possibly the most non-aerodynamic ? (Nissan Xterra)

[d0sitmatr]

the Saturn SW1 has an EPA of 37mpg hwy

I dont expect to get 40 mpg straight away, but after doing a few aero mods to it. I think stock I can get probably 34/28, as I used hypermiling techniques often, but my plan would be roughly the same for the protege5 that I was planning for the 'tera
lowering it some
partial grill block and basically cleaning up the front some for smoother transition
belly pan with rear diffuser
roof rack removal (if it has one)
partial kambak
replace all fluids/greases with synthetic ones

[SentraSE-R]

The SW1 only seats 5, and it's only rated 32-34 mpg on the '08 EPA. If you're opening the door to 5 seaters, then you can't beat a used Prius. Newer cars in that size include the Hyundai Sonata (35 mpg hwy), Kia Optima (34), Honda Accord 4 (34), and Toyota Camry 4 (33). The Sonata Hybrid (40) kicks *ss on the Camry Hybrid (34).

[euromodder]

On a station wagon-shape, no diffuser should be used as it only adds drag.

See : http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...tml#post167791 and some other posts in this thread.


What MPG are you getting now, and what are the requirements for a potential new ride (like seating) ?

[d0sitmatr]

Originally Posted by SentraSE-R

The SW1 only seats 5, and it's only rated 32-34 mpg on the '08 EPA

I thought we were talking about vehicles that only sit 5 ?
I havent looked at the specs of the SW1 for a while, several yrs at least. but I do remember last time I did it said 37mpg hwy, of course, Im sure that isnt really that accurate, but then again, I doubt the person driving it was using hypermiling techniques
Id love to get a used prius, except its out of my price range, so....

Originally Posted by euromodder

On a station wagon-shape, no diffuser should be used as it adds drag.

What MPG are you getting now, and what are the requirements for a potential new ride (like seating) ?

good to know, I was unaware of that.
Im lucky if Im getting 20mpg hwy now, the Xterra is truly a brick with wheels attached...
my requirements are a wagon, or at least a car that has split rear "lay flat" folding seats, a manual trans and preferably 4 cyl.
I know there are tons of other vehicles out there that match that criteria, but I also am refined to a small price range (basically between private party and trade in for the Xterra, which = $5600.0/4200.0)

[comptiger5000]

If a Camry is an option, I will say I'm impressed by my dad's 2005 V6 Camry, and how easily it beats EPA. On a 350 mile highway trip (my mom was driving), it saw a hand-calced 27mpg at an average of 80mph.