What has been the worst gas mileage you have observed with your new RX8?

I am getting 13 MPG.

Five fills so far. Worst: 14.78mpg; best: 17.99; avg: 16.45

My mileage actually got worse after the break-in period, primarily because I've been hoofing it everywhere. :D No doubt it will come back up again when (if) I settle back into a more leisurely driving style.

Worst was at an Evolution driving school we averaged 8 MPG. That included driving around town with some freeway as well.

Vince

It sounds like only people driving RX-8s in 6 speed manual are getting the shitty mileage.

How about you guys who drive the car in automatic?

Same shitty mileage as what everyone else is saying on here?

autos get bad gas mileage too. I average 13 to 16 mpg

Around...25-26 MPG...oh wait that's in the EVO......:p

Hey if your going to mock the 8's mileage, make sure to use your cars real name. Lancer!

Untwist those panties, I'm being funny.

Well since the Lancer was derived from the EVO, not the other way around..I think my description is just fine. :p

Originally posted by revhappy
Well since the Lancer was derived from the EVO, not the other way around*blink* To the best of my knowledge, the name Lancer Evolution VIII comes from the fact that this is the eighth rally-targeted evolution of the original Lancer. Methinks you have it bass-ackwards. :)

ask it mitsubishi. (http://www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk/evolution/)

Originally posted by sheylen
ask it mitsubishi. (http://www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk/evolution/) Or better yet, Mitsubishi Japan's own motorsport history site (http://web1.mitsubishi-motors.co.jp/motorsports/history/90s/evo1.htm). :)

WE WILL NOW RETURN YOU TO THE SUBJECT OF THE THREAD:

The worst: 18.85, the best 20.5.

I don't know why others are getting worse. I stick the pedal all the time and take it to red line frequently.

I finally heard the "tone" last night. The radio has been too loud previously.

thank you puppy1... back to topic

Worst is 19.4, but only three tanks so far. I thought I was a bit heavy footed as well, but I guess not. Try shifting above second once in awhile :)

is it possible that youve been cruising in 4th instead of 6th?

ive been getting really good mileage lately (havent been calculating lately though, just been noticing that id have been driving for about 100miles and have more or less a quater of a tank)

however, since ivepassed break in, ive been getting horrible mileage, from redlining it so often, but ive stopped that mostly...
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4 fills so far, the first three averaged 215 miles per fill (taking it to well beyond the empty warning light each time)...so thats about 14~15MPG during the break-in period. The last tankfill, which was after the break-in period and a very heavy foot, only yielded me 176 miles, which brings me to 11~12 MPG. By 'very heavy foot' I mean that I drive the car the way it was meant to be driven, same way with the 7 I own....that being shifts between 7500 and redline (or beyond), and cruising on city and highway roads between 5 and 6k.

I've been doing alot of highway driving and getting about 290-320 miles per tank.

How about we ask some more people who know how to drive for mileage instead of asking the people who don't give a shit about fuel conservation.

There is no need to redline the engine all the time. It's absurd.

absurd to people that want to drive their cars like my grandma....no, scratch that, my grandma would want to redline this car and this engine as well....probably take her for a spin later on today.....

anyone that expected to get good mileage from this car was mis-informed from the get go....a rotary is inherently flawed in that department...so be it....just drive your car the way it's supposed to be driven and stop tryin to baby it.......I have 150k+ miles on my 83 and it's still kickin, drove it the same way....replaced the seals once.

Originally posted by revhappy
Well since the Lancer was derived from the EVO, not the other way around..I think my description is just fine. :p

Hey without offense, but I can't resist it: Lancer('s) Evolution, does that ring a bell?

Laid on a different way: the Lancer Evolved into it.

I got a bit above 22 mpg today , all highway at 75 mph. i cannot see it going any better unless i drive it at 60 mpg which i won't !

Originally posted by mikeb
autos get bad gas mileage too. I average 13 to 16 mpg You got the auto or the stick?

Ok... My 13 mpg is bad. I drive between conservative and aggressive. Shifting around 5000 RPM average with shifts at 6500 or as low as 4000. Maybe an occasional 7000. What is going on here.


Lets see...


People driving very aggresively, between 6000 and redline get around 12 mpg.

People driving conservatively are getting around 21 mpg.

I should get around 16, no?

I just hit 1000 miles on the car. My worst tank was 17.4 mpg; best so far was 19.7 mpg.

I've been using 5th & 6th gear more now while cruising; which has helped. I use to try to keep the revs above 3000 when cruising. But now, I'll keep it between 2000 - 2500 (obviously downshifting to accelerate).

I can see how people may get 16 mpg...but 13??? Seems like you'd have to cruise in 3rd gear going 65-70 mph to do that. :confused:

Originally posted by jonalan
I just hit 1000 miles on the car. My worst tank was 17.4 mpg; best so far was 19.7 mpg.

I've been using 5th & 6th gear more now while cruising; which has helped. I use to try to keep the revs above 3000 when cruising. But now, I'll keep it between 2000 - 2500 (obviously downshifting to accelerate).

I can see how people may get 16 mpg...but 13??? Seems like you'd have to cruise in 3rd gear going 65-70 mph to do that. :confused:


That is the funny thing. On highway, I only cruise in 6th, take it down to 5th to pass. All other times, I'm crusing around 3000-4000, sometimes as low as 2500.

Anybody know what I should do?

I talked to Mazda and they gave me the: "oh...it's the weather. It's too humid to get good gas mileage, plus the use of the air conditioning is bringing it down".

I'm baffled!!!!!!!!!!!!!

theres three possibilities, and one far fetched one

1: your not shifting as you say you are
2: your calculations are wrong
3: your car is leaking gass


and 4

is it possible that only one of the rotors is spinning?
nope...nm, cause then youd have to be way higher (rpm-wise) to have highway speeds

edit:
as a side note, are you SURE youre in 6th and not 4th?
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My three fillups, highest grade 93 octane, 6 spd:

DATE MILES GAL MPG
7/26/2003 233.5 12.901 18.099
8/3/2003 253.0 12.777 19.801
8/14/2003 251.2 13.740 18.282

I can't figure what I'm doing wrong, I try to go fast and accelerate alot (traffic allowing), but I can't get my mileage down with the rest of you!

I want to know just how are you guys drive to get so lousy mileage. I'm not being (too) sarcastic, but I not sure how other than getting arrested each and every time I go out I could get the mpg's many of you are observing?

Originally posted by jonalan
I've been using 5th & 6th gear more now while cruising; which has helped. I use to try to keep the revs above 3000 when cruising. But now, I'll keep it between 2000 - 2500 (obviously downshifting to accelerate).??? Seems like you'd have to cruise in 3rd gear going 65-70 mph to do that. :confused: [/B]

jonalan - I don't follow what your reasoning is and what you're trying to accomplish? Why would you be '...using 5th and 6th more "now"'? What is "now"?

Why would you **NOT** be using the top gear(s) normally all the time? If you drive an automatic, do you take it out of drive and run in 3rd or 4th, not top gear?

The rotary engine is exceedingly tolerant of low speed low rpm running, little if any bucking common to other engines, smooth power, etc.

I would always shift to the highest gear possible, barring a need for acceleration exceeding the gear I'm in. What could be the possible advantage to doing otherwise... except buring more gas and wear and tear on the gearbox? You are getting decent mileage like mine, still you could get better I believe. We should start a thread "Who can get the BEST MPG". The suckiest is way to easy.

If the majority are 'keeping the revs up" for some unknown reason, I can understand why you are all reporting suck sucky mileage... :confused:

We've had 4 Fill-ups thus far.

Worst = 20.0 MPG (all city driving)
Best = 23.5 MPG (25/75 city/hwy)

Right on as projected by the EPA rating.

Yeah I can't see getting 13 without getting arrested. Today I pulled out of the parking lot at work, saw a car coming so I floored, WHOA NELLY. I use to do this in my tiburon, but would be at the end of the street before hitting 60km/h, I hit 60K in like 50 meters it was NUTS, then I went quickly through the gears to 5th.

I cruise in 6th everywhere I go.

my first, worst, and only tank so far resulted in 15mpg... I attribute most of it to spending a good 2 hours starting and stopping to learn how to drive stick :p


Filled up yesterday, been driving like a complete granny (1500 - 3000 rpms), put 80 miles on so far and by the looks of it I'm getting over 20mpg in mostly city driving :cool: ... hopefully after this tank I will be able to go to that other thread and brag about my great mpg :p

Originally posted by P00Man
theres three possibilities, and one far fetched one

1: your not shifting as you say you are
2: your calculations are wrong
3: your car is leaking gass


and 4

is it possible that only one of the rotors is spinning?
nope...nm, cause then youd have to be way higher (rpm-wise) to have highway speeds

edit:
as a side note, are you SURE youre in 6th and not 4th?

1. no- i'm not a liar
2. I'm not an idiot, I go to one of the top 12 universities in the nation for business
3. I'm not an idiot, I would see it

edit-

I'm not stupid, I know what gear I'm in.

Please don't post replies if your going to say unintelligent things

Are you guys positive the automatics get the same bad mileage?

I was thinking that the computer on the ATX RX-8 would put the car into 5th gear as soon as possible like on other cars with triptonic.

Are there any other automatic owners out there that confirm this low mileage problem on their 8s too?

Originally posted by eccles
*blink* To the best of my knowledge, the name Lancer Evolution VIII comes from the fact that this is the eighth rally-targeted evolution of the original Lancer. Methinks you have it bass-ackwards. :)

*********OFF TOPIC FOR ONE MOMENT*****************

Hehe..well yes and no..the US Lancer was from my understanding modeled off of the JDm EVO VII. Of course, all of the EVO models are based off the base Lancer platforms. They are so modified from that base that its really a stretch to call them "a souped-up Lancer". There is a reason its nearly double the price of the Lancer ES.

As long as EVO and Tope Gear Magazine still call it an EVO, I will too. :)


**********NOW BACK TO OUR ORIGINAL RANTING*********

OK, Lancer-guy, just for your information: the Mitsubishi Lancer did already exist as an economy model back in the eighties in Europe (probably in Japan too). Now, I don't know the US history of the Lancer nameplate but I'm almost certain that there was no souped-up version of that car (aka "EVO") back then. Someone correct me if I'm wrong... but if I'm not, then yes, you got this all backwards.

Originally posted by Tamas
OK, Lancer-guy, just for your information: the Mitsubishi Lancer did already exist as an economy model back in the eighties in Europe (probably in Japan too). Now, I don't know the US history of the Lancer nameplate but I'm almost certain that there was no souped-up version of that car (aka "EVO") back then. Someone correct me if I'm wrong... but if I'm not, then yes, you got this all backwards.

See my previous post (right above yours). The US Lancer was based off of the JDM EVO VII. Of course, all of the EVOs have been based off of base Lancers. However, keep in mind even the base Lancer design is made to allow an Evolution or EVO model to be produced. For example, I heard they wanted to make the cabin bigger on the base Lancer, but didn't because it would not be compatible with an EVO version.

Personally, I was hoping the next EVO would be based off of the Mitsubisho Colt (not available in the US) since it is smaller and lighter. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like this will happen as it seems like MItsubishi is sticking with the Lancer EVO as its WRC entry. I think a Colt EVO would have been better in the WRC as the smaller cars have dominated the past 2 years (i.e. Peugot 206 and Citroen).

Anyway, I don't want to further hijack this thread, so if you want to continue this please create a new one.

Originally posted by Spin9k
I don't follow what your reasoning is and what you're trying to accomplish? Why would you be '...using 5th and 6th more "now"'? What is "now"?

Why would you **NOT** be using the top gear(s) normally all the time? If you drive an automatic, do you take it out of drive and run in 3rd or 4th, not top gear?
For example, you don't need 6th gear when you're going 35mph.

When I first got the car ("then"), I would try to keep the revs around 3000 (maybe 4th gear going 35). Now ("now"), i will use 5th gear when going 35, and the revs may be between 2000-2500.

Originally posted by rotarymagic


1. no- i'm not a liar
2. I'm not an idiot, I go to one of the top 12 universities in the nation for business
3. I'm not an idiot, I would see it

edit-

I'm not stupid, I know what gear I'm in.

Please don't post replies if your going to say unintelligent things

1: never said you are lying, could have been MISTAKEN
2: if you think that means youre intelligent, you obviously are, indeed, an idiot
3: you could be parked on gravel or dirt or what not and not see it, so dont whine at me, i dont know where you park, and dont know how observant you are, it could be gas and you thinking its condensation, if there is anything there at all

4:if you are pulling straight down from 5th you will be in 4th, this has happened to people on this forum, it could well be happening to you

"Please don't post replies if your going to say unintelligent things " - rotorymagic

you should follow your own advise
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I agree with you on point number 2, P00.

However, on point number 4, if you pull straight down from 5th, you will be in 6th gear. 4th gear would be below 3rd.

Well, I guess if you pulled down from 5th without guiding the shifter it would naturally snap over to the left and slot into 4th. I've seen "cool dudes" try to shift all slick like that and screw it up and cause their engiens to whine in a most unbecoming manner.

Originally posted by P00Man


1: never said you are lying, could have been MISTAKEN
2: if you think that means youre intelligent, you obviously are, indeed, an idiot
3: you could be parked on gravel or dirt or what not and not see it, so dont whine at me, i dont know where you park, and dont know how observant you are, it could be gas and you thinking its condensation, if there is anything there at all

4:if you are pulling straight down from 5th you will be in 4th, this has happened to people on this forum, it could well be happening to you

"Please don't post replies if your going to say unintelligent things " - rotorymagic

you should follow your own advise

Ok, you know what your talking about.




So, by your unintelligent logic, I could go ahead and say that people attending Yale, Harvard, and Princeton aren't necessarily Intelligent.


Do you think these top Universities and other top Universities accept students who can't complete simple arithmitic, such as division? There is a thing called standardized testing, and on this testing there are math questions. In these math questions are simple arithmetic and more advanced arithmetic. A person must be able to complete the simple arithmetic to complete the questions correctly.


Put 2 and 2 together genious.

I go to a top University, I did well on standardized tests, because I am intelligent and I know simple arithmetic. That is why I go to a top University.

All it takes to calculate gas mileage is simple arithmetic. I know I can handle it, I have proven it. Can you handle it? Have you proved it?


People do make mistakes. I, or anyone else, can make a mistake dividing. But for me to make a mistake on several calculations over several tanks of gas is impossible.
Who cares anyway, you say stupid things.



So saying that my calculations may be wrong is, in itself, a stupid thing to even suggest.

I can confirm my 8 is auto and I am gettin 13 to 16mpg if I'm lucky. I haven't had a speeding ticket in years so its not becuase I drive really fast or anything

"However, on point number 4, if you pull straight down from 5th, you will be in 6th gear. 4th gear would be below 3rd." - jon


"Well, I guess if you pulled down from 5th without guiding the shifter it would naturally snap over to the left and slot into 4th. I've seen "cool dudes" try to shift all slick like that and screw it up and cause their engiens to whine in a most unbecoming manner." -genom

exactly, though 4th is directly beneath 3rd and "diagonally accross" from 5th (meaning it is obtusely aligned) if you pull straight down, due to the angulation of you arm, you will be causing it to slide into 4th, to put it into 6th you have to push to the side a little and then down, as youve probably noticed
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Originally posted by mikeb
I can confirm my 8 is auto and I am gettin 13 to 16mpg if I'm lucky. I haven't had a speeding ticket in years so its not becuase I drive really fast or anything

That's terrible. The EPA ratings must be way off. BUt, it seems that some people are getting the estimated MPG, and some are getting much worse, even without being all that aggressive.

"I can confirm my 8 is auto and I am gettin 13 to 16mpg if I'm lucky. I haven't had a speeding ticket in years so its not becuase I drive really fast or anything" - mikeb


thats cause its a frekin old time 4 speed, at 60 mph you probably have around 5 grand on the tach
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Originally posted by rotarymagic

Do you think these top Universities and other top Universities accept students who can't complete simple arithmitic, such as division? There is a thing called standardized testing, and on this testing there are math questions. In these math questions are simple arithmetic and more advanced arithmetic. A person must be able to complete the simple arithmetic to complete the questions correctly.

Put 2 and 2 together genious.

I go to a top University, I did well on standardized tests, because I am intelligent and I know simple arithmetic. That is why I go to a top University.
All it takes to calculate gas mileage is simple arithmetic. I know I can handle it, I have proven it. Can you handle it? Have you proved it?
People do make mistakes. I, or anyone else, can make a mistake dividing. But for me to make a mistake on several calculations over several tanks of gas is impossible.
Who cares anyway, you say stupid things.
So saying that my calculations may be wrong is, in itself, a stupid thing to even suggest.

WOW! Too much to comment on here "genious" but this I go to a top University, I did well on standardized tests, because I am intelligent and I know simple arithmetic. That is why I go to a top University.
takes the cake.

Man am I glad I'm just a dummy. Is this what our "top ten" Univerties are made of?

thats why i didnt even bother to respond lol

its pretty funny really, also incredibly sad in a way
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Geez this is getting sad. Anyone (RX8 owners or not) who speaks up about RX-8 deficiencies gets bashed on. These guys just stated their poor gas milage experience with the RX-8 and the next thing you know, we got personal judgments, name calling and every other person is a liar. Calm down people~ If you guys know how EPA ratings are established, then maybe we'll all know why it's hard to obtain the same numbers under real world conditions.

From what I heard (which could be wrong)

EPA Highway = running the car in top gear at 65mph continuously on cruise control around a oval track.

EPA City = running the car in top gear at 45mph with some stops here and there. I wouldn't exactly call it EPA City, probably call it EPA country side.

Now unless you guys drive your cars like a train, it'll be very hard to achieve those EPA estimated numbers.

STILL waiting for another person with an RX-8 in automatic to chime in about their gas mileage.

In other great and wonderful news, gas prices have gone up again..and we owe the blackout a partial thanks for the increase.

Premium gas is going to be pricey as hell the next few weeks. Gas mileage is not something to be overlooked with this car.

yeah premium in SF Bay Area CA $2.39. Cost me >$30 to fill up. Least I don't have an SUV....

Does the type of gas change the milage factor at all? I just bought the Auto, and I haven't tested out the milage with different gas types.

I thought this also might help answer the worst to the best mileage issues.

Eddie

Originally posted by Skyline Maniac
Geez this is getting sad. Anyone (RX8 owners or not) who speaks up about RX-8 deficiencies gets bashed on. These guys just stated their poor gas milage experience with the RX-8 and the next thing you know, we got personal judgments, name calling and every other person is a liar.

Sky,

Good post.

Well I partly agree with you. There definately is no need for the name calling. There seems to be some bashing, however, its not all because of one speaking out on the RX-8 deficiencies. It's more specific then your "blanket statement". On this thread it's the constant bitchin of some people receiving lower than expected gas mileage and voicing almost a regret in purchasing this auto. I and others do not consider the MPG that the RX-8 is getting a deficiency. I know this is a sports car, not an economy car. I know how it easy it is to drive hard. I know how much fun is to drive in the "aspirated" mode. I live in the city. I expected to have lower MPG's because of these factors and expected to never reach the EPA rating in my scenario. I knew this before I purchased the vehicle, yet I still bought it. The ones that are now complaining should have known that, yet they still bought it. I and others are just tired of this almost "buyer's remorse" attitude from a few just because of their lower than expected gas mileage.

We have averaged about 1-2 MPG at worst since we owned the car. Because of that reason, I doubt there is a widespread mechanical or emissions problem causing people's extremely poor gas mileage. I believe it is driving conditions and techniques. And with that point you quoted.....

Originally posted by Skyline Maniac
Calm down people~ If you guys know how EPA ratings are established, then maybe we'll all know why it's hard to obtain the same numbers under real world conditions.

From what I heard (which could be wrong)

EPA Highway = running the car in top gear at 65mph continuously on cruise control around a oval track.

EPA City = running the car in top gear at 45mph with some stops here and there. I wouldn't exactly call it EPA City, probably call it EPA country side.

Now unless you guys drive your cars like a train, it'll be very hard to achieve those EPA estimated numbers.

With this I totally agree with you. I posted this statement in another thread - When my wife relayed the MPG's we were getting, and they were about 1-2 miles lower then the EPA, she reminded me that we have never reached the optimal EPA rating on any of the 12+ vehicles we've owned. And then proceeded to tell me economy mileage is not why we bought this vehicle in the first place.

We do not always drive in perfect conditions or roads, nor do we drive like robots to always achieve that "mystical" EPA. If one comes to gripes with that, then one shouldn't be overly disappointed when the MPG is lower than expected.

Originally posted by Skyline Maniac
Geez this is getting sad. Anyone (RX8 owners or not) who speaks up about RX-8 deficiencies gets bashed on. These guys just stated their poor gas milage experience with the RX-8 and the next thing you know, we got personal judgments, name calling and every other person is a liar. Calm down people~ If you guys know how EPA ratings are established, then maybe we'll all know why it's hard to obtain the same numbers under real world conditions.

From what I heard (which could be wrong)

EPA Highway = running the car in top gear at 65mph continuously on cruise control around a oval track.

EPA City = running the car in top gear at 45mph with some stops here and there. I wouldn't exactly call it EPA City, probably call it EPA country side.

Now unless you guys drive your cars like a train, it'll be very hard to achieve those EPA estimated numbers.


Thank you Skyline. That is exactly the point of all this nonsense. I stated the horrible gas mileage that I'm getting and people start saying that it's immpossible to get 13 mpg if I'm driving the way I say I am.

All I wanted were opinions. That is what is happening. Instead, I get people saying that I'm may be lying, or that I calculated my gas mileage incorrectly.

Maybe, I went too far with my responses, but I do not understand why certain people responded the way they did tp the original comment of. "I'm getting 13 MPG"!?? Shifting at an average of 5000 rpm.

Originally posted by RX-8 Zoomster


Sky,

Good post.

Well I partly agree with you. There definately is no need for the name calling. There seems to be some bashing, however, its not all because of one speaking out on the RX-8 deficiencies. It's more specific then your "blanket statement". On this thread it's the constant bitchin of some people receiving lower than expected gas mileage and voicing almost a regret in purchasing this auto. I and others do not consider the MPG that the RX-8 is getting a deficiency. I know this is a sports car, not an economy car. I know how it easy it is to drive hard. I know how much fun is to drive in the "aspirated" mode. I live in the city. I expected to have lower MPG's because of these factors and expected to never reach the EPA rating in my scenario. I knew this before I purchased the vehicle, yet I still bought it. The ones that are now complaining should have known that, yet they still bought it. I and others are just tired of this almost "buyer's remorse" attitude from a few just because of their lower than expected gas mileage.

We have averaged about 1-2 MPG at worst since we owned the car. Because of that reason, I doubt there is a widespread mechanical or emissions problem causing people's extremely poor gas mileage. I believe it is driving conditions and techniques. And with that point you quoted.....



With this I totally agree with you. I posted this statement in another thread - When my wife relayed the MPG's we were getting, and they were about 1-2 miles lower then the EPA, she reminded me that we have never reached the optimal EPA rating on any of the 12+ vehicles we've owned. And then proceeded to tell me economy mileage is not why we bought this vehicle in the first place.

We do not always drive in perfect conditions or roads, nor do we drive like robots to always achieve that "mystical" EPA. If one comes to gripes with that, then one shouldn't be overly disappointed when the MPG is lower than expected.


OK, this is true to a certain degree. Though, if a person (such as myself), posts a thread stating what gas mileage they are getting and they try to get answers as to why it's happening, I think it is legitimate.


My mileage of 13mpg is not meeting the epa estimates, 18 city, 24 highway. I'm OK with that. But, what I'm concerned about is that in the bottom of the left corner of the window sticker it states that "results reported to the epa indicate that the majority of wehicles with these estimates will achieve between 15 and 21 mpg in the city.


Now, my gas mileage is still 2 mpg worse than that. Again, I'm shifting at an average of 5000 RPM, I don't think that it is unreasonable to expect at 15 mpg, that is why I posted this thread originally. If a person wants to critisize me or deny this is happening the way that I am saying it is, then "I don't know what to say". Help me, or don't; the choice is yours.

Your experience seems to be way off the norm considering how you say you are driving. I suggest you need to lodge a serious complaint with your dealer - perhaps do a swap with their demo car for 100 miles or so (borrow overnight) to check the fuel economy in that car compared to yours.

Originally posted by rotarymagic



OK, this is true to a certain degree. Though, if a person (such as myself), posts a thread stating what gas mileage they are getting and they try to get answers as to why it's happening, I think it is legitimate.


My mileage of 13mpg is not meeting the epa estimates, 18 city, 24 highway. I'm OK with that. But, what I'm concerned about is that in the bottom of the left corner of the window sticker it states that .


Now, my gas mileage is still 2 mpg worse than that. Again, I'm shifting at an average of 5000 RPM, I don't think that it is unreasonable to expect at 15 mpg, that is why I posted this thread originally. If a person wants to critisize me or deny this is happening the way that I am saying it is, then "I don't know what to say". Help me, or don't; the choice is yours.

Well rotarymagic, I don't know what to tell you. I don't have all the answers. The fact is that the majority of owners are getting the "results reported to the epa indicate that the majority of wehicles with these estimates will achieve between 15 and 21 mpg in the city" rating for which you speak.

It's not impossible that you may have a vehicle that has a problem. I do think, however, and it is my opinion, that those 13 MPGs, are more of a result of driving technique and conditons. Maybe more than you realize. Since I don't know when, where & how often you shift, and how many stop & goes you encounter, it's hard to say how you can improve with your driving technique.

In your case, I hope your MPG's improve as the car gets a little more broken-in.

Originally posted by pelucidor
Your experience seems to be way off the norm considering how you say you are driving. I suggest you need to lodge a serious complaint with your dealer - perhaps do a swap with their demo car for 100 miles or so (borrow overnight) to check the fuel economy in that car compared to yours.

Exactly! It's not impossible as I stated before, that rotarymagic may have an isolated problem with his car. You have a good idea pelucidor for him to lodge a complaint and compare another vehicle, by driving one. That should isolate whether it is the MPG problem is unique to his car, or caused by his driving technique and conditions.

I am getting around 13 to 15mpg and my check engine light came on and dealer checked my car out and said their was no leaks or anything that would be causing bad gas mileage

Originally posted by mikeb
I am getting around 13 to 15mpg and my check engine light came on and dealer checked my car out and said their was no leaks or anything that would be causing bad gas mileage Yeah, but your dealer also said that your subs caused the CEL to come on, so I wouldn't put any worth on what they said.

---jps

point taken

Hi guys and gals,

Do you guys with under 15 mpg drive with the A/c on all the time?? I've notice with my first two tanks I got about 200 miles give or take, thats while sprinting from light to light shifting btw 4-7k and Having my a/c on. But with this last tank I'm at 195 and still have a quarter tank of gas left mind it was 30% highway and the rest city, but i believe I got better milelage because I didnt turn on my A/C every single minute. I would sat 50% of the time it was on. I still drive it hard and since I'm past 600 mile mark I rev it even higher.

I use a/c about 50% of the time

Originally posted by onix527
Hi guys and gals,

Do you guys with under 15 mpg drive with the A/c on all the time?? I've notice with my first two tanks I got about 200 miles give or take, thats while sprinting from light to light shifting btw 4-7k and Having my a/c on. But with this last tank I'm at 195 and still have a quarter tank of gas left mind it was 30% highway and the rest city, but i believe I got better milelage because I didnt turn on my A/C every single minute. I would sat 50% of the time it was on. I still drive it hard and since I'm past 600 mile mark I rev it even higher.


I drive with the a/c on about 75%-85% of the time

How about your windows? How often do you drive with them open?

I drive with my windows, front only, open about 90% of the time. Sometimes with both the a/c on and the windows open.

a/c on and windows open? Do you do this in your home? That is silly. One or the other man! :cool:

I have about 1,150 miles on my automatic, and have been breaking it in very carefully -- light throttle, low revs. Worst mileage, under 16, best, around 19 with 2/3 of tank on the road. This is my first rotary, so I thought that was bad, because the EPA is 18-25. Reading other posts, it seems it's par for the course, and may not imrove after full breakin. The car's more than worth it, but I still think it ought to give 25 on a full tank of road driving. Every other car I've owned has made the EPA highway figure (last one, Integra GS-R, 31), because I drive smoothly, though fairly fast.
Mitch
Silver, w/$3,500 package, cloth, and those gorgeous aluminum pedals.

Whne i dont have ac on I have my window open 75% of the time.

Y'all doin much showin? I must have shown my 8 at least 8 times by now & each time I do, I fire it up to let them know how a rotary sounds, with a little revving & letting it idle while they're looking at (what they can see of) the engine.

That's 0.0 mpg run time. That's gotta hurt overall mpg by at least a little. Might be negligible.

Just a thought...

edit: I've been using an Excel (.xls) file to log my gas info since June 2000, when I bought my Infiniti. I have just started a separate new one for my 8.

You enter the date, total miles, miles since last fillup, gallons & cost of fillup. (Since I always pay at the pump & make sure I get a receipt for my debit card info, I use it & write down the two mileages on it & zero the trip odometer. When I get home, I enter it into my checkbook & my Excel file. Then you can throw away the receipt.)

It automatically calculates mpg, price per gallon & extended miles per year for just that fillup, total combined mpg & average miles per year. It also charts your MPG, Total Miles & Gas Pricing.

If anybody wants a copy, pm me with an email address.

To A6s owner. My auto can't shift into fifth because it's a four-speed. Mazda apparently couldn't afford a new tranny, because they used what they officially described as a "tried and true" old one, gussied up with paddle shifters (I like them) and electronics that are supposed to be smart (put you in third for engine braking on some downhills, not upshift too soon on some uphills). I calculated the gearing, and it's set for smoothness and economy, compared with the 6-speed. That's why the auto EPA road is 25, not 24. I calculated the miles/hr per 1,000 rpm as 23.5 for the auto, based on Mazda's published gear ratios for both cars and Road & Tracks figure of 19.4 for the 6-speed.
Mitch
Silver auto w/$3,500 upgrade, cloth, aluminum pedal facings.

Originally posted by rotarymagic
How about your windows? How often do you drive with them open?

I drive with my windows, front only, open about 90% of the time. Sometimes with both the a/c on and the windows open. Hercules made a good point about fuel economy in another thread - he suggested that you should always open the rear windows if the fronts are open to improve drag (economy) and noise.

I drive with windows always closed and aircon on 100% of the time (its Houston!). Still getting over 17mpg whilst hitting 8000-9000rpm several times a day.

Originally posted by Wing
a/c on and windows open? Do you do this in your home? That is silly. One or the other man! :cool:

It is just so humid here sometimes 100% humidity (the other day there was a dewpoint of 75), that opening the windows doesn't do much to help the heat/humidity, so I turn on the a/c as well. I like driving with the windows open in the summer. Think about it, with around 7 months of winter, where nobody opens their windows, opening them in the summer is a must for me. I know I probably shouldn't as far as gas mileage goes.

Originally posted by rotarymagic


It is just so humid here sometimes 100% humidity (the other day there was a dewpoint of 75), that opening the windows doesn't do much to help the heat/humidity, so I turn on the a/c as well. I like driving with the windows open in the summer. Think about it, with around 7 months of winter, where nobody opens their windows, opening them in the summer is a must for me. I know I probably shouldn't as far as gas mileage goes.

Are you serious? Or are you being sarcastic? If you are serious, no wonder you are getting 13 MPG's. And I felt sorry for you in the fact that you might have had a problem with your car that was contributing to your lousy mileage. If you would have told us earlier in this thread that you drove around all day with your windows down and your AC on, then no one would have accused you of being a liar when you said you got lousy MPG's. They would have instead just called you a fool.

Originally posted by RX-8 Zoomster
... If you would have told us earlier in this thread that you drove around all day with your windows down and your AC on, then no one would have accused you of being a liar when you said you got lousy MPG's. They would have instead just called you a fool.
Easy my brother! This car shouldn't get that bad mileage (13mpg)even if we were towing a jet ski! :)

Easy on the magic man, he is one of us you know.

Originally posted by TJRX8
This car shouldn't get that bad mileage (13mpg)even if we were towing a jet ski!I also drive windows-down, AC-on. I like the fresh air, but I also like a cool breeze. After 6 tanks so far, I'm averaging 16.2mpg around town. After my next fill, I'm going to try winding the windows up to see what, if any, difference it makes to the mileage.

Originally posted by TJRX8

Easy my brother! This car shouldn't get that bad mileage (13mpg)even if we were towing a jet ski! :)

Easy on the magic man, he is one of us you know.


I wasn't that hard on him. I don't know, Tom. He didn't tell us before he was driving around with his windows down & his AC on. Maybe he didn't tell us he was hauling around a jet ski either. ;)

Originally posted by Mitch Strickler
To A6s owner. My auto can't shift into fifth because it's a four-speed. Mazda apparently couldn't afford a new tranny, because they used what they officially described as a "tried and true" old one, gussied up with paddle shifters (I like them) and electronics that are supposed to be smart (put you in third for engine braking on some downhills, not upshift too soon on some uphills). I calculated the gearing, and it's set for smoothness and economy, compared with the 6-speed. That's why the auto EPA road is 25, not 24. I calculated the miles/hr per 1,000 rpm as 23.5 for the auto, based on Mazda's published gear ratios for both cars and Road & Tracks figure of 19.4 for the 6-speed.
Mitch
Silver auto w/$3,500 upgrade, cloth, aluminum pedal facings.

Oh yes..that's right. I forgot the RX-8 AT was only 4 speed. The Mazda 6 ATs are 5 speed (220hp version) and I must have gotten these two confused.

By the way, thank you very much for your responses.

Now all I have to do is pretend I didn't see the $1.89 per galon sticker for premium gas in my local gas station tonight, and I'll be that much closer to wanting an 8.

Originally posted by RX-8 Zoomster



I wasn't that hard on him. I don't know, Tom. He didn't tell us before he was driving around with his windows down & his AC on. Maybe he didn't tell us he was hauling around a jet ski either. ;)


Your right, I should have mentioned this in the begining.

There is no jet ski, though :D

Originally posted by eccles
I also drive windows-down, AC-on. I like the fresh air, but I also like a cool breeze. After 6 tanks so far, I'm averaging 16.2mpg around town. After my next fill, I'm going to try winding the windows up to see what, if any, difference it makes to the mileage.

Exactly, fresh air + cool breeze.

Other than that how do you drive your car? Shift points? Stop and go vs. highway?

I want to try and find people with similar variables as I have to compare MPG to MPG.

Originally posted by rotarymagic
Other than that how do you drive your car? Shift points? Stop and go vs. highway?My daily commute is about an 8-mile mix of 'burbs and freeway. No nose-to-tail traffic. Other driving around town is under similar conditions. Around town, I tend to use 3rd and 4th; mostly 3rd - I let the engine purr along at 4000-plus rpm. I'll occasionally redline it through the first three cogs when getting onto the freeway, but mostly I shift between 5000 and 7000. And when I take it out of town for an evening run, I tend to get on it pretty hard.

So I'm hardly driving for economy, but neither do I floor it all the time.

Hmmm, I've been watching this thread, and others on fuel economy, with some concern since I knew I'd be getting an RX-8 soon. The car I'm coming from is a V6 Accord coupe which regularly achieved at least 28 mpg. I drive about 22,000 per year, so fuel economy is a factor for me, and I hoped I'd be able to get the EPA estimate 24 regularly out of the '8'. After reading all of this, though, I revised my hopes to around 20 mpg, and I figured the loss in fuel economy was made up for by the fun-to-drive factor.

Now that I have the car, I thought I'd post my results so far. Admittedly, I only have filled up twice, but have a lot to be happy about, I think.

First tank:
227.6 miles/12.0 gallons = 18.97 mpg

Second tank:
290.0 miles/12.5 gallons = 23.2 mpg

I drive approximately 80/20 highway/city on my commute to work. I have been getting the car into 6th without skipping any gears and then leaving it in 6th pretty regularly. I downshift to 5th or 4th for a burst of speed or to pass. The car has 581 miles on it, so I haven't redlined it yet, but I'm sure I will in ... oh ... about 19 more miles. :) I've been shifting at around 4000 or 5000, but overall haven't taken it over 6000 yet.

My first tank I was idling the car more than you usually would -- showing it off to friends and letting it warm up after moving it into or out of the garage for Zaino purposes, plus playing with the navigation system. Second tank was much more "normal" driving with much less idling. I used 93 octane Exxon fuel. Not sure what the dealer put in it.

Personally, I think the extreme differences in fuel economy that people are noticing points to a difference in some of the cars. I think there may have been an early batch that may have a "problem." Who knows? I'm pleased that so far (fingers crossed!) my car seems to be performing OK in this category, and I hope those of you who are getting less will find an answer soon.

Originally posted by rotarymagic
There is no jet ski, though :D

No, you're from Minnesota, you're more likely to be hauling a couple of snow mobiles around instead. ;) Are you sure you not telling us you are also hauling around threee 200 lb passengers, and/or a 1/2 cord of firewood too. ;)

On a serious note, I sincerely hope you MPG's improve over time or you find out if something may be wrong with your car and get it fixed.

Originally posted by loco4rx8

Personally, I think the extreme differences in fuel economy that people are noticing points to a difference in some of the cars. I think there may have been an early batch that may have a "problem." Who knows? I'm pleased that so far (fingers crossed!) my car seems to be performing OK in this category, and I hope those of you who are getting less will find an answer soon.
Wondering the same thing since I got my car in the first 8 days of deliveries. Another reason to Opt for the "buy-back" if offered.

To Skyline Maniac and Zoomster. I don't want to be a know-it-all, but if someone tells you how the EPA tests, why not put EPA and gas mileage on Google? It will tell you that the folk myths are just that. For example, how about 18% of the city cycle being IDLING, after beginning with a cold start. And highway averages 48, going up to 60 -- but no stops. Is that all? Hardly. The EPA compares test results with real world experience, and lowers the city test scores 10%, the highway ones 22%.
Bottom line: EPA and all sensible people know that results can vary with OK engines for lots of reasons -- temperature, traffic conditions, driving style, AC/windows, etc. If you have experience with your own driving style, in similar conditions, in other cars, you have some sort of benchmark. In other words, if you always get 2 or three miles worse than EPA, and that's what your RX8 is getting, the car is right on. Maybe better than that, if you drive the RX8 harder than the others. Personally, I have hit the highway figures in several cars, regular and high performance, and so far I am driving the RX8 less hard, because of break-in. So I'm inclined to think my car is delivering 2 or 3 fewer mpg than it should.
Mitch
BTW, driving with AC on and windows closed is a bit more economical than opening moonroof and windows.

Originally posted by Mitch Strickler
To Skyline Maniac and Zoomster. I don't want to be a know-it-all, but if someone tells you how the EPA tests, why not put EPA and gas mileage on Google? It will tell you that the folk myths are just that. For example, how about 18% of the city cycle being IDLING, after beginning with a cold start. And highway averages 48, going up to 60 -- but no stops. Is that all? Hardly. The EPA compares test results with real world experience, and lowers the city test scores 10%, the highway ones 22%.
Bottom line: EPA and all sensible people know that results can vary with OK engines for lots of reasons -- temperature, traffic conditions, driving style, AC/windows, etc. If you have experience with your own driving style, in similar conditions, in other cars, you have some sort of benchmark. In other words, if you always get 2 or three miles worse than EPA, and that's what your RX8 is getting, the car is right on. Maybe better than that, if you drive the RX8 harder than the others. Personally, I have hit the highway figures in several cars, regular and high performance, and so far I am driving the RX8 less hard, because of break-in. So I'm inclined to think my car is delivering 2 or 3 fewer mpg than it should.
Mitch
BTW, driving with AC on and windows closed is a bit more economical than opening moonroof and windows.

I see what you are saying, however the EPA's "real world" is not my "real world", your "real world", Skyline Mechanic's "real world", etc. You get the point. Everbodies situation is unique. Although you are right that driving technique is a big factor in MPG's (which I agree with you), your unique driving condition or enviroment also plays a big part.

I agree with your other points, people driving other cars to determine "lead footitis", and driving with AC & windows up as being more economical.

Originally posted by RX-8 Zoomster
I agree with your other points, people driving other cars to determine "lead footitis", and driving with AC & windows up as being more economical. Let's also not forget the effects of gearing on those perceptions (and thus mileage.)

For example, many domestic cars have their automatic transmissions set to making the car feel very peppy in the low range. The Mercury Cougar and Plymouth Breeze, to name two I've rented, both feel as if they must have 400 HP under the hood because if you breathe on the gas pedal you're thrown back in your seat; it's only when you get much above 40 MPH that you realize there's no more power on tap.

Now, drive a car around that's geared like that and then move to a car like the RX-8 and you're likely to rev the snot out of it and shift at high RPMs and get really poor mileage because the old car has colored your perception about what you should be feeling at what point on your speedometer.

Just another variable to add to the "driving style" list...

Originally posted by BillK
Let's also not forget the effects of gearing on those perceptions (and thus mileage.)

For example, many domestic cars have their automatic transmissions set to making the car feel very peppy in the low range. The Mercury Cougar and Plymouth Breeze, to name two I've rented, both feel as if they must have 400 HP under the hood because if you breathe on the gas pedal you're thrown back in your seat; it's only when you get much above 40 MPH that you realize there's no more power on tap.

Now, drive a car around that's geared like that and then move to a car like the RX-8 and you're likely to rev the snot out of it and shift at high RPMs and get really poor mileage because the old car has colored your perception about what you should be feeling at what point on your speedometer.

Just another variable to add to the "driving style" list...



BillK,

Very true. I failed to mention the car's gearing as variables in MPG's along with the other factors.

BTW, I always look forward to your enlightening and refreshing posts. I always enjoy reading your logical opinions, insights, and factual statements.

P.S. Have you notice recently how many threads on this forum closed immediately after your posted? LOL! Lately, when I see you that you posted on a thread, I quickly get there in fear of it closing.

I got bored and did a comparison of cost of gas for a entire year between the RX-8 and the 350z(ya ya I know) based on what looks to be the average for the RX-8 at the moment.

Figure your gonna drive around 12000 miles a year.
Figure the cost of premium is $1.70(at least where I am at the moment) and figure 18mpg for the RX-8 and 21mpg for the 350z.

It comes out to be a yearly cost of $1133 for the RX-8 and $971 for the 350Z. A difference of $162, now this really isn't much in the scheme of things but damn with the latest official HP drop from Mazda how the hell is this happening. I realize the rotary isn't nearly as gas efficient as a piston engine but come on. There's a now big difference in HP. I guess I'm just a little dissappointed.

Now don't flame me if I can't afford gas I shouldn't be driving a sports car crap. I can easily afford gas, but I just hate wasting money if I don't have too.

I'm not going to flame you, but it is what it is man. I mean it's just one of those things that you think about before you buy the car. If that $162 makes that big of a difference to you, then get the Z. It's a nice car too.

I realize it is what it is. Actually I was gonna buy a Z till I got lucky and the Head Tech at a local Mazda dealer got in their first RX-8 and was taking it for a break in drive. He let me tag along in the passenger seat with him. And just doing that I fell in the love with the car. I guess I'm just trying to figure out how the hell the car gets this bad gas consumption. *Shrugs* Probably gonna still gonna buy the RX-8, but damn if getting married don't suck up a ton of money :( Gonna make me wait a few more months.

Makes you wonder really if by detuning it for emissions reasons, they actually decreased the fuel efficiency thereby nullifying the point.

On one tank I saw just a little over 12 mpg. Granted I did it on purpose. Accelerating hard all the time. The thing is the tank after that which I did not drive hard on was just a little over 13 mpg. My two worst tanks were right n a row.

worst about 12.7 best 20.5

I'm another person who does virtually all city driving (i.e., drive a block, stop, drive a block, stop), driving moderately, with no one in the car (and no jet ski) and I'm averaging about 12-13 mpg with high octane fuel.

My worst was 11.1 and best was 23.8. The former, fairly agressive city driving, the latter pure speedlight highway over 230 miles.

I have an AT with 2350 miles. I've been getting around 15 mpg in mixed driving. Best was 20 mpg on a day trip with all highway. Hopefully, it will get better.

best 17.2, worst 15.8.

I drive quickly but its not like I am hitting the red line everyday (hardly ever) or something. I do hope it gets better 1500 miles so far.

ok i just got 131 miles on 12.5 gallons. my MPG is getting worse. not really doing that much agressive driving though it was 100% city.

Originally posted by RX-GR8
ok i just got 131 miles on 12.5 gallons. my MPG is getting worse. not really doing that much agressive driving though it was 100% city.

wow, sorry to hear that
at 12.5 I just got 190 when orange light came on
not much better for me

I'm still on my first tank of gas, I do a lot of city driving, and still learning the nuances of working the MT so I'm expecting to see some fairly dismal numbers. However, I knew this going into the deal and figured it was just part of the cost of ownership. I do appreciate the theme of the thread as it's valuable to be able to compare any performance parameter with the experience of others. I get smoother by the hour on the MT so I expect things to improve. I'll post again after my next 2 or 3 fill-ups.

Originally posted by RX-GR8
ok i just got 131 miles on 12.5 gallons. my MPG is getting worse. not really doing that much agressive driving though it was 100% city. Man jeez, that bites. 10.5 mpg? It's gotta be the temperature & 100% city.

Fill 'er up & take the PA turnpike to Harrisburg & back (or something) to burn up a tank on-highway. See if you still can get 22 mpg or so...worth the $25 ?

6 Speed and I haven't gotten better than 13.9 mpg (yes I do the math correctly). I have tried all the suggestions mentioned by you helpful and knowledgable people to no avail. I have a 9 mile city commute and it's been cold. I'm going to see if my dealer has any answers.

If not for this issue, I love my car.

One point data here. When I picked the car up, the salesman filled it and I have no idea if it was really full or not. When I filled it, I started tracking the mileage. I got 15.9 mpg over the past 3 days of breaking in the car. I'm DARN pleased with 15.9 given that the car is new and I was totally new to a MT when I started driving the 8 on Monday. The temp has been in the 40 to 55 degree F range and the driving has been on roads near malls with more than a desired amount of stop-n-go driving. Maybe 30 percent of the miles were unfettered freeway driving. Like I said, so far so good. I'll check in again after my next few tanks....