2012 5 fuel economy reports

[Nurburgringer]

We've put ~800miles on our 6MT 5 since buying her new about a month ago, and I plan on tracking the MPG more for curiosity than anything. Plus I want to feel better about replacing the 5.9L Jeep Grand Cherokee (~15mpg avg).

Since I don't have a trip computer on my 'sport' model I installed a ScanGaugeE, which takes info from the OBD plug. Things like rpm, water temp, and speed are taken directly from sensors already installed in the car, but it also calculates instantaneous MPG I assume via calculations based on engine size (input), manifold pressue, engine load, throttle input, etc.

You're supposed to 'calibrate' the ScanGauge for the first few fill ups. Last week I was pushing the limits trying to fill up with an empty tank and I ran it dry (about 1 mile from the gas station, luckily within walking distance to my home where I had another car and a 2 gallon can of gas :/ ).

Tank #2
~50/50 highway/city, 50% of the time with one or more passenger.
Mileage: 381
Gallons: 15.9
True average: 23.9mpg


The ScanGauge thought I had only used 13.5 gallons, so it's readings during that tank were ~15% optimistic.
After fill up and telling the ScanGauge she really took 15.9g, it immediately adjusted the instant mpg calculations. I may not feel as smug seeing instant mpg readings in the mid to high 20s, but at least it's more like the truth.

I'll post up future tank mpgs - let's hear what you're getting!

 

[jeffismrmom]

I haven't been keeping a keen eye on mpg's on my '12 A/T (2,025 miles), but I can provide some ancillary info for now:

Last fill up: 13.6g
Driving style: 20Hwy/80City, always 1 adult, 2 small kids
Mileage according to TC: ~325
Avg mpg according to TC: 23.7

Though I don't have a ScanGauge, I usually do track mpg the old way (miles/#gallons pumped) on my other cars; haven't been doing this on the 5 yet since I'm early on the break-in and still getting used to driving it. However, I'll start this redundant method just so that more data is available for the group.

Jeff

PS: I'm pretty sure winter-mix fuel is in full effect here, and w/temps now below freezing, my mpg's should drop a fair bit.

 

[Nurburgringer]

Though I don't have a ScanGauge, I usually do track mpg the old way (miles/#gallons pumped) on my other cars; haven't been doing this on the 5 yet since I'm early on the break-in and still getting used to driving it. However, I'll start this redundant method just so that more data is available for the group.

Until I run a few more tanks through I'm taking the ScanGauge MPG with a large grain of salt. As you said, resetting the tripometer after fill up, then dividing the miles driven by the number of gallons taken at the next tank (at the same pump if you want to be super-anal about it) is the best way to check.

Looking forward to seeing how yours changes, if it does, as your 5 breaks in.

Also might be interesting to post the octane. I've put only 87 in so far.

Although <25mpg average (should go up a bit as the motor breaks in and I get over driving her hard ) isn't great, and I'm sure the fancy new SkyActive motors will blow that away, I'm very happy overall with the 2.5L. Good torque, nice growl when giving it the beans, smooth and relatively quiet when cruising.

 

[Hi5_0]

I don't have a ScanGauge and I do my mpg calculations the old fashion way which works great for me. When I first started keeping track, I averaged about <25 mpg. After "tweaking" my exhaust, I'm now averaging about 26.7 mpg. I'm sure I can do better if I stuck to 55 mph (yeah right).

Until I run a few more tanks through I'm taking the ScanGauge MPG with a large grain of salt. As you said, resetting the tripometer after fill up, then dividing the miles driven by the number of gallons taken at the next tank (at the same pump if you want to be super-anal about it) is the best way to check.

Looking forward to seeing how yours changes, if it does, as your 5 breaks in.

Also might be interesting to post the octane. I've put only 87 in so far.

Although <25mpg average (should go up a bit as the motor breaks in and I get over driving her hard ) isn't great, and I'm sure the fancy new SkyActive motors will blow that away, I'm very happy overall with the 2.5L. Good torque, nice growl when giving it the beans, smooth and relatively quiet when cruising.

 

[Nurburgringer]

When I first started keeping track, I averaged about <25 mpg. After "tweaking" my exhaust, I'm now averaging about 26.7 mpg. I'm sure I can do better if I stuck to 55 mph (yeah right).

Please describe your "tweaks"!
I have another trip down to Chicago tomorrow, so will try 'hyper miling" (65mph max, avoid using over 1/2 throttle, etc) a bit and see what happens

 

[chitownpete]

My 12 Sport Auto consistently gets 2-4 MPG more than my 09 stick shift did and its not even fully broken in yet.

 

[dieseldriver]

Did I hear right? Your engine stalled out due to no fuel? I did you get the engine restarted? Did you just kept cranking? Isn't that bad for the engine?

Anyway, I'm glad you got home okay, wow, I never do that. I used to push the limit on my 2002 Golf TDI 5 Speed. I was sort of hypermiling too. Highest I've ever got was 738 miles with less than half of 1/4 tank left. It has little bit shy of 15 gallon tank.

On the Beetle TDi 5Speed, best I've ever got was about 660 miles, and it has the same tank.

Last week I was pushing the limits trying to fill up with an empty tank and I ran it dry (about 1 mile from the gas station, luckily within walking distance to my home where I had another car and a 2 gallon can of gas :/ ).

 

[manualist]

You're supposed to 'calibrate' the ScanGauge for the first few fill ups. Last week I was pushing the limits trying to fill up with an empty tank and I ran it dry (about 1 mile from the gas station, luckily within walking distance to my home where I had another car and a 2 gallon can of gas :/ ).

LOL all that in the name of calibration - you're pretty hardcore My first tank was 27mpg, as I was breaking it in gently. Second tank was 25mpg with more city driving.

 

[dieseldriver]

My average consumption has been about 26.7 - 27 MPG. Right now, averaging about 26.8 combined city/highway. No hard acceleration, just driving normally. Gearbox set to auto only, and I try not to use the Manual mode due to shift lag and I always get confused about what position its set to. Thinking it's in auto when it was in manual - then realizes my mistake when gear does not shift up.

 

[leewan]

Just got back from a 410 mile trip (now 534 miles on the car) and got 26.9 mpg running 68 to 72 mph and some city mixed in. SO I am happy, but will be checking again. Just got a scangauge e and we are off to Florida in two weeks, 1700 miles and it will be loaded, we will see how that comes out.

So far really like the car, we moved down from a Town and Country.

Nice to see Mazda #4 in reliability ahead of Honda and Toyota, M3 best small car which I’m guessing has the same engine and transmission as the 5?

 

[Hi5_0]

I installed an aftermarket exhaust system. It does sounds a little louder than usual but I do believe it added a little more horsepower. I can tell the difference when I climbing on freeway inclines here and especially when passing vehicles. Now if I could keep it at the legal 55/60 mph speed limit here, I would have better gas mileage.

Please describe your "tweaks"!
I have another trip down to Chicago tomorrow, so will try 'hyper miling" (65mph max, avoid using over 1/2 throttle, etc) a bit and see what happens

 

[dieseldriver]

Hi5_0, which brand did you wind up going with? Is it stainless steel or aluminum with mandrel bends I assume? Can you share some pictures and tell us where you get it from? I'm thinking of doing the same. If the diameter is a little larger, than I'd say that the exhaust note gets a bit louder, thought I would say it would have a lot to do with the way the resonator and muffler is designed too.

I installed an aftermarket exhaust system. It does sounds a little louder than usual but I do believe it added a little more horsepower. I can tell the difference when I climbing on freeway inclines here and especially when passing vehicles. Now if I could keep it at the legal 55/60 mph speed limit here, I would have better gas mileage.

 

[Nurburgringer]

Did I hear right? Your engine stalled out due to no fuel? I did you get the engine restarted? Did you just kept cranking? Isn't that bad for the engine?

LOL yup she gave all she could but no gas no go
I was literally 1 mile from the gas station, and luckily had just enough momentum to coast through a no-shoulder construction zone and pull over. Walked across a bridge that was under-construction to save about 1/2 mile's walk home (was also less than 1 mile from home).
After she cut out and rolled to a stop I cranked her over to see if I could get a bit more, but nope she was empty.
Since this was only the car's second tank there shouldn't have been much if any dirt/crud/rust in the gas tank to get ingested into the fuel system (that's the 'bad' part about running a tank dry everyone talks about), and after I put in 1 gallon from a tank I had at home (gas was probably 2 years old!) she fired right back up.
No ill effects noted.

Just got back from a 410 mile trip (now 534 miles on the car) and got 26.9 mpg running 68 to 72 mph and some city mixed in.

Not bad! You calculated that based on miles and #gallons to fill I assume.
Let us know how the road trip to FL goes! We're planning on driving 1700miles+ back to NJ for Thanksgiving, loaded up with 2 shih tzus and lots of snacks.

I installed an aftermarket exhaust system.

Same requests as Diesel please! I don't plan on replacing the exhaust any time soon but always curious what's out there and how it works.

 

[Nurburgringer]

heh, that's only the second time I've run out of gas in over 20 years of driving.
Coasted into a gas station once
Now that I'm old don't usually push it that low, but yeah I wanted the tank to be low and thought I had plenty left thanks to the ScanGauge (loser)
Live and learn!

LOL all that in the name of calibration - you're pretty hardcore My first tank was 27mpg, as I was breaking it in gently. Second tank was 25mpg with more city driving.

 

[dieseldriver]

Well I'm glad nothing bad happened. Well, here's my story. Back in February of this year, I pull over to the Lukoil off of Garden State Parkway going to work on my Beetle TDI (yes, it's a diesel) with empty light on the dash. Looked at the price of diesel and it was good enough in comparison to a truck stop. Asked the attendant to put $20 "diesel" and I was chatting with him not checking it was the right pump or not (or green handle at this station). Lo and behold, I took off, RPM started going wild then stalled out. I had to coast to pull over onto a shoulder. Kept cranking and nothing. Battery dies then I realized that he put gasoline and not diesel according to the receipt that I was going to throw out.

Fast forward several days, I get the gas pumped out and wiped down the tank (I found out that you can find just about any tools at Harbor Freight). Pour in 5 gallons of diesel in tak, suck gas out of fuel line. Then drain fuel filter then started cranking then the engine starts. Then several days later, driver's side brake hose burst. Going down hill about mile long using emergency brakes sliding down, make it to my house. Then after fixing that, serveral days later coming home, I get rear ended by an 80's town car and my rear goes. Driven by a son of Paterson Police Chief's son.

Then about 2 months later, I get neumonia, was in the Emergency room at the hospital and get locked up in confinement because they thought it was TB -- all test, X-ray, MRI, all comes back negative as TB. I come home and on antibiontics for weeks. There you have it folks. Moral of the story is, don't put gasoline in a diesel car

 

[Hi5_0]

Hey dieseldriver, I got my exhaust system from a local shop here in Hawaii. The brand name of the system is MaxSpeed. I'm sure you can find a distributor there in NJ. I think its a combination stainless steel/aluminum, fiberglass baffles with about a 4" opening pipe, maybe larger. I was told that the type that I have was the "softest" sounding of the rest but beware, my wife could detect it as I pulled in my parking stall while she was in the house, 60 feet away! (boom06) Good luck with your selection.

Hi5_0, which brand did you wind up going with? Is it stainless steel or aluminum with mandrel bends I assume? Can you share some pictures and tell us where you get it from? I'm thinking of doing the same. If the diameter is a little larger, than I'd say that the exhaust note gets a bit louder, thought I would say it would have a lot to do with the way the resonator and muffler is designed too.

 

[leewan]

Not bad! You calculated that based on miles and #gallons to fill I assume.
Let us know how the road trip to FL goes! We're planning on driving 1700miles+ back to NJ for Thanksgiving, loaded up with 2 shih tzus and lots of snacks.

Yep gallons and miles. Just put in a Scangage e, wierd to see it reading 150 mpg or 9999 when coasting, I wonder if it is working right. Will calibrate per instructions and double check with actual gallons and miles.

WIll report on Florida trip, plan to run the "normal" 72 - 78 mph with a full load.

chuck

 

[dieseldriver]

Factory computer does this too so it's normal. Even on my VW's that I've owned with on board computer does the same thing. But on German cars, it changes to high number then it changes to dashes only. I just leave mine to average setting, I really don't like seeing instant mileage as it is more of a distraction than being helpful. I just monitor the instant engine load (LOD) which seems to be more useful to me.

wierd to see it reading 150 mpg or 9999 when coasting, I wonder if it is working right.

 

[Nurburgringer]

14 hours driving in one day

881 miles trip to NJ on Wednesday. Took ~16 hours total including 4 stops, average of about 62 mph moving and 27.1mpg according to scangauge and confirmed by fillups.
Checking the scangauge for instand MPG helped to pass the miles. Setting the cruise and using the +/- to go up and down, interesting to watch the instant mpg chage from 65,66,67......75mph. 70-73mph seemed to be the sweet spot for ~30mpg.
Doing the return trip on Sunday. The 5 was a great chariot for me, the wife, and 2 shih tzus. 4 hour stints with no leg cramping or back issues (my lower back is pretty finicky).
The younger doggies spent 90% of the time in his little crate in the back, while the 6 yr old prefered to snooze on a pillow we put on the front armrests.

 

[dieseldriver]

That's pretty good Nur. ~30MPG. We had our Thanksgiving at our house this year, and I did all the cooking. Wife took a break and everything came out good.

Next week I'm in training in Piscataway for a new equipment and I get to drive about ~120miles each day so I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with the car and the newly installed subwoofer!

I also noticed that even when I kick it down to 4th on steep hills on the highway, fuel economy doesn't really change much. Also, I am not surprised by the speed/mpg figures on this car. I've noticed that too, somewhere around 70+ seems to have similar MPG as if I was traveling around 60MPH on the highway.

881 miles trip to NJ on Wednesday. Took ~16 hours total including 4 stops, average of about 62 mph moving and 27.1mpg according to scangauge and confirmed by fillups.
Checking the scangauge for instand MPG helped to pass the miles. Setting the cruise and using the +/- to go up and down, interesting to watch the instant mpg chage from 65,66,67......75mph. 70-73mph seemed to be the sweet spot for ~30mpg.
Doing the return trip on Sunday. The 5 was a great chariot for me, the wife, and 2 shih tzus. 4 hour stints with no leg cramping or back issues (my lower back is pretty finicky).
The younger doggies spent 90% of the time in his little crate in the back, while the 6 yr old prefered to snooze on a pillow we put on the front armrests.

View attachment 189896