New smart hits the road

[JohnnyM]

April/19/08 reservation for new smart

May/26/09 smart loaded on vessel at Bremerhaven, Germany

June/8/09 smart released at Baltimore, MD

July/6/09 smart delivered to dealer and picked up

July/12/09 smart gets fueled and the mileage after the first 271 miles on the tank is unscientifically calculated at 37 mpg

The gas mileage was pretty surprising since the car, running the ac almost the whole time, was being driven enthusiastically.

I know this mileage may not be truly accurate but seems a good sign.

[NCC1701]

Good to know you're enjoying your new car! 37 MPG is better than my long run average, and it sounds like you drive kinda like I do.

Others have noted a substantial increase in fuel efficiency after 1-2,000 miles, as the engine breaks in. I noticed a slight increase. As you apparently realise, your MPGs can be more accurately calculated over a span of tanks.

Welcome to the club!

[mvaldes]

Congratulations and many miles of safe, enthusiastic driving! And, welcome to the forum.

[chieftmc]

JohnnyM, welcome to the asylum

Glad you got your smart and that you're enjoying it. I too drive it "enthusiastically"

Have a great time. Hope to see you around at the SCI Tech Talks or one of the other various functions

[JohnnyM]

Great commuter!! Zero problems. Fuel mileage unscientifically calculated to be in the upper 30's to 40 MPG which I feel is very good for the type of driving done.

[rfernatt]

Glad your enjoying the ride!

If you're interested in tracking and sharing your fuel mileage, we always need a few more smart owners on Fuelly.com.

[JohnnyM]

Flawless performance, the ultimate commuter, the car drives better now than ever, or have I just learned to pilot it?
Getting ready for some more wrenching fun at 10,000, it's so easy I look forward to it again. All stocked up on oil and filters.

[jimvw57]

Seems like my mileage jumped after about 12,000 miles, then again after 20K. Looking at around 41-43 now, started with 37-39. Only been a year on this car, Still look forward to driving.. even to work!!

[MichaelSmart]

The key to greater mileage is to run with the windows down and the air conditioning off. We get 41 mpg average this way. We only have 6,000 miles on the car and if what Im reading is correct we should see a bump up when we get more miles on the car.
Thanks,
Michael

[JohnnyM]

Originally Posted by MichaelSmart

The key to greater mileage is to run with the windows down and the air conditioning off. We get 41 mpg average this way. We only have 6,000 miles on the car and if what Im reading is correct we should see a bump up when we get more miles on the car.
Thanks,
Michael

Yeah you should see your mpg climb as your motor is more worn in. But you are a brave soul to drive around with your windows open and the AC off in the Texas heat. There is no way I would do that in my climate as I would ruin my car's interior with the moisture and sweat stains I can still average 38-39 mpg driving with the AC on