San Diegan Mileage?

[gamernotwatcher]

I have been AWOL for a bit, driving my Smart since March. Got 5000 miles now averaging 36 miles/gal, today was a 200 mile day, around SD county to the airport and back to OC, 336 miles 8.791 gal. This only works out to 38 miles per gallon. More than 80% was Freeway average speed 70+. Since I have not be reading the postings what are we San Diegans finding for mileage on the Passions?

Trying to figure out if :
1. K&N filter is worthwhile.
2. Ordering power steering is causing mileage depletion.
3. Can a service visit to the dealer do anything worthwhile for mileage improvement

Thanks in advance

[gborgan]

I don't own one, but I do have a PT Cruiser which has a similar problem of lower mileage than we'd think...and I believe the reason is the same.

The smart car is 5 feet tall. It's a "wind pusher" at speed. Next time you go to Orange County on the I-5, try 60mph in the slow lane as an experiment. I don't think it's reasonable to expect any tall vehicle to get 40mpg at 70mph. Even the big motorcycles can't do it because of their large windshields. The fact that you averaged 37 is remarkable under the circumstances.

PT Cruisers are tall, heavy cars. Mine has been averaging 23mpg in mixed driving. I rarely go over 65mph. Friends have complained of getting 18 or worse on trips over to Phoenix...doing 75-80. The car will get 27-28mpg at 55-60 but no faster. There you go. The Geo Metro will get high 40s at 70mph because it's low, more aerodynamic, and lighter weight.

Don't feel embarrassed to go slow. Even Prius drivers are doing 55 in the slow lane. It's fun to try and get even better mileage than what's already the best.

[SunDiego]

I've been averaging about 40mpg. 80% free way 20% town.

[mahshadi]

I have been getting about 43 mpg. 80% hwy @ 70mph.
I have 700 miles on the car.

[runner33]

So far my best average MPG is 42.92. 40% urban 60% freeway, no A/C, no passenger, speeds no greater than 65mph, RPM’s below 3000, recommended tire pressure and using premium fuel. I averaged 37.9 mpg with A/C 50% of the time, with a passenger 50% of the time and same driving habits. My worse average mpg is 34.7 when going 70-85mph on the freeway and accelerating above 3000rpm’s from the start using the A/C 50% of the time. I think the key to get the best mileage on the smart, is to keep the rpm's below 3000 as much as possible and limit A/C usage. As for the K&N air filter, I’m not sure if it does increase mpg’s as others claim, but waiting to see what ScanGauge users are getting with the k&n air filters compared to stock.

[mocmylov]

I've had my car for a little over a month, and about 2800 miles on it... I'd say I drive 60% city, and my average so far has been about 35mpg, my best was 38... I live in Hidden Meadows north of Escondido. Getting up a long steep hill at 40 mph is taxing on my mileage for sure... And since it's summer my ac is off only at night and early morning... I hope to break into the 40's by winter ;)

[sreeb]

Check your tire pressure. Turn off the air conditioning. Go easy on the gas pedal. Try to buy gas with as little ethanol as possible. Your oil choice may make a difference.

[JTT]

Hmmm ... I see lots of posts of people getting millage in the 40's. Ok, but I drive like a normal person, keeping up with traffic, not impeding it. So far, I've got 7500 miles, and my total average is 35.02 MPG. Premium costco gas, 80 miles per day (M - F) 80% freeway, 20% stop/go. I use my AC, but I cycle it on just enough to cool the cabin then I turn it off. Love Small One, but will love it more when I get my cruise control :-)

[smartist]

Lately our mileage stinks. Last refuel was only 28 mpg. Typical San Diego combination of freeway & in-town driving. I'll confess to a heavy foot & the AC always on, but 28 mpg is ridiculous. First refuel was 37 mpg & it's been going down steadily since. 1800 miles on it now.