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Old 03-05-2012, 10:04 AM   #13 (permalink)
MetroMPG
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: 1000 Islands, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 22,541

Blackfly - '98 Geo Metro
Team Metro
Last 3: 70.09 mpg (US)

MPGiata - '90 Mazda Miata
90 day: 54.46 mpg (US)

Appliance car Mirage - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage ES (base)
90 day: 51.82 mpg (US)
Thanks: 4,085
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GRU View Post
Do you consider a midsize like a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry small? If that's small for you then work on aero mods on the vehicle of your choice.
I think GRU hit the nail on the head: If you want to drive "big" and want to drive fast, and since much of your driving is on the open road, then your best efforts will be spent on aerodynamics (EDIT: and possibly gearing).

I doubt you'll be able to justify the cost of a workable DIY hybridization that will meet your needs.

Fortunately, aero mods can be relatively inexpensive, and the payback can be relatively fast on a large, thirsty vehicle. (Gearing mods, probably less so on both counts.)

Hopefully you're not averse to modifications which will make your vehicle look "out of the ordinary". Otherwise, no cake for you!
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Project MPGiata! Mods for getting 50+ MPG from a 1990 Miata
Honda mods: Ecomodding my $800 Honda Fit 5-speed beater
Mitsu mods: 70 MPG in my ecomodded, dirt cheap, 3-cylinder Mirage.
Ecodriving test: Manual vs. automatic transmission MPG showdown



EcoModder
has launched a forum for the efficient new Mitsubishi Mirage
www.MetroMPG.com - fuel efficiency info for Geo Metro owners
www.ForkenSwift.com - electric car conversion on a beer budget
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