Gas Milage!

[davee99]

Hello,
I am looking to buy a new car here soon and I want something that is good on gas. Out here in California the price of gas is up to three dollars plus. I need something affordable and good on gas. I heard that KIA's were pretty economical and would like to know if anyone has any of the stats on gas milage. Also which vehical gets the best gas milage?

Thanks

[e_powers]

18-22 is the normal for the 1996-2002 models over the course of the year. any other models is up in the air.

[davee99]

That is pretty good. Those are just for 96-02 though. I bet the newer models get better milage. MPG is something that I am seriously looking into with the price of gas so high in So. Cal. Does KIA already have a hybrid car?

Thanks

[Huney1]

Bought new 2007 Spectra EX and half hwy half city driving I got 30.86 first half tank full. 2.0L 4cyl 16V DOHC w/CVVT think it's 128 HP with auto tranny.

Hybrids: Be careful because they cost a lot more and you'll have to save one heck of a lot of gas to recoup the extra money spent on a hybrid. One guy bought a Toyota Prius and another the Toyota Yaris and the Yaris won because it costs thousands less and not that much difference in gas mileage to justify thousands more $$ for the hybrid. Check the Yaris for mileage and value because they are a nice car and been made in Europe a long time and just now made it to the USA. If you can hold off Mercedes is coming out with a little car first part of 2008 suppose to be a super gas sipper 60 mpg. http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news0...smart_car.html

[Huney1]

Computation yesterday shows 32 MPG half hwy half city driving. 700 miles on it now so as it breaks in the mileage will get better.

[cmhj2000]

FWIW the wifes 06.5 Optima W/Auto gets about 36 on the highway.

[Huney1]

Originally Posted by cmhj2000

FWIW the wifes 06.5 Optima W/Auto gets about 36 on the highway.

Not bad at all. Mine has 15" wheels and I wonder if it would increase the mileage to do 16" wheels? I doubt it would be cost effective or save enough gas money to pay for the wheels? 93 octane gas won't help because we don't have the built in octane sensor to adjust the timing.

[cmhj2000]

[quote=Huney1]Mine has 15" wheels and I wonder if it would increase the mileage to do 16" wheels? I doubt it would be cost effective or save enough gas money to pay for the wheels? quote]

Several factors need to be considered when going with larger wheel assys.

Obviously clearance is a concern. However, one thing many miss is the increased rolling resistance that occurs with larger tires & wheels.

Years ago when most cars were overpowered larger wheels &/or tires or a differential ratio change was an easy way to gain mileage and is one I did many times. However, in todays cars where body shapes "aerodynamics" and even the way a car sits in relationship to the highway will be effected.

As you mentioned too, cost versus return over a given set of miles has to be considered. 50K miles is probably a good mileage target to look at when considering the cost of a larger diameter wheel assy. versus any expected returns.

I could type pages of issues as I've done several changes with many cars over the years but these are the initial areas of consideration.

[Huney1]

I remembered I let my tire pressure down to 30 so yesterday I pumped 'em up to 35 and maybe that'll help eek out a few more MPG. 16" wheels I'll forego but I bet it would look nice with a sharp set of those on it.

[Lesleyam]

I think you can go for the latest models because they have very good mileages especially on gas and i think you can go for a FWIW 06.5 Optima auto gives mileage for about 34-36 on Highway.