success story... I think ?

[d0sitmatr]

the past 2 tanks of gas Ive been able to average 21.6mpg, all city driving.
not bad for an Xterra with the 3.3L v6 with an EPA of 15 city

no mods yet except a 2" drop all around. mostly accomplished with hypermiling techniques.
but planned mods should net me even more (hopefully in order of installation:
partial grill block (full upper and part lower intake)
front belly pan (from valance to front wheels)
headlight covers (home made from 1/8 or less Lexan)
E-fan
wheel covers

later mods (if I keep the Xterra longer than 6 months)
full belly pan
partial side skirts
2:89 rear end (current is 4:6)

[ngrimm]

That sounds pretty good to me. I'd be happy to average that on the highway in my BroncoII.

[kir_kenix]

Sounds like success to me! Anytime I can beat the EPA highway rating with in town driving I consider it a success.

[cfguy2000]

Awesome job on the MPG! We just sold my Fiancee's 2001 Xterra V6 and got a 2003 Honda Accord EX 4 cyl. Getting over 20 mpg in the Xterra was tricky, even on the freeway (granted we live in Texas so we have to run the AC year round practically). I miss driving the Xterra but I enjoy the gas mileage of the Accord.

[d0sitmatr]

thanks, it hasnt been easy as I have to pull out on a main highway every morning, but I start in 2nd gear (manual trans ROCKS !) and dont take RPM above 2k most of the time, occasionally 2.5k if I need to accelerate more than Id like
a LOT of coasting to stops and am finally getting the lights (a whopping 2...) timed better.

but, with projected gas prices, Im pretty sure Im going to sell off the "X", I simply cannot afford to put $70+ in it every 2 weeks. if I had a car that averages EPA 28mpg+ city and its manual, Im betting I can get upwards of 35mpg city.