[PAULRIDES]

Filled up at 1006 miles as a starting point for the 1477 mile trip (For INFO - I had 53.1 MPG on that fill up).

Then started a trip to a G-Daughter's wedding (spent a few days in area of the wedding) and returned home.

At 1462 miles filled up (456 miles) with 8.82 gallon @ $1.999 = 51.7 MPG (mostly local roads under 50 mph and some downtown driving - not a lot of traffic or stop lights).

At 1875 miles filled up (413 miles) with 8.17 gallon at $2.079 = 50.6 MPG
(a trip that was nearly all HWY and Interstate at from 60 to 70 MPH except for get off for breaks of a few miles and going thru a couple congested areas in towns -- that would be a drop in elevation of say 2000 feet.

At 2055 miles filled up (180 miles) with 4.27 gallon at $2.099 = 42.2 MPG
(a few days in area of Leland and Wilmington, North Carolina running errands and sight seeing in what would call mixture of city and Hwy driving). DISAPPOINTED in that MPG figure considering the kind of driving we were doing. ONE EXPLANATION might be that I did not get the tank filled to the top at the 1875 mile point (I did give it an extra couple squirts when pump cutoff) which would make that figure for MPG High and this one at 2055 miles Low ( I did top off extensively this time). I DO NOT KNOW, just guessing as I thought the MPG for the HWY trip of 413 miles was high (it was overall a downhill trip from say 2000 feet in TN to sea level in Leland).

At 2483 miles filled up (427 miles) with 8.15 gallon at $1.929 = 49.4 MPG
(a trip back home that also was nearly all HWY and Interstate at from 60 to 70 MPH except for get off for breaks of a few miles and going thru a couple congested areas in towns -- that would be more uphill elevation gain of say 2000 feet.

 

[PAULRIDES]

Maybe clarify a little as Administrator would not allow Editing after 10 minutes.

At 1006 miles filled up (412 miles) with 8.88 gallon at $x.xx (forget) = 53.1 MPG which started the total of 1477 miles. (mostly that 412 miles was local county and some in town with a limited number of stop lights - not a big city).

Then filled up at 1462 miles to start a trip to G-Daughter's wedding in Wilmington, NC.

At 1462 miles filled up (456 miles) with 8.82 gallon @ $1.999 = 51.7 MPG (mostly local roads under 50 mph and some downtown driving - not a lot of traffic or stop lights).

Rest is same as original post.

 

[kprenesti]

But which model do you have? Unless you have an FE, it looks like you're getting advertised mileage or better with that sole exception..

 

[PAULRIDES]

But which model do you have? Unless you have an FE, it looks like you're getting advertised mileage or better with that sole exception..

Sorry -- should have included model (had reported before and just assumed all knew - DUMB on my part).

It's an EX with the Tech Package with sun roof (not full advanced tech package). Bought it early FEB.

That low 42.2 MPG when In Leland - Wilmington area for 180 miles was not good compared to what i got similar driving around here (52 MPG). Other than that I am satisfied with performance and handling.

Comfort of seats is a bit of an issue after a couple hours which is about all we drive without a stretch the legs stop. We are 78 years old and in good shape for our age.

Might bother some worse and others less.

 

[yticolev]

Gas pump shut off pressures vary dramatically. Unless you visually fill to the brim (which can be a pain in many cars), your fill ups will have little meaning. Depending on the pump, my current car can take as much as 2 gallons after the auto stop. Your total mile average is the most accurate. Besides fill up amounts leaving some unknown space in the tank, wind, elevation, and temperature can make 10% or better variations tank to tank - I've seen 20% between tanks with brim to brim filling.

 

[realto]

Gas pump shut off pressures vary dramatically. Unless you visually fill to the brim (which can be a pain in many cars), your fill ups will have little meaning. Depending on the pump, my current car can take as much as 2 gallons after the auto stop. Your total mile average is the most accurate. Besides fill up amounts leaving some unknown space in the tank, wind, elevation, and temperature can make 10% or better variations tank to tank - I've seen 20% between tanks with brim to brim filling.

yticolev- it's true the auto pump stop at the gas station can vary widely. That's why the most accurate way is to do 4 or 5 fill ups, average the total. Maybe use the first pump you started with for your last fill up.
This is also good way to compare the accuracy of your car's MPG gauge, which from all I've read is pretty accurate.
I don't think filling to the rim is a good idea at all. Like you said, it's a PIA. Also you risk spilling fuel on car, and it's not good for the tank pressure or tank air filter. It can actually trip a fuel cap warning.

 

[yticolev]

I never spill a drop! It would kill me if I did. Nor have I ever had an issue, but I have heard that it is not recommended several times. I'm not convinced. Most hypermilers do it.

 

[PAULRIDES]

I usually put nozzle down in spout. Then when it cuts off, I pull it out a bit and fill some more. Do that two, three, or whatever times.

Slops of vehicle also affects fill I imagine.

Then when talking 400 miles and say 8 gallon = 50 MPG.

Could have error in fill from various things (temperature at fill, tilt on car, point you stop filling, etc.). How Much Error, I do not know -- say 5% or 10% (seems a lot to me).

Example of 5% (0.4 Gal) --
400 / 7.6 = 52.6 MPG
400 / 8.4 = 47.6 MPG

Example of 10% (0.8 Gal) --
400 / 7.2 = 55.6 MPG
400 / 8.8 = 45.5 MPG

So, yes I agree average over a 1000 miles or more makes more sense. Likely not have more than a 1/2 gallon off on the 20 or so gallons (still make a 2.5 % error).

 

[yticolev]

Slope of vehicle I suspect? Yes, it does. I always point the nose of the car downslope, at an angle to the pump if I have to. If pointed up, or sometimes even if relatively level, you end up with an air pocket displacing volume for a complete fill up.

 

[KeriD]

Wow these are great! I just picked mine up Friday, and as I get used to driving it the gas mileage is getting better. On an hour and half trip home from the parents I averaged about 49 mpg.

 

[PAULRIDES]

KeriD

What Model do you have?

Makes a difference -- apparently Touring is worse for MPG.

Mine is an EX with the package that has the dumb (roof window).

 

[KeriD]

PAULRIDES

Mine is the LX model. Yes the higher end models do lack a bit in the gas mileage. It's fun to keep checking your average and instant mpg, it's a game to keep trying to get it better haha.

 

[2013Passat]

PAULRIDES

Mine is the LX model. Yes the higher end models do lack a bit in the gas mileage. It's fun to keep checking your average and instant mpg, it's a game to keep trying to get it better haha.

Low profile tires on the Touring will reduce the MPG. I learned first hand on my Passat that has low profile tires. They look nice, cost me a couple of MPG. Tall skinny tires are better.

 

[modelhaus]

The Touring models have 18" wheels whereas the FX and EX have 16". That also makes a big difference on the MPG. Bigger fatter tires requires more power to move, thus more gas.

 

[thewebgal]

Just a Q - I'm looking at buying a Niro later this year -
I currently have a 2012 Honda 5sp with just under 60k miles.
I have noticed I get my best mileage running High test,
tho I usually limit that to trips, and run Midgrade around town ...

 

[kprenesti]

When the time comes to replace tires, can I put the tires called for on the lower trims on the Touring, or is the Touring bound to 18" wheels for life?

 

[Jay]

The wheels on the touring are 18" so the tires will always be 18". You might be able to fit slightly narrower tires OK but if you change the profile (tire height) you throw off the odometer and speedometer.

 

[PAULRIDES]

Just a Q - I'm looking at buying a Niro later this year -
I currently have a 2012 Honda 5sp with just under 60k miles.
I have noticed I get my best mileage running High test,
tho I usually limit that to trips, and run Midgrade around town ...

You start with --- Just a Q -

I don't see a Q, more like a statement about using High Test for better MPG.

High Test VS Lower Octane Gas has been discussed much and many times.

Basically, as I understand the chemistry and physics of it, High Test is designed for cars with high compression and has chemicals added to slow detonation (prevent knock) in those cars with high compression that are designed to use High Test.

Also, High Test has less energy for the same volume of gas because of the chemicals added to sloe detonation. (High Test is needed to slow detonation - and should be used for cars that specify High test).

That said, a car designed to run on Lower Octane Gas should use Lower Octane Gas to get more energy, to burn the gas better, and reduce wash down of the cylinders.

PS: I am not arguing with your or anyone's opinion that thinks they do better on High Test with a car not designed for High Test - in other words, use what ever makes you feel good.

 

[thewebgal]

But the Q was, which grade of gas was used to get the figures quoted?

Its an easy question, and the implied question is which fuel is your Niro designed to run on.
It seems my Fit is designed for high test, - that's not meant as a not a plus or minus, not an entry to anything other than that ...
My wife's 2000 Civic Si is also designed for High test. Not a fight, it just is.
The underside of that is high test does cost more so it does increase the cost $ per mile
- typically well over $2.50 a gallon in the DC suburbs
I noticed you mentioned prices of $1.99 or so per gallon - so should I guess that you are running regular gas?
Again, no flames implied, I am just asking, and trying to not make assumptions.

 

[yticolev]

Most non-hybrid cars do much better on the highway than the city so that is the difference you are noting. You will not get an mpg increase with premium gas in that Honda.