MPG's

[jwight]

So, it should read "MPG" as miles per gallon is already plural. Same as "RPMs" - no need for the "s" - revolutions per minute. Discuss.

[Jennifer- Sacramento]

The low down on the hoe down in Sacramento:
Being a service advisor at a smart center I've heard it all, lol. One client said 60mpg drafting from a semi. Do I recommend this? Not in the slightest. Mostly I hear mid forties to low fifties. Some offer up 36 mpg. Mainly it depends on traffic patterns, shifting, and gas. Generally speaking you should shift between 2500 to 3500 rpm. Seems to make the car the happiest. If you are a lead foot, or in stop and go traffic, you will not get the groovin' gas mileage you want. Most of my clients tell me they get better gas mileage when driving in manual mode.
Is this helpful at all???

[NCC1701]

Originally Posted by jwight

So, it should read "MPG" as miles per gallon is already plural. Same a "RPMs" - no need for the "s" - revolutions per minute. Discuss.

Redundancy

ATM machine
PIN number
Percent APR
VIN Number

[grasshopper]

I'm only getting about 32 MPG here in the city (Houston). It's all stop and go between me and my office (6 miles) and I have to run the air conditioner the whole time. I have been very disappointed since I keep hearing about well everyone else is doing on their mileage. I went to San Antonio last month (189 miles), drove 75 MPH the whole way, and got 33 MPG. I've even tried driving all automatice for a tank or two and then manual; it seems to make no difference whatsoever. :-(
I still absolutely love this car though! I can't say enough about it!

[jwight]

Maybe one of the Houston folks could loan you a Scangauge for a week or so. Great device for seeing your mileage real time and learning to adjust your driving accordingly. A week should be enough for you to learn how to improve your gas consumption IMHO.

[rfernatt]

Originally Posted by grasshopper

I'm only getting about 32 MPG here in the city (Houston). It's all stop and go between me and my office (6 miles) and I have to run the air conditioner the whole time. I have been very disappointed since I keep hearing about well everyone else is doing on their mileage. I went to San Antonio last month (189 miles), drove 75 MPH the whole way, and got 33 MPG. I've even tried driving all automatice for a tank or two and then manual; it seems to make no difference whatsoever. :-(
I still absolutely love this car though! I can't say enough about it!

The deck is certainly stacked against you - short trips, A/C, stop and go traffic, and I'm guessing it's probably not broken in yet. It may improve somewhat with break in. As far as trips go, the smart doesn't get it's best mileage at higher speeds especially if the A/C is running. I'd try to keep it between 60 and 70 for best results, but that may not be practical in your area.

A ScanGauge may give you some ideas, but I don't think it's going to matter much in those conditions.

Also, are you running 93 octane and can you get it without ethanol? My MPGs can vary noticeably depending on the station and ethanol mix.

[tidbit]

Only two fill ups so far.

[chapindad]

I have a side question. I read the manual about only using 93 octane or else the car will explode. I do plan on only using 93 octane but I remember during the last gas spike and there was zero 93 octane to be had for three weeks in Columbia, SC. Can I use the low octane stuff or should I add a Octane boost to it?

[tblackley]

Mostly for commuting (61 miles r/t) and am getting 47-49 mpg. This is from 7,000" to 5,000" and back up to the mountains every day. It's mostly freeway driving at 65-70. No lead foot as I make smooth starts and slowdowns. Just loving it.

P.S. It took me a few months and miles to stop "over thinking" how to drive this thing. I just drive now mostly in "D".

Enjoy.

[NickLB]

Originally Posted by NCC1701

I'm always disappointed when I get less than 120 MPG.

Let me just say it. As I say to the most common question I get from the public questioners. I didn't buy my smart for MPGs. Wasn't even a factor. If it is MPGs you want, buy a Prius.

I second the motion. ( Glad to see a Star Trek fan in here, Go Enterprise )