Open Road Trip - Break In Period

[bwood969]

After purchasing of my new PURE with stereo and AC from the dealer in Lindon, Utah, I decided to take it out on the open road. I started with about 300 miles on the odometer.
Total trip miles was 1171
Route: Salt Lake City through Wyoming into Montana back through Yellowstone Park to Salt Lake.

Terrain: Mountains and valleys
Weather: Rain, wind and sunny days
Mileage - 48 MPG for the trip
After the initial 1000 miles of break in, I stepped up the speed to 70 MPH and kept it around there. Using the AC at 70 mph did not seem to have a negative affect. Worked great.
During cross winds on two lane back roads, the semi's have a tendency to suck the car towards them when going the opposite direction. Got lots of stares from other motorists. At one stop I ended up giving a curious person a ride because of the interest.

Summary: Very happy with the comfort, performance and mileage. Great Car!

Brent.

[rfernatt]

I just finished an 1,800 mile plus road trip and have done 1,500 and 1,000 mile trips as well. I agree with your assessment on a stock car - larger wheels/tires mitigate the crosswind/semi issue to some degree.

The only thing the car really needs for a long trip is cruise control - it just kills my leg after a while.

On the trip wish list: a better trip computer in the cluster and a sixth gear with lower RPMs for level cruising. I shift manually and am always going for that non-existent sixth...

[bwood969]

rfernatt,
You probably already know this but the area451.com has a cruise that connects to the ECU to control speed. Its rather spendy at over 400$; but may be work the long journey.

I plan to get one after my 2 year/24K warranty expires. The documentation says it can void the warranty. I imagine if the installer screws up the ECU wiring, it would!

Thanks for the reply

Brent

[SmartDigger]

My left foot must be heavy. the best I ever got sop far is 40mpg

[rfernatt]

Originally Posted by bwood969

You probably already know this but the area451.com has a cruise that connects to the ECU to control speed. Its rather spendy at over 400$; but may be work the long journey.

Yep, I'm aware of the Area451 and MDC after market cruise units, but haven't taken the plunge. Now that some dealers are installing these, I may feel a little more comfortable with their use.

[jimvw57]

After driving my Pure almost excusivly since September of last year, I am driving my 86 Jimmy, I miss my Smart but the cruise on the Jimmy is kind of nice.. Hopefully I can get one installed during the Midwest Rally in my Smart.....

My first tank got 48 MPG but I assumed it may have been topped off at the dealer. Subsequent tanks got a bit less. Last dozen or so tanks were right around 40-42. I'm curious if the cruise would make a difference.

[jwight]

Originally Posted by bwood969

rfernatt,
You probably already know this but the area451.com has a cruise that connects to the ECU to control speed. Its rather spendy at over 400$; but may be work the long journey.

I plan to get one after my 2 year/24K warranty expires. The documentation says it can void the warranty. I imagine if the installer screws up the ECU wiring, it would!

Thanks for the reply

Brent

Copied from another thread:

From page 7 of the warranty booklet:
A. Some Modifications Do Not Void the Warranties But Are Not Covered
Certain changes that you might make to your vehicle do not, by themselves, void the warranties described in this booklet. Examples of some of these changes are:
• installing non-smart USA parts, components, or equipment (such as a non-smart USA radio or speed control); and
• using special non-smart USA materials or additives.