Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post

stevet47 · 04-13-2009, 11:13 AM

Right now I am driving a 2005 Nissan Frontier, 4x4, lifted, big tires, several hundred pounds of offroad protection, etc, etc... not exactly a great vehicle for FE. With all the mods I made I averaged ~14.5MPG, once I learned of this site and started doing very basic hypermiling techniques I managed to raise my average to ~17-18MPG

I dont offroad anymore, and the truck doesn't have enough interior space. I was thinking I might sell the truck and get a new Honda Fit. I can sell the truck for $15,000, so really the Fit would only cost me a couple grand. I drive about 16,000 miles a year, so I would quickly make up the added cost in fuel savings.

My main question is, Should I go for the Auto or Manual Trans. Conventional wisdom says the Manual will get better FE, but the Auto has better EPA ratings, and I have heard the the transmissions are geared badly for FE. I imagine the manual will still be capable of getting better FE, but I wanted to know what you guys thought.

Thanks!

04-13-2009, 11:13 AM	#1 (permalink)
stevet47 Eco Dreamer Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Exton, PA Posts: 104 Versa - '08 Nissan Versa SL Hatchback Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Next Car: Honda Fit? Right now I am driving a 2005 Nissan Frontier, 4x4, lifted, big tires, several hundred pounds of offroad protection, etc, etc... not exactly a great vehicle for FE. With all the mods I made I averaged ~14.5MPG, once I learned of this site and started doing very basic hypermiling techniques I managed to raise my average to ~17-18MPG I dont offroad anymore, and the truck doesn't have enough interior space. I was thinking I might sell the truck and get a new Honda Fit. I can sell the truck for $15,000, so really the Fit would only cost me a couple grand. I drive about 16,000 miles a year, so I would quickly make up the added cost in fuel savings. My main question is, Should I go for the Auto or Manual Trans. Conventional wisdom says the Manual will get better FE, but the Auto has better EPA ratings, and I have heard the the transmissions are geared badly for FE. I imagine the manual will still be capable of getting better FE, but I wanted to know what you guys thought. Thanks!