The fuel economy really isn't a factor for me. At least, it was not initially. My VUE is a 2.2L/5 speed and will pull a combined 25 MPG average if I behave... and I usually get about 320 miles out of a tank (granted, that tank just took me $56 to fill last week... I have had a heavy foot the past few weeks).
Now, I am looking forward to it. I'm probably not going to be competing with anyone for mileage - I am going to drive it and enjoy doing it. There are too many sluglike Priuses (Priii?) around here that enrage those of us on the road who want to move (Ezra Dyer has a great article on this in the latest Automobile magazine).
It's going to be one of those things like the polymer panels on my Saturn. It wasn't a purchase consideration at all, since I usually park in far out spots. I now have to park close to other cars living in this complex, and my poor VUE has had a few whacks in the past 2 years. Still, I spent about 6 hours washing and waxing the old boy earlier, and I love how it still looks good and the minor scrapes polish right out.
I have to say that mileage was only one factor, and not the main factor. Here they were:
1. Price
2. Mileage
3. Parking (remember: I'm parking in Manhattan)
4. Cuteness
I couldn't have bought a $50,000 car, so price was certainly an issue. The fact that the Smart was less expensive than (or the same price as) comparable cars was key. Mileage boiled things down to Yaris, Smart, Prius, and the like, tho Smart was still way in the lead. Parking then narrowed the choice down, and cuteness cinched it.
Had a Smart Car not been available as soon as mine was (I got lucky), I may have opted for a Mini, Fit, or Yaris
I bought my smart for the mileage and safety. I could talk my wife into this easier than a CanAm Spyder. Since March 7th, I've kept meticulous mileage records. Over-all mileage of mostly short-distance city driving (7 miles or less) is 35.73 mpg.
My high tank was 41.40 mpg, with a 40.87 mpg being second. The first half of that high mpg tank was driving 45 mph through Big Bend National Park, with a tailwind and windows open - I estimate that I got 47 mpg, but the way from Terlingua to Midland had headwinds and 95 degree heat, so the A/C was keeping me chilled.
My two lowest mpg tanks occured under different conditions. My lowest was last week with only 31.38 mpg, while the next lowest was my first tank on March 7th, 31.72 mpg. Last week's tank was in town with A/C blowing, a sharp contrast to the 36.76 mpg from the previous week when I was still able to drive with the windows down. The first tank was driving the new tight engine on IH10 from San Antonio, through the Hill County to Midland, with a raging headwind; at least 30 mph sustained with 50 mph gusts.
I think the most recent A/C-induced economy reduction is acceptable considering the heat alternative. A also think the economy drop wouldn't be so extreme if the premium fuel was rated more than the 90 octane that I find. What happened to the 93 - 95 octane premium I used in my M3 5 years ago?
My Passion Smart Car has about 500 miles on it. On mostly steady speed 55-60 mph, I get as high as 46 mpg. In mixed driving, with a lot of regaining speed from low revs, I get 28. Anyone figured out what the optimum rpm or speed in 5 th. gear is, mileage-wise ?
Guy
I've found that shifting at 15 mph gaps works well. This puts the shift about 3,800 - 4,000 rpm dropping to 2,500 - 3,000 rpm.
The (my) engine seems to like ~3,500 rpm cruising speed - about 73 mph in 5th gear.
Again, thank you Round Rock smat for adding my tachometer.
Wow, 90 is all you can get. its either 89 or 93 here. I wish 91 was available around here.
90 is the good stuff. 86 is regular and 88 is mid-grade. I'm investing $2.99 in O'Reilly's octane booster to see what a half bottle will do for zhippy.
NEVER buy a new car for the increase in gas milage!!! The cost of giving up a tried and proven used vehicle with say 50,000 mi that you bought new, gets average milage and you know the maintenance record of for something new, offsets the advantage of many current vehicles with increased fuel economy unless (1) you were driving a Hummer Alpha or other 7 - 10 mpg gas drinker to commute in, or (2) your existing vehicle soooo tired it blows, or (3) you have earned a level of income where having another little car to toot around in is just the thing to do; but then if #3, why worry about the gas?
Last edited by Dunerunner; 05-26-2008 at 01:52 PM.
I saw the gas problem coming way back, even before I ordered the smart in April 2007. I still believe we will see $5-$6 before the end of 2008.
I did not, and still don't, like the hybrids (this could change in a year or two). Bottom line considerations, not necessarily in this order, were - price, size, gas mileage, reliability (bought extended warranty [5 yr 75k] through our CU as it was within $200 price of smart only with $0 deductible - Administered by the same warranty outfit as the smart warranty too), insurability and fun to drive.
I knew the mileage would range from 31 and up. With 450+ miles the average is about 37MPG. I fully expect this to go up as engine and transmission get to 1,000 miles. If mileage, gets no better than 37MPG I can live with that, but I really believe it will get up to 40+. 85% of my travel, back and forth to work, is Interstate.
This vehicle is fun to drive. With gusty winds you have to really pay attention to your driving, but I enjoy it, some folks won't and will probably hate it.
Last edited by Chassol; 05-26-2008 at 01:55 PM.
Reason: wording
I'm getting the car because of the great mileage AND because it it the only car that gets that kind of mileage and I can still fit in it. I hate sitting down into cars and stuggling to get back out. I had a VW bug back in the mid-60's. This is a modern version of that car. Let's just hope it is as reliable.
I saw the gas problem coming way back, even before I ordered the smart in April 2007. I still believe we will see $5-$6 before the end of 2008.
I did not, and still don't, like the hybrids (this could change in a year or two).
I agree with you on both calls. I have two nice vehicles, but neither has good economy. Gas will get much more expensive, since we are addicted to oil, and there aren't many pushers working this corner.
As far as hybrids, two problems, nickel metal-hydride batteries and DC moter electromagnetic fields. The batteries are mass of rechargable C-cells that have heavy metals such as cadmium in a high pH paste. Hazardous materials to dispose or clean-up after an accident.
The EMF is a greater concern. Westinghouse sold alternating current generators by talking of the dangers of this new radiation, much to T.A. Edison's chagrin. Kind of like sitting on a microwave; do you really want to risk it?
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Today
Linear Mode
