I only got 37 mpg on this tank. 90% highway

[Smart Enuf]

Originally Posted by mnext02

what a joke. this little car should get so much better.

Being the highest mileage car with a pure gas engine isn't good enough for you? As others said, if mileage means that much to you, get a hybrid. Or demand that the car manufacturers make microcars that are less safe than the smart so you can get your extra 5 mpg or so. I'll stick to the smart's balance of mileage, safety, and fun design over cookie cutter blandness any day.

[16d @ 4]

Originally Posted by mnext02

what a joke. this little car should get so much better.

So I dont wanna hear about people getting 50 mpg in their smarts.
Its impossible, so don't lie.

If you keep going from no throttle to pedal to the metal, you'll never get over 37 mpg. You have to drive you Smartie smoother (in term of throttle). Just remember you won't be breaking any land speed record, so mellow out, and you'll see much better mileages.

I stay between 60-70 mph on the highway and really easy with the throttle, and I'm getting 43 mpg all freeway and 38 mpg for mixed driving.
Hope you can work out your mpg problem.

[Quagmire]

Hills, headwinds and use of the A/C are all mileage killers. If you don't want it too burn so much gas... Just leave it parked more.

[saronian]

Kiwi

[msjohnson1974]

Lets just all take a moment to remember HOW much mnext02 complained prior to getting a smart... looks like someone just can't be happy.

[SuperGeek]

mnext, if you're not happy with your car I talked to someone who will take it off your hands for you. Let me know if you want to get rid of it.

[smartune]

Must be those 17" chrome wheels, that are under $1000 (without tires) that don't impair performance, handling or ride quality; surely that is the problem...

Or it could possibly be your attitude...

Or maybe the lead foot!

<3

[SunDiego]

Sell the car and make someone happy who actually wants it.

[SuperGeek]

Originally Posted by smartune

Must be those 17" chrome wheels, that are under $1000 (without tires) that don't impair performance, handling or ride quality; surely that is the problem...

Or it could possibly be your attitude...

Or maybe the lead foot!

<3

Ouch, coming from a vendor that deals with performance mods, I'd say that comment has credibility and smackdown in one shot.


We all know that outer tire diameter makes a difference in miles measured. Are those 17" chrome wheels (when compressed under the car's weight) changing the tire diameter enough to cause a 10% difference in mileage measurement? I don't know the rims in question and I haven't studied math for 20 years, so can someone do the math and figure out what it would take to reduce apparent fuel economy by 10%?

[rwjrn]

I average around 37-38mpg. I'm not a lead foot starting out, but I do drive with the a/c on most of the time and I maintain about 70-75mph. I get a big smile on my face every time I get this kind of mileage. I'm perfectly happy with it. Especially since my other car gets about 17mpg.