Just had my FIRST 40+ MPG tank....

[DougC]

Well, I am fairly happy with my last tank.... 40.13 mpg! That helped boost me to a three tank average of 38.74 MPG. While not nearly in the league of others out there, I am quite happy to get that as an overall MPG outcome.

While I no longer use it, I did use an Ultra-Gauge in order to "train" myself to drive more efficiently. Right now I am using minimal, basic, Hypermiling techniques. Perhaps it's time to look in to the more "advanced" ones? I'm really liking these MPG numbers I've been seeing lately.

Oh yeah, I drive a 2012 Ford Focus SE equipped with a 5spd manual.

[LeanBurn]

Good stuff.

How fast were you going?

[DougC]

I'm doing 2-3 mpg over the speed limit on surface streets. My highway speed varies between 58-63. I do 58 in the 55 section of my drive and around 63 in the 65 section. I turn just a bit over 2500 RPM on the higway.

[Miller88]

One of the biggest killers on the Focuses is the 5 speed. We need a 6th gear!

I have been able to get 46mpg out of tank on my 2011 (round trip)

[taco]

I recently did my first also. Great feeling.

Congrats.

I drive about the same way. I really wanted a focus wagon manual. Never could find a cheaper one. All of them had leather.


My 3 is about 2500 grand at 70mph.

[DougC]

Originally Posted by Miller88

One of the biggest killers on the Focuses is the 5 speed. We need a 6th gear!

I have been able to get 46mpg out of tank on my 2011 (round trip)

I know what you mean. Really does feel as though that 6th gear is in order!

Originally Posted by taco

I recently did my first also. Great feeling.

Congrats.

I drive about the same way. I really wanted a focus wagon manual. Never could find a cheaper one. All of them had leather.


My 3 is about 2500 grand at 70mph.

That's about where my Focus is RPM wise at that speed as well. This last tank I got a bit bored and I picked up the throttle a bit more than usual.... caused me to dip back down to 38.5 MPG. I'm back to the grind on the current tank.

[taco]

I do the same. I get lost on the curvy roads here and then have to say. Watch that mpg drop. Then slow down.
Mine is a six speed. Most ratios for six speeds have about the same top gear. Just and extra gear in the middle. Compared to the 5 speeds.

[Diesel_Dave]

Originally Posted by DougC

While I no longer use it, I did use an Ultra-Gauge in order to "train" myself to drive more efficiently.

Training yourself is the key-especially when you drive the same route over and over. Before you know it, you'll get better mileage on a "bad day" that you used to get on "good days".

Have you been keeping a daily log? I found that enormously helpful.


And as far as the 6-speed tranny. I have one, and I wish I had a 7th gear

[Miller88]

7th would be too much for us. From what I understand, our engine isn't supposed to be operated below 1250RPM

[Diesel_Dave]

Originally Posted by Miller88

From what I understand, our engine isn't supposed to be operated below 1250RPM

You crazy speed demons