Satisfaction with MPG is relative! 2003 Suzuki Aerio 5MT ecodriving: 35 MPG US

[MetroMPG]

(Record for most delayed reply?)

Originally Posted by ProDigit

First, I would cover the radiator by 75% with cardboard.

If I'd had my ScanGauge with me to monitor coolant temps, I definitely would have done a grille block.

[MetroMPG]

My friend's Non-Aerio is no more! R.I.P.

She said the steering started pulling recently, and when her mechanic put it on a lift, one front control arm almost fell off. Underbody RUST! (Sounds like it was a similar situation to the Geo Metro's well-known fatal flaw. )

She asked me to go car shopping with her a week ago and she ended up with this:



2017 Hyundai Accent.

Automatic, sadly. We only test-drove manual cars (she really wanted one), but the deal on the left-over 2017 automatic was too good to pass up.

Since last Wednesday, she reports 6.1 L/ 100 km = 39 MPG US (on the car's computer, I assume) without trying too hard. Not bad for a slushbox -- I was only able to average 35 MPG ecodriving the Non-Aerio.

[mpg_numbers_guy]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Since last Wednesday, she reports 6.1 L/ 100 km = 39 MPG US (on the car's computer, I assume) without trying too hard. Not bad for a slushbox -- I was only able to average 35 MPG ecodriving the Non-Aerio.

Not bad for a Hyundai! I know the older ones struggled with MPGs but the newer ones seem to be doing better. Now if Hyundai could only address issues with reliability and resale value...

[MetroMPG]

It looks like they may have addressed the reliability question: I just read that the Kia Rio (Hyundai Accent mechanical twin) topped the most recent J.D. Power quality survey, from surveys of owners about problems in the last 12 months of 3 year-old cars. Good enough for 2nd place in its class.

"Korean manufacturer has improved 12 rank positions across industry since 2016"

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-rele...300599123.html

As for re-sale? I have no idea.

[ProDigit]

The Hyundai Elantras with 2.0 liter engine are known to be the most fuel efficient highway drivers.
I've had 75MPG instant on the highway at 75MPH!
No other car does that!

Their 1.8L models are better for the city. Shorter gearing causes the engine to rev higher at highway speeds, and thus anything above like 60-65MPH suffers MPG.
But may be more efficient not only in the city, but also in the snow where you can't take it out at much above 45MPH.

And cardboard up that radiator! It not only protects the car from cold, but salt as well.
Use a cardboard plate, cover with cellophane (plastic wrap), and tie in there with straps.

I've known a guy who would actually insulate his transmission too, because he said, he gained 5MPG avg by doing that!

The Elantra's MPG is better than my Chevrolet Cruze Eco!

If I were you, I'd put 0W30 or 0W20 in your car.
We put 0W20 in a Chevy Spark here in hot South Florida.
I see no reason to go with anything more than 0W30.

[MetroMPG]

ProDigit - you should make a garage page for your Cruze Eco.

Your Garage: Add new vehicle

I just saw one the other day - fairly rare car.

FYI: Neither of the cars mentioned are mine (Aerio / Accent). I was just loaned the Aerio last winter for a couple of months.

My cars are pretty modded. Always more to do, though.

[mpg_numbers_guy]

Originally Posted by ProDigit

The Hyundai Elantras with 2.0 liter engine are known to be the most fuel efficient highway drivers.
I've had 75MPG instant on the highway at 75MPH!
No other car does that!

75 mpg?? Downhill or flat cruising? Tailwind? Most compact cars can reach near 100 mpg instantaneous for a few seconds with a slight downhill and a tailwind. Those numbers would be incredible if they were consistent though.

[ProDigit]

Originally Posted by mpg_numbers_guy

75 mpg?? Downhill or flat cruising? Tailwind? Most compact cars can reach near 100 mpg instantaneous for a few seconds with a slight downhill and a tailwind. Those numbers would be incredible if they were consistent though.

Truck tailgating

However it still gets about 50MPG avg at 75MPH constant cruising speed.
The average speed is closer to 36MPG, and really depends if you're doing a lot of city or highway.

Do know that that's while cruising. The elantra's engine runs at about 2-2.5k rpm, at that speed, so it's having very tall gears.

Results can range from in the lower 20s, to the higher 40s avg MPG.
Hyundai Elantra MPG - Actual MPG from 193 Hyundai Elantra owners

There are a lot of econo cars that perform better than the elantra in city driving environments,
but for highways of 60+ MPH, the Elantra 2.0 is the top performer of the gasoline engines.