank you to all who commented. :confuse: :confuse: :confuse:
I hear that most trip computers are about 10-12% off in calculating actual mileage.