glennco

I apologize if this looks like a duplicate post, but my first post didn't seem to show up. My wife and I are considering the purchase of a '05 2.3L hatchback with an automatic transmission, and I was wondering what kind of mileage you folks are getting?

Do you folks think this car can get 34mpg on the highway if I keep it under 70?

thanks in advance

glennco

Any comments on this? What kind of mileage are you folks getting with your 3 series?

jzoomer

yea you could achieve that...buy it put a k&n filter and drive modest..

glennco

thanks jzoomer, do others agree with that?

The car we're replacing is a Saturn that got like 35 on the highway, and I'm really hoping we can at least get 32 on the road.

thoughts all?

ivo

I think it is possible. Driving highway only with speed under 70 with no uphill - yeah

dentinger

yupp, quite do-able.
ive had times where i was on the highway where my display said i was getting 5.1L/100kms... which is equal to about 45 mpg.
i seem to usually be around 7.1L/100kms, so 34mpg.
but i also have an intake and exhaust. (btw, these two mods greatly increase fuel economy)

menelaosk

Driving around Seattle I have been getting 30.5 mpg over the last 1500 miles. The car can go about 400 miles on a tank. When the low fuel light comes on I refuel the car. The tank at that point takes in about 12.5 gal. and the trip shows around 380 miles.

glennco

Well folks, it looks like we're the proud parents of a '05 2.3L hatch. I already have the K&N on order.

thanks again for all the help

jzoomer

congratulations....and dont become a sranger

glennco

Well, we put our first tank of gas in the mazda and ended up getting 29mpg. Pretty frustrating to say the least, hopefully the K&N and possible a throttle body cleaning can get it up to 32. What this auto really needs is another gear.

J-Protege

Say it with me:

Break in period.

glennco

j-Protege,

This is an '05 with 32k on it. I would assume that this is well past the break-in period for the 2.3L.

J-Protege

Haha, I see. Sounded like you were buying new at first... but nevermind, I guess you did say it was an 05.

If it is used, at 30000kms, couldn't hurt to do some simple mileage helpers.
Replace the plugs and oil change. Get a high flow air filter (K&N should do it.) And of course, use cruise when you can, AC off if at all possible.

I've heard some people claim to get better mileage with an intake/exhaust combo, but that'll run you a bit more cash.

jzoomer

man you like money huh...lol i would start off with some injector cleaner with your next tank of gas the injectors could be gunked up...then what ^^he said lol

zzoomp09

My mileage varies a lot. Living in the NYC Area will have a lot of impact on your gas mileage.

If you're travelling 40/60, 50/50, 60/40 (city/highway) combinations, I average around 24 to 31. If mostly on highways, you'll definitely hit at least 33. NYC traffic most of the time, will be in the low 20's.

I drove from Montreal to NYC through the hills and mountains at an average of 75-85mph. And when I reached NYC, my trip computer said 33.6mpg. Used cruise control a lot though.

So 34 is possible specially if under 70 and using the cruise control. The 2007 EPA estimates on the 2.3L 3 is 26/33 (city/highway) on the manual tranny. I've definitely hit that, even beat that sometimes.