FNG, from Madison WI - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Quattro · 02-12-2009, 05:01 PM

Howdy all!

I've been to this site before, but today decided to register to get the full effect. So far, it's been very helpful!

I have a 2001.5 VW Passat wagon (1.8T) that gets driven daily about 30 miles. Despite having a pretty nice aero shape, it's heavy and underpowered, and not very fuel-efficient. Must work on that.

My other vehicle is recreational, mostly. It's a 1999 Toyota 4runner (3.4L V6). It's decked out, and I'm hoping to have it for many years. I just got it a month ago.

I'm interested in making both of these vehicles as "FE" as possible. I used to really be into Hondas (I've had several CRXs and Civics), so I know what I'm missing. I'm anxious to see if the new Honda Insight will truly be affordable.

Anywho, that's all for now. Nice to meet ya.

Q

Daox · 02-12-2009, 07:21 PM

Welcome to the site Quattro.

Underpowered is not a bad thing. 99% of what we have here in the states is WAY overpowered. Take a look at some european spec vehicles to get an idea why they get so much better mileage than our cars do.

It sounds like your interested in aero mods, any other areas of interest?

elhigh · 02-12-2009, 09:54 PM

Second that on the underpowered. My ol' Toy PU has what I feel is close to a perfect power level for a truck. It makes a fuzz over 100 hp, can tow 3500lbs and carry off over 3/4 ton of firewood. It's one of the very few trucks I ever see being used to carry a load.

Underpowered? No. The power is adequate.

ericbecky · 02-13-2009, 10:22 AM

Great to have you here at ecomodder!
You mention the Insight, are you thinking you'd swap out the Passat for it? Or would it simply be an addition to your stable of vehicles?

Quattro · 02-13-2009, 02:19 PM

OK, not underpowered, you're right. It just feels like it sometimes! With the turbo, it actually has plenty of power...at the expense of pretty terrible FE for a 1.8L.

Thanks for the welcome. ericbecky, I would consider the Insight instead of the Passat. We certainly don't need 3 vehicles, especially when the 4runner gets very little seat time anyway. I would also wait a year or two so we could pick up a used one.