Curious newcomer from Eastern ND.

[kafer65]

Welcome! Wheel covers in the snow may be a mod with issues. They work well otherwise but I'd be worried they may get torn off in hard packed snow. Airing up tires also questionable in snow. I'd like to hear others with experience on that one. All of the aboved for heat retention are good for sure to get lean quickly. What about an manual steering conversion to reduce cold fluid pumping losses? Tall skinny tires?
How's idle oil pressure and cylinder compression and idle fuel pressure at 260k miles on that engine? Are you thinking you can get another 100k out of it?

[Fat Charlie]

Tank over tank results in varying conditions just aren't the same as instantaneous mpg and gph results.

With a gauge you can learn on one commute what would otherwise take testing over several tanks to establish and memorize. With a gauge once that's done you'll also be better able to adjust to changing conditions instead of just knowing what your car will do on a pool table. Besides, the distances are far enough means that minor differences in results add up quickly- all the more reason to have instant data!

[MetroMPG]

I have driven with well above placard tire pressures for years and years, in snow & sun

In a tiny Geo Metro (Firefly). In Canada. Sometimes (often, actually) over long highway distances.

I can hear the shock & horror. :O

(OK, so not this particular winter what with the winter beater Civic. But it's still well above placard.)

[kafer65]

No shock. Maybe a little awe. I'd do it myself but I haven't encountered any substantial snow since I started using fully aired up tires. Good to know its been field tested thoroughly by our friends to the north

[spacemanspif]

My old Saturn was a loud car to ride in even when my exhaust wasn't leaking under the cabin and I can't stand to be in my sister's beater Metro because of how loud it is inside the car, and that is only driving on back roads at 50mph. I can't imagine a 60mi commute in that car for more than a couple days which is why I encourage some sacrifice for creature comforts. Considering OP is spending 10hours a week in the car, a quiet cabin and comfy seat are qualities that shouldn't be overlooked and I have yet to be in a Metro with either of those.

[Frank Lee]

Perhaps you should sample a non-beater representative of the model before condemning all.

[elhigh]

MetroMPG is precisely who I was thinking of, driving a Firefly in the Great White North. If anyone can tell us of experience with that featherweight in foul weather, he's the guy.

Frank, I'm considering a little more than just sheer economy when I'm talking about "beef." The guy is spending a couple of hours a day (80mph cruising velocity may reduce that just a *tad*) on the highway, and the Metro, thrifty as it is, is a bit of a buzzbox. I would sacrifice a few MPG for a nicer environment within which to spend so much of my day.

That said, the comment about looking for a 4-banger Camry is a good one. Maximum power output is a small consideration when so much of the day is spent at the modest loads of highway cruising.

[Frank Lee]

It's up to him to decide what's acceptable. I just can't believe I'm seeing this on EM. I've done 600 mile one-way trips in a '98 Metro hatch; if I didn't already have such a ridiculously over-sized fleet I'd have a Metro of my own for sure. It goes through snow, it has good heat, the seats are comfy, it is quiet (new exhaust and good tires)... I'm just that some wouldn't think this is the ultimate commuter car.

[MetroMPG]

Can't fight lifestyle inflation! :P

[Frank Lee]

I see... how about an Expedition loaded up with about 8 kids? This is my recommendation. Gas is cheap and ND obviously is representative of the entire globe with all that wasted undeveloped space- fill 'em up!