Is 40 mpg enough?

[larry221]

Hello

I am new to this forum and have just purchased a well used 92 metro, 5 speed, 1.0 L with 170K. I bought this car at an auction so dont have any previous info on it. I have done some minor tune up things to the engine such as new plugs and replaced some of the cracked vacuum lines. My question is I know these motors are rated in the 50's for mileage per gallon. I am only getting 37-40mpg on the interstate and was wondering if I am expecting too much from a motor with so many miles or is there some more tweaking I can do to get even better mileage. The car does not appear to smoke or use oil and the air filter seems clean and the plug wires and distributor cap apear fairly new. It runs great and seems to have good power except in the hills in 5th gear.Anyway if anybody has any advice for me it would be appreciated

Thanks

[Mike_Van]

How fast are you driving on the interstate? I believe the EPA tests highway mileage at low(er) speeds, like a steady 48 mph or something on a flat road, not using any accessories.

If you're going over 60 in any vehicle, you're traveling faster than the speed required for max. mpg. I'd say 40 isn't terrible, considering the miles on the engine and knowing nothing about the condition everything else is in (tire type, wheel alignment, tire pressure, brakes not dragging).

I have to be very nice, i.e. light on the accelerator, to my '96 1.0 5-sp (where 4th *and* 5th are overdriven gears) to coax out 50 mpg.

I'd check out the condition of the plugs and fuel filter. Also, running a can of 44k (FI-cleaner) through on you next tank of gas can't hurt.

Peace,
Mike

[metrompg.com]

Also, with winter approaching and temperatures falling, you're not going to see max mpg. Max mileage is a summer phenomenon. Expect cold weather mileage to be off by 20% or more, all else being equal.

I mention this because I looked up your location - Iowa. Looks like it's going down to 37 F on Sunday night in your zip code!

I baby my '98 Firefly almost all the time, and I've already started to see my mileage dropping where I live (Ontario). Same reason - colder weather has arrived, and it's going to get worse before it gets better...

Another simple suggestion to mitigate the cold weather mpg slide: double-check the pressure in your tires, and check regularly as outside temps continue to fall - I'm sure you already know that air pressure decreases as ambient air temps drop.

Good luck!

[TioSanchez]

I'm getting about 40 mpg right now. It's a 93 5spd 1.0L. I have a 150 mile commute each day with about 75 percent on the freeway. Typically, I run about 70-75 mph. I think I can still get a little more out of it once I fix my high idle and hiccup problem.

[larry221]

Hey

Thanks for all the responses. yes it is getting colder here in the mornings and I am sure this car would get even better mileage in the summer. Also the 40 mpg is not only interstate. it is 95% interstate and the rest stop and go.I am sure it would do a little better on hyway only. I am still going to do some tweaking on it to see if I can get better. I also have the fast idle problem that others are talking about here on this forum. Perhaps If I can get that fixed the mileage will get better., Thanks