woody189

I searched the forums and didn't find any recent posts on this topic. If there is one, then sorry.


I have a P5 and am getting 22 mpg mixed. I see a lot of other people from older posts were getting 30+ and others same as me. I tend to shift at around 3-4k rpms (roughly) What are you guys getting?

Also, does the gas you buy increase mileage? I read that higher octane doesn't equal better mileage, but I have also read that better gas stations (BP for example, as opposed to a cheap no-name station) do give you better mileage.

Thanks.

KrayzieFox

I get around 25 mpg with my automatic, and I think most P5s are somewhere in that range. Some do claim 30+ and if that's true, great for them I guess ...

As far as the gas is concerned, higher octane is a waste of money .. it's been tested and discussed all to hell and overall everyone agrees to just use what's recommended. However the quality of gas can make a difference and should be used anyway just to keep your car "healthy". Cheap gas can lead to clogged injectors, clogged fuel lines, rought idling, and a buncha other crap you really don't want happening. Find a gas station you know has good gas and stick with it.

As far as improving your gas mileage, here a couple hints:
1. Check your tire pressure! 35 psi all around should be good (stock Dunlops)
2. Replace/upgrade your spark plugs (NGK ZFR5F-11 extended reach -- recommended by Mazda, supported by the community)
3. Clean that EGR valve I told ya about
4. Clean your air filter regularly
5. Got a roof rack? Do you use it? If no ... take it off. Every bit of wind resistance counts on the highway.

By the way, how many miles are on your car? If you're over 50,000 and still using stock plug wires it might be time for an upgrade.

kargoboy

Couldn't say it any better.

woody189

I'm at 63k right now. I only bought a couple months ago, since 60k. I'm not sure if the previous owner changed the spark plugs, but I guess I'll change them anyway. And as for the EGR valve, I'm going to clean it as soon as I get a chance, probably tomorow. What if after I clean the valve and change the plugs the mileage is still the same? Should I worry about or just accept that my car guzzles a little extra gas. I appreciate the help and you couldn't have answered my other 2 questions about the idling and the a/c any better. Thanks again.

KrayzieFox

If you're at 63K I would probably change the plug wires (shouldn't cost you more than $30) and definately replace the plugs if they look bad. As far as the gas mileage, don't expect a big increase .. maybe 2-3 mpg maximum. Clean plugs and EGR only maximize your current engine performance, and aren't necessarily going to "increase" anything, but they might restore it to a more efficient state.

One other thing I want to note is being able to "read" a spark plug. This can be more important than anything, because it can tell you if something else may be wrong. Examining the insulator firing nose color, and pay attention to details. It can help you determine a lot about the engine's overall condition.

In general:

Light tan/gray color indicates the spark plug is operating at optimum temperature and that the engine is in good condition.

Now if you see dark coloring, heavy black wet or dry deposits that can mean that your car is running too rich, you're running too cold a heat range spark plug, have a possible vacuum leak or too large a plug gap. If you do see wet deposits, it can also be an indication of a breached head gasket so beware!

And of course there are other things that can go bad, so just check out **THIS** link for more detailed information. It's a good link, I think others might find it useful too ...


Let us know what you find out.
Later.

Da P-Funk!

I am currently getting 33+ MPG (mostly hwy @ 80MPH), BUT - i have UD pulley, ported intake and low restriction exhaust...

Also, empty the excess weight - have you got 'junk in da' trunk'? (I plan to keep my bass box - no matter what price fuel... )

Mutt

I get around 23 MPG on my stock auto 02 P5. Most of my driving is inner city and alot of stop and go. As well thats with the occasional AC for the summer.

My Malibu would only get about 21 MPG when I lived outside of town and 90% of my driving was straight highway, so its nice to get decent mileage in town. Im sure if I was doing highway it would be damn near 30.

Luzer

02 P5, I get 29 or 30 mpg. That's about a 50/50 mix of highway and city driving. When I first got the car I was getting 33. That was before the CAI, short shifter, and mazdaspeed exhaust. Now I don't drive it the same way (mild), so my mileage is not quite as good. I love to hear that exhaust. When I get my header I expect the mileage to suffer a little more, but that doesn't bother me if the performance increases.