Poor gas mileage

ecoblue · 12-06-2006, 11:22 PM

I have had my 2006 Xa for about two weeks now and I'm getting poor gas mileage. I'm averaging about 23 mpg. I drive very conservatively too. I will probably take it to the dealer for service but I would like to know if anyone has any suggestions of what could possibly be the cause. Thanks.

***HATEnFATE*** · 12-07-2006, 09:01 AM

It is coming into winter so i guess my first question would be, What's your climate like there? Does your car spend time warming up in the morning? the longer it takes your car to warm up, the more fuel it takes reguardless of whether your driving it durring this process.
Ethanol blended fuel will also slightly reduce your fuel econ.

How many miles are on your xA? If you car is new the engine is still breaking in and eventually your mileage should start to go up a little bit.

ecoblue · 12-07-2006, 08:08 PM

It's not brutally cold here. 35-40 in the morning. The engine warms up after about a mile of driving. There may be additives in the gas too. I'm not sure. I figured there would be a breakin period for the engine. It has only about 300 miles. Given all that I wouldn't think mileage would be that low. I'll see if it improves with time. Thanks.

Dixie · 03-21-2007, 01:41 PM

I have 9k on my car and am still getting 27 MPG. I live in western NY and the winters can be cold, but even with the increased time to warm up my car I shouldn't be seeing this low of mileage.

ZACMAN · 09-08-2007, 04:58 PM

I have only run two tanks through my Xa so far. Bought it with 10miles on it. This is my first automatic in many, many, many years... I use it for a cummuter car,, back and forth to work. 75 miles round trip. I got 36 on my first tank and 39 on the second. I am going approximately 380 miles before my low fuel indicator comes on,, at which point I have about 2 gallons remaining... I am real pleased with the gas mileage..

sondrac11 · 09-12-2007, 04:43 PM

I get 24 mpg and am disappointed in this since my automatic was to get 31 in the city. I use the air condiioner and I drive up hills a bit--perhaps this is why.

sondrac11 · 09-12-2007, 05:07 PM

We have 1400 miles on our Xa and are only getting 24 mpg. I love this car except for being told I'd get 31mpg. I use the air and drive alot of hills. Perhaps after the 5000 mile service I'll get more mpg.

ZACMAN · 09-12-2007, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sondrac11

I get 24 mpg and am disappointed in this since my automatic was to get 31 in the city. I use the air condiioner and I drive up hills a bit--perhaps this is why.

Ok guys.. I live in Florida,, which is all flat land, but,, I have my AC on constantly. In the 80's sometimes when I leave home @ 6:00 AM. I bought this car because it is not a performance car,, therefore I decided to drive it as such. Most of my 70 mile commute is on roads that are 45mph. I cruise at 50 which is exactly 2,000 rmps. When on 55 mph roads, I cruise at 60, which is exactly 2,500 rpms. When starting out,, I have conditioned myself to start easy (which is totally against my nature,, as is driving slow), allowing the auto to shift out at apx. 2,500 - 3,000 rpms. This is "conservative" driving. If your mileage is not 35-39 mpg as mine is - compare how you are driving with the above -- plus take into account hills. Although when I used to drive from Florida to Pittsburgh, Pa., in my Civic,,, I constantly got my best mileage when going through the mountains of Virginia and West Virginia. Anyways,, let us know how your driving habits compare to the above.. I am curious..

sondrac11 · 09-13-2007, 01:44 AM

I live in San Diego on a hill. I drive up that hill probably 3 times a day. I have an automatic. Your speed and level land (highway driving) would give you the best mileage, I'm sure.

ZACMAN · 09-13-2007, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sondrac11

I live in San Diego on a hill. I drive up that hill probably 3 times a day. I have an automatic. Your speed and level land (highway driving) would give you the best mileage, I'm sure.

I am sure you are right. Though I wonder how bad your mileage would be on some other vehicles - like a Hemi truck - for instance..

I have never driven so conservatively in my life. Always had quick cars and always accelerated quickly,, most times hitting the rev-limiter in 1st and 2nd gears.

This car is just what I needed to slow me down.. And the benefit is great gas mileage. Just filled up on the way home today (my 3rd tank on this car) and got a solid 38.44 MPG. With the cost of gas,, I think I will be content to drive on the conservative side..

All that aside,, I hope you are enjoying your Xa.

sondrac11 · 09-13-2007, 06:36 PM

I love this car so much I thought about buying one for my husband, rather, we buying another one because they're not making it anymore. The newer model has less leg room in the back. The 7 mile disparigy (sp?) stopped me from singing it's praises.

The way you fit in the driver's seat.The 5 doors. Only 11 inches longer than a MINI Cooper--half the price. I haven't even tried out the cd player buy my daughter says it's great. Here in CA. you can get into small parking spaces and you REALLY need that here. Love the car!

ZACMAN · 09-13-2007, 07:36 PM

I personally don't understand why car companies constantly do that (Xa to the "new and improved Xd). They make an economical car - that is funky. They they make it bigger, heavier, more power, less mileage (which was the whole idea), more money and last but not least -- less funk.. I guess what attracted me to the Xa wouldn't attract me to the "new" Xd. But then again,, I love my 73 Beetle.
I agree. I would look for another Xa - long before I would buy an Xd.

Hey,, that reminds me,, I haven't dried my CD player yet either.
Off to the garage. Going to give it a try right now!!!!

thaharlequin · 09-13-2007, 08:25 PM

Driving conservatively, depending on what you mean, can hurt mileage. Generally, plenty of throttle when you need and can use it, staying off the brakes, and keeping your top speed down in your OD gear are what will help get the best mileage. Cold starts (block heater) hurt, *speeding hurts, rushing up to reds in order to wait for greens hurts, excessive idling hurts, etc... A lot of behavior like accelerating slowly is actually counterproductive for economy since all engines I know of operate more efficiently near WOT. Course, this doesn't mean you should jam on the gas just to slam on the brakes, but if you have open road there's no reason not to give it some gas until you reach your cruising speed and drop into your tallest gear.

*And by speeding I mean going above the limit. Hang out on the right at around or below the limit and your mpgs will go up.

ZACMAN · 09-13-2007, 09:39 PM

OK, so then why am I getting better mileage than most have reported? Anyone out there getting over 39mpg with no highway driving?

ZACMAN · 09-14-2007, 11:56 AM

"since all engines I know of operate more efficiently near WOT".

For those of you who might not know what WOT means,, the above pearson is trying to say that running you car with the throttle wide open (meaning pedal to the floor) will make your car run the most efficiently. Maybe they don't understand the meaning of WOT or "efficient" but that has never been the case, nor will ever be the case with any engine. Maybe we need to look up the word efficient,, or redefine it.. WOT means no vaccum, most fuel consumption and least mileage possible. I am all for WOT and fast acceleration, but have never heard anyone claim that it was efficient..