Another new guy here - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

whokilledthejams · 05-28-2008, 10:21 PM

I've been lurking for a while, so I figured I'd make my presence known.

I've got an '04 Scion xB that I just bought in February, and I've been tracking my FE tank-by-tank in a spreadsheet from the get-go. I've been getting low-to-mid 30s lately, overall, but I know there's room for improvement. Surprisingly, the claimed Cd is .35, which is the same as the '05 Subaru Impreza I used to have (fantastic car, but cramped for anyone but a driver and surprisingly inefficient, despite my best efforts).

I know for certain I need to invest in a Scangauge. That'll probably be my next major purchase for the car.

After that, constructing some manner of belly pan, particularly for the parachute-shaped underside of the rear, might be my next upgrade.

So, hi!

SVOboy · 05-28-2008, 10:50 PM

Welcome to ecomodder! Not exactly the most aero car, but I usually hear of them getting pretty respectable mileage,

whokilledthejams · 05-28-2008, 10:53 PM

Thanks!

Yeah, the shape is a disadvantage, but it's relatively lightweight, and is sensibly powerful, so I'm not totally at a loss.

SVOboy · 05-28-2008, 10:55 PM

Is it an auto?

PS: Nice smooth wheel covers,

whokilledthejams · 05-28-2008, 10:57 PM

No, it's a manual-- I refuse to own an automatic transmission as long as I have a choice.

The wheel covers are the actual Moon brand moon discs. I love the look, and the small aero benefit is a plus, too.

Johnny Mullet · 05-29-2008, 06:56 AM

Welcome to Ecomodder.

Daox · 05-29-2008, 10:38 AM

Welcome to the site. I have heard of xB owners hitting 40+ mpg with the right driving techniques. Make sure you visit the 100+ driving tips page.

whokilledthejams · 05-29-2008, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daox

Welcome to the site. I have heard of xB owners hitting 40+ mpg with the right driving techniques. Make sure you visit the 100+ driving tips page.

Exactly, so I know it's not a lost cause with this car. Optimizing my driving is probably the best thing I can do. As it is, I can engine-off-coast for over a half a mile a day along my commute, and I'm experimenting with coasting-in-gear (fuel cuts out above 1700rpm). I'm steadily improving, I think.

Besides, even without half trying, I'm still getting all around 5mpg better than my old Subaru, and I can also haul stuff when I need, and put adult-sized people in the back seat, so it's win-win with the xB.

yakfishingfool · 05-29-2008, 10:07 PM

I have an Xa and during the winter get in the 34 range and summer about 40. hoping to make it 10% better. This tank is looking very good so far. Scott

millenniumtree · 06-04-2008, 11:03 AM

I've got an xB, and last I checked (more than a year ago), we were getting about 34. Since I just joined this site, I'll be entering all the gas receipts to make a graph. We do save every receipt and write the mileage on each one, so the data is all there, it just has to be entered.

I want to get the spoiler for it as well. I regret not getting one when we bought it. I wonder how much that little spoiler actually helps... Hmm