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Old 11-02-2013, 10:46 AM   #3 (permalink)
MetroMPG
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: 1000 Islands, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 22,532

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

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

Even Fancier Metro - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage top spec
90 day: 70.75 mpg (US)

Appliance car Mirage - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage ES (base)
90 day: 62.14 mpg (US)
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Sounds to me like you're already using the "big two" driving techniques (moderate speed on the highway; coasting & "driving without brakes" in the city).

So your capacity for improvement is going to be smaller than a typical driver starting from scratch.

That said, even though I've been using efficient driving techniques for years, I still never leave home without a gauge in the car. As UltArc says, the instant feedback is the key: it keeps you focused. It can also help turn the task of driving into a bit of a game (with a payback).

If you're worried about cost, go for used. You'll have to be more patient to find a used one at a good price, but they're out there. If you decide it doesn't help you, you'll be able to re-sell it for probably the same price.

Don't forget though: these gauges also let you read/reset your check engine light, and provide additional gauge/sensor info beyond MPG. You'll probably find that alone makes it worth having around.
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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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