Ford Focus finally happy with mileage!

[Dizle]

So I've had this car for maybe 2 months now, 2006 Ford Focus 2.0 5speed hatchback. Bought it with economy in mind thinking I could beat the EPA rating no problemo right outta the box. Turns out I couldn't! I was getting from 26-29 mpg mixed city/ highway doing what I thought was in the best interest of fuel saving. Disappointed with the car I got an Ultragauge to help my driving habits and to get instant feedback of whats happening and how my foot is affecting the fuel economy.

Finally got it calibrated and ran my first full tank through it, a solid 37mpg! 85% highway 55-65mph (less than Ideal conditions), 15% short city trips. I got 440 miles out of the tank, before the Ultragauge best I could do was 360. Unbelievable, almost 100 more miles to the tank I didn't even think that was possible! I know this is nothing compared to some of the crazy mpg other people get but I'm very happy with it being new to it!

Anyways thanks to everyone on this site and all the info about the Ultragauge I've found in searches that helped me make the decision to get one. I look forward to more mpg's out of this little car and learning from this site!

[Flakbadger]

Congratulations on the accomplishment, 440 miles is nothing to sneeze at, and 37 MPG is pretty impressive for a Focus 2.0 liter.

I've been meaning to write up something about my experiences with the Ultragauge but have lacked the motivation. I guess all I'll say now is it's really amazing to learn that acceleration in your vehicle produces sometimes sub-10-MPG results. I was not prepared for the extremes, 6MPG in 1st gear, 10 in 2nd, 330MPG when coasting at 55MPH
It's pretty incredible. That instantaneous feedback is no joke, it really does help!
Sounds like it helped you, too!

[brucepick]

Good work!!
Shows you how valuable information can be. We don't often expect to pay for it these days but the feedback is what enabled you to get 37 mpg. I'd say, the cost of the UltraGauge was worth it.

Congrats!

[Daox]

Congrats on your first good tank. Nice job.

[taco]

Helll yea.
Good job.
Now the hard part keeping it up.

[MetroMPG]

Dizle, thanks for posting your story!

Beats the heck out of the new members who sign up to complain about getting bad MPG:

"Why can't I get the MPG I see other members getting?"

"Get a gauge," we say.

They tell us they're doing all they can, driving-wise.

"Feedback is really important - get a gauge," we say.

They complain some more about the horrible traffic they contend with.

"Seriously, dude. Get a gauge."

Then they get a gauge, and presto! They're suddenly beating their EPA rating.

[arcosine]

You are a gauge of inspiration.

[nbleak21]

Originally Posted by Flakbadger

330MPG when coasting at 55MPH

Wish I could see those numbers!.. I'm generally getting around 150mpg at 55mph. (0.26 - 0.35gph at idle in neutral)



Dizle, Congrats! I just pulled my first 37+mpg tank yesterday, too!

[Dizle]

So most of my driving, probably 80% or more, is in town, less than 2 miles away often with a very cold engine and seemingly no way to get good mpg's according to my Ultragauge. If I have to drive to the market or another close trip say 2 miles away or less, would it be reasonable to drive a few more miles/ take the longer, easier to get good mpg's route?

For instance: I drive to my crossfit gym almost every morning with a cold engine, about 2 miles away. Going the shortest route I can barley get 25 mpg. Or I could go a longer route with less stop signs, lights etc and get closer to 35 mpg but having to drive closer to 5 miles.

In this case would it be worth it to take the 5 mile route to continually get better mpg because the motor warms up more and is more efficient? Or just take the shorter route, less miles and less mpg. This is of course when I have time to drive the longer route. I've read the tips section and try to go to my furthest destination first but I often find myself only needing to go a very short distance once or twice a day that nets me very poor mpg.

Thanks!

[Chopper]

Forgive me, but as a power lifter and keen cyclist myself I have to ask - if you're fit enough to survive a gym session why don't you walk or cycle such a puny distance?