spencerhut

I've got ~2600 miles on my 2.3l 5-Speed 3 so far. Mileage is in the 30-32 range on the highway crusing 65-80MPH. Mixed City/Highway driving seems to be around 26-28.
Total average so far is 31.1MPG. Not bad for a fun little car.

jackwrx

I was getting about 29 cruising for exactly 300 miles on the interstate with the cruise set at 80 even.

Got a five speed 2.3 3s.

Around town I've been getting about 24.

I don't know what it is about me, but I NEVER get the listed fuel rating on any car I've owned.

99 Civic SI - I got 20 to 21 around town
02 WRX - I got 16 to 18 around town

I guess I need to put my right foot on a diet

WW

We are getting 27.4mpg on our 5-speed 3S 5 door. This is mostly all highway. It seems low to me but wouldn't surprise me since the dealership has been chasing a fuel related gremlin.

spencerhut

What kind of fuel related problem are you having?

WW

We have gotten 5 CEL's in 9,500 miles and the dealership says they are fuel related. They had to pull the fuel tank while trying to diagnose the 4th CEL. I haven't been the one bringing the car in so I don't know exactly what they've said. They did mention that it was widespread and that we weren't alone. I'm not happy because it sounds like they are just guessing and changing random parts which is wasting our time. It looks like we'll be invoking the Lemon Law in order to either get our money back or a replacement car.

spencerhut

I've noticed my fuel pump keeps running for 1 to 5 minutes after the car is turned off. Not sure if that is a "feature" or a problem. I thought it might be circulating fuel to cool the pump. Hmm . . . .

WW

The tech said our check engine lights are due to an EVAP issue and the programming of the PCM/ECM/ECU (or whatever you like calling it). Apparently, Mazda is creating new software but it will take some time as it has to be cleared by the CARB. He also said that the CEL will keep coming on and that it was OK to drive around like that. I'm not happy with the situation and will not drive the car around with the CEL on all the time.

medoyle

I bought an '04 M3 (2.3l/auto) , about a year ago. It has 54k mi, now. The car runs fine, but the mileage stinks (20mpg). I get better mileage w/my wife's '04 Maxima (27mpg).
I have been reading a lot of comments about this issue, but have not seen a solution.
Because many users report good mileage, the car must be capable of decent mileage. There must be one (maybe two) electro/mechanical problems which are causing the poor mileage.
Has anyone learned what is causing this problem and what is the solution?
Thanks!