New Convert (bought a Civic)

[bertb]

Long, but I think its a good story:
I've been reading ecomodder.com for about 3-4 months. As the owner of a Dodge Dakota Quadcab with a 5.9 liter V8 I couldn't break the 15mpg mark. (Which, as it turns out is great mileage according to the Dakota forums.) I am a mobile PC/Network technician for small and med. business in one of the largest cities (by land mass) in the US, Oklahoma City. I drive about 300 miles a week. Which runs about $300 a month.

Reading ecomodder and using the driving tips I was able to get 16 mpg. That got me excited and planning to cover holes in the bumper dressing and trying to figure out the best way to implement a cool plexiglass air damn and then I was going to go for a underbody panel and the ultimate mod was to be a "stip wood" (like a stripwood canoe) aero cap bed cover a la members Fubeca and Bondo.

All that planning was really getting my eco juices flowing but then when gas prices took another jump here recently I began asking bigger questions like, "what are my reasons for owning a truck." All of the points I used to answer that question were able to be dismissed or thrown out. So, last week I sold my truck. I searched and searched craigslist and was unable to find a Civic VX (that hadn't been "customized" beyond recognition). Yesterday, I was able to find a 2001 Civic Coupe that was respectable and thus begins my life in the 30+ mpg club. I'm on my first tank so I don't know any specifics yet. But I have you folks to thank for encouraging me to start this journey.

[SentraSE-R]

Thanks for sharing your story, Bert. I'll welcome you to the 30 mpg club now, and hope to see your fuel log allowing you into the 40 mpg club soon .

[bertb]

I just stopped on the way home. I'd done 117 miles and I couldn't wait. I put in 3.06 gallons. 39mpg. I was through the roof. I'll be a little more patient and go through the whole tank this time. I plan to do a tank of pure after this tank of "up to 10%" ethanol. And see which is the better value for money. I know the ethanol is "greener" but that is only a happy side note to the $$ we're keeping in our budget. I have a back surgery next week and a new baby boy on the way in August, right now every penny helps. Now if I could get out of this drafty house!!!

[SentraSE-R]

You're knocking on the door of the 40 mpg club. Driving slower and conserving momentum work wonders. Get an Ultragauge or Scangauge. They'll give you instant feedback on what works best.

[PaleMelanesian]

Welcome and congratulations! What trim level is that Civic? Manual or automatic?

[California98Civic]

Welcome. I'm recent too. I drive a Civic. Still experimenting with a set of rather basic mods. Recently up at 47/48 mpg. A key factor is your speed. If you can drive 60 or even 55 mph on the highways you'll have immediate benefits. Driving technique is turning out to be an even digger factor than I already appreciated.

See around the forum...