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I have read more than a few threads on Altima gas mileage, and several people are doing way better than I mileage-wise. Typically, someone will say in one of those threads something like "If you aren't getting X miles per gallon, you should take your car to the dealer - there's something wrong." But no one ever says what the dealer will in fact attempt to do. Is this suggestion just idle chatter (pun intended), or is there something we could actually expect the dealer to be able to do to improve mileage? Is there something in particular they should be looking for? I am a reformed fast-accelerator who has made an honest and significant effort to change driving habits in order to improve mpg. I am still getting 23/24 in mixed driving, while others report high 20's and low 30's. Mine is the 2.5SL. I want to know if taking the car to the dealer is even a realistic option. Can I really complain, given my reported mileage? I bought the car genuinely hoping to post significant improvements over my '98 Subaru Outback, but so far, the difference is only moderate.
I seriously doubt the dealer can/will do anything.
Slow down even more than you have and you'll start seeing the numbers. Even a "reformed fast-accelerator" can still be accelerating pretty fast.
Just for fun one day, reset your computers MPG setting and every time you accelerate, try to keep it under 2000 RPM and don't be in a hurry to get to the red lights. See what happens to your mileage.
I consistently get a calculated 29 to 31 MPG in mixed driving here in Los Angeles.
There are about 7200 miles on the odometer, and it's been pretty cold lately, high of about 30-35 most days, sometimes only in the teens/twenties. I think I started to feel like somebody's grandparent with my slow accelerations - it was pretty pathetic. I really don't idle the car much at all to warm up - maybe 15-30 seconds most days. For a while, I was putting the car into neutral to coast down hills and on the way to stop signs - saw some increase then, but on the whole, I'm not seeing much improvement.
There are about 7200 miles on the odometer, and it's been pretty cold lately, high of about 30-35 most days, sometimes only in the teens/twenties. I think I started to feel like somebody's grandparent with my slow accelerations - it was pretty pathetic. I really don't idle the car much at all to warm up - maybe 15-30 seconds most days. For a while, I was putting the car into neutral to coast down hills and on the way to stop signs - saw some increase then, but on the whole, I'm not seeing much improvement.
Let me ask you this:
What is your run-time between shut-offs?? How LONG are you driving the car between stopping and restarting.
The reason I ask - you can EXPECT the car to drink the fuel in cold weather with frequent cold starts. I, for example, have the 3.5SE and 4-5 days a week, start the car, drive 15 miles to work, then start the car again after 12 hrs and drive 15 miles home. That nets me around 23mpg. If, however, I run the car more than just 15 miles at a time, my mileage improves dramatically. Cold starts really suck the fuel down, no matter how nicely you drive. The more cold starts you accumulate in a tank of gas, the more the mileage will drop, regardless of driving style.
I seriously doubt the dealer can/will do anything.
Slow down even more than you have and you'll start seeing the numbers. Even a "reformed fast-accelerator" can still be accelerating pretty fast.
Just for fun one day, reset your computers MPG setting and every time you accelerate, try to keep it under 2000 RPM and don't be in a hurry to get to the red lights. See what happens to your mileage.
I consistently get a calculated 29 to 31 MPG in mixed driving here in Los Angeles.
I guess you drive in light traffic? I know you got 2.5, but still that is pretty nice. my 3.5 driving in LA during medium/heavy traffic (25-30mph) results in crappy 22/23MPG during those grueling 20 mile commutes.
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car history
1992 Toyota Corolla -->2002 Toyota Corolla -->2004 Toyota Camry 4cyl --> 2007 Nissan Altima 3.5SE CVT Radiant Silver/Winter Frost
My wife and I have a pool going on who will post tomorrow's Fuel Ecconomy thread.
We have yet to see the beginning of the Fuel Economy threads. As the prices per gallon go up this summer, people will become more aware and cautious, therefore producing more and more threads. Maybe even more than the HID threads?
OP: If you only have 7200 miles on the odo you shouldn't worry too much. My mileage went up by a couple of miles per gallon around 8000 to 8500 miles.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by carfreak67
Let's get this straight.
You're an Indian and I'm an Indian.
Difference is that you're the 7-Eleven kind and I'm the alcoholic kind.
.....As the prices per gallon go up this summer, people will become more aware and cautious, therefore producing more and more threads. Maybe even more than the HID threads? .
Hey, that's crazy talk!
Bottom line - this motor/CVT tranny (you do have a CVT, right?) DOES NOT LIKE cold weather.
I try to warm mine up 4-5 min. before driving and I think that helps (ie. crank it first then go back in house/work for something you purposely leave). I also drive slower--problem w/the CVT is that it's fun and gives you a lead foot. Self control is key. Like stated, put the mpg readout and leave it there to train yourself. $4/gal. this summer. The mpg #'s on tv and sticker/Consumer Reports are under IDEAL conditions--very rare compared to everyday conditions.
Think about it... when you idle you get 0 mpg. The best thing is to use an engine block heater on a timer and have it set to come on 2 hours hours before you leave in the morning. This will reduce fuel needed for cold starts and greatly improve your fuel economy:
there is nothing wrong with your car. the mileage estimates are just that, estimates. there are sooo many things that effect your mileage. first of all, don't believe everything you read here. I doubt everybody is honest when posting their mileage. not saying it's intentional, could be honest mistakes. But when I see somebody post how they drive 90mph everywhere in their 3.5 and get 45mpg I just take it for what it is, BS. Most likely, they just aren't accurately figuring their mileage, or using the cars mpg number, which is easy to manipulate. More importantly though, things like driving habits, weather, the type of gas you use, and even where you live can effect you MPG. living in certain areas can require certain additives and even ethanol be put in the gas. and additives and especially ethanol will reduce you mileage.
In the end, just relax, there's nothing wrong with your car, and nothing the dealership can do for you.
this past few tanks have been pretty crappy fuel mileage, but it's been very cold and I haven't been letting the car warm up properly.... my car is averaging 27.3 mpg... so I guess it's not that bad... PS I have a 2.5SL as well..
if your mileage is really that bad, take it to the dealership... maybe you have a faulty O2 or something??
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