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High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

socalsheepdog

socalsheepdog

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 24, 2010
1
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Socal
With fuel prices reaching crazy highs these days I decided to park my fun car (MazdaSpeed 6 AWD Turbo) and get a high mileage, high MPG beater. My goal was to not spend more than 1K bucks and it could not need any immediate repairs to get me to work and back. I wanted to just buy it and go. I also wanted the car to be in the 30/35 MPG range and it needed to run on regular fuel.

What I ended up with was a 1996 Honda Civic EX with 191K miles on it. Needs some suspension work and a few interior fixes but overall it is a pretty solid car. There is a nice size dent in the rear quarter panel and the paint on the hood is pealing off. On the plus side, it came with a really nice Alpine head unit with separates and 10 inch sub in the trunk. I picked it up for $950 and it is getting around 36-37 MPG. I am pretty happy. The wife, not so much.

Added bonus: when I called my INS to add it to my policy, since my nice car went down in miles driven, the policy went down about ten bucks.

Lets see your low cost, high MPG beaters and tell us what it replaced.

01civic1024.jpg


05civic1024.jpg


03civic1024.jpg


04civic1024.jpg


07civic1024.jpg
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">not really the change i voted for..............just sayin</div></div>
You voted for him???!!!!
laugh.gif

....SmokeRolls
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">not really the change i voted for..............just sayin</div></div>
No kiddin'
News a couple days ago says by the holidays it may go to $5 a gallon. Tell me that won't throw a grenade into the economy.
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

Not my intention to have this turn into Fuel Price debate thread....... Just sayin
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">do the rear seating area smell like tuna?</div></div>
Maybe thats why the wife doesn't like it.
laugh.gif

....SmokeRolls
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

My high mileage, high MPG beater. A 2008 Yaris.
The only problem I've had with it is I had to replace the front brake pads at 170k. Now it's at 177k. I'm about to replace the tires for the 2nd time shortly. First set (Goodyear Eagles) lasted around 75k, the ones on there now (Dunlop Signatures) are at about 102k, with 3/32 tread left. It still averages over 40MPG.
I use Mobil 1 5-30 and change at 5K intervals.

yaris001-1.jpg
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

Socal,

I'd been thinking about doing the same thing...
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

I just recently sold a perfectly good '98 Civic EX Coupe for $1500.
WTF was I thinking?
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tucker301</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just recently sold a perfectly good '98 Civic EX Coupe for $1500.
WTF was I thinking? </div></div>

At least you got a 40 MPG car as your replacement. $1500 is a good buyers price for that car.
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Socalsheepdog</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tucker301</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just recently sold a perfectly good '98 Civic EX Coupe for $1500.
WTF was I thinking? </div></div>

At least you got a 40 MPG car as your replacement. $1500 is a good buyers price for that car. </div></div>

I did indeed.
The Elantra has been great so far!
Meanwhile, Cruze owners are worrying about their steering wheels popping off in their hands.
grin.gif
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

My wife's father gave her this contraption, 225 Slant Six that gets 30 MPG, its got a real trunk too.

karen-car.jpg
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kraigWY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My wife's father gave her this contraption, 225 Slant Six that gets 30 MPG, its got a real trunk too.</div></div>

With a curb weight of a small moon and the drag coefficient of a Motel 6!

WOW!

Makes you wonder why all modern vehicles aren't getting better mileage.
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tucker301</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kraigWY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My wife's father gave her this contraption, 225 Slant Six that gets 30 MPG, its got a real trunk too.</div></div>

With a curb weight of a small moon and the drag coefficient of a Motel 6!

WOW!

Makes you wonder why all modern vehicles aren't getting better mileage.</div></div>
Exactly!!!!!! I know of older cadilacs and lincoln continentals that knocked down 28-30 miles per gallon on the highway and we brag about our 30 miles per gallon hondas. These little aerodynamic hamster shoeboxes should be sipping 80-100 mpg and not even breaking a sweat. I know of some hot turbo diesels (cummins and Duramaxes) transplanted into cars that are getting 70 to 90 mpg and will roast the quarter mile in 12 seconds give or take if they can get traction. It's not hard, just the right gearing,torque and efficiency.
........SmokeRolls
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

I haven't got any pics now, but I've got a hell of an old beater. My wife's first car when she came to America, 1994 Ford escort. It's been beat up quite a bit over the years, she hit a fencepost at a friend's house and bashed in the side, she hit a German Shepherd on the freeway doin 80, damn near totaled the front end, but she was too "traumatized" to stop so she continued on till the motor burned up. I was between shooting lanes at the time so I put it back together as cheaply as possible ($600ish) and I have been driving it ever since as a daily commuter car. It looks like shit, it dont go fast, it doesn't smell like roses but at least it doesn't smell like tuna. But the cheap little bastard routinely gets 38-41 mpg, and when I used to commute 50 miles a day it was even better. There is no doubt in my mind that something is wrong with it, but it just keeps going and going and going, its not worth fixing and I dont want to fix something and have my mileage shot to hell. Today I put $8.67 worth of spark plugs in it, the first money other than gas and oil in the last 5 years. Now it runs even better!!!
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

1996 nissan sentra - manual transmission

power nothing , has A/C but i never run it cause it kills my mileage !!

gets 46mpg on the highway, 38 around town

pic to follow -

and i love pulling up next to people in it, cause they look down on me , like i don't have a pot to piss in, heck i every scope i own is worth more than this car , but i love it !

muffler fell off last year, and it sounds like a go cart now .... too funny
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kraigWY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My wife's father gave her this contraption, 225 Slant Six that gets 30 MPG, its got a real trunk too.

karen-car.jpg
</div></div>

I had a two door sedan version of that with a 318 poly motor and push button trans. It was a sweet ride but mine didn't get 30mpg.
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 168BTHPM</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kraigWY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My wife's father gave her this contraption, 225 Slant Six that gets 30 MPG, its got a real trunk too.

karen-car.jpg
</div></div>

I had a two door sedan version of that with a 318 poly motor and push button trans. It was a sweet ride but mine didn't get 30mpg. </div></div>

And that one won't either.
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

I have a hard time believing any of the MPG figures on this thread.

I had a 98 accord that died with 225,000 miles on it and it averaged 28 MPG.

I bought a 2010 Honda Civic and its averaging 34.5 MPG for the last 15,000 miles.

Unless you guys are all hypermileing...................
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tucker301</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just recently sold a perfectly good '98 Civic EX Coupe for $1500.
WTF was I thinking? </div></div>

Dented Elantra?
grin.gif
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Originally Posted By: 168BTHPM
Originally Posted By: kraigWY
My wife's father gave her this contraption, 225 Slant Six that gets 30 MPG, its got a real trunk too.




I had a two door sedan version of that with a 318 poly motor and push button trans. It was a sweet ride but mine didn't get 30mpg.


And that one won't either.</div></div>

Come take a ride in it yourself instead of just guessing. Study up a bit on those little slant sixes.
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

It does seem like todays small cars should get better than they do. We have an '08 Dodge 1500 Quad with the 5.7? or whatever Hemi that will bang out 21-26 on the highway. It only gets around 13-16 in town though depending on traffic. I think if I decide to stay home and work in the states I would be getting out ahead by buying an older decent mileage car. Will have to tuck my pride though.
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

94 Nissan Sentra 5 speed, gets 30 mpg with the A/C running. Was my sisters first car, mom gave it to me.

img_0025.jpg



img_0026.jpg



96 Lebaron, gets in the low to mid 20's was the wifes car when we met.

img_0027.jpg
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Goldie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Dented Elantra?
grin.gif
</div></div>

Not anymore.
A magician fixed it this morning.
grin.gif
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rrflyer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a hard time believing any of the MPG figures on this thread.

I had a 98 accord that died with 225,000 miles on it and it averaged 28 MPG.

I bought a 2010 Honda Civic and its averaging 34.5 MPG for the last 15,000 miles.

Unless you guys are all hypermileing................... </div></div>

Here is my proof. 360miles/10.002 gallons

08civic1024.jpg
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

True on the gas prices... yikes! I used to drive a Mazda 3 but I decided to go with a Dodge. I added a twin fuel system for the car and it was truly amazing, I don't think I get better MPG but I sure don't mind buying gas anymore. Plus it beats the crap out of other twin fuel or electric cars. I also did a better intake system and a less restricted exhaust for efficiancy. Currently, I'm looking into adding a little more air flow with a system by SMS.

They call it a Dodge Charger R/T... ya... it's fast

IMG_0241.jpg



bottlefront.jpg


controlon.jpg
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

My wife's SUV gets 22 around town and 33 on the highway. Not bad for a 6,000 pound vehicle. It's better milage than was stated on the sticker. Her's is similar to this one:

images-1.jpg
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rrflyer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a hard time believing any of the MPG figures on this thread.

I had a 98 accord that died with 225,000 miles on it and it averaged 28 MPG.

I bought a 2010 Honda Civic and its averaging 34.5 MPG for the last 15,000 miles.

Unless you guys are all hypermileing................... </div></div>

When I first got this car (the Yaris), in the first 800 miles, it averaged 41.1 MPG. And that was in Feb and it was damn cold out. Most of my driving is on the highway though. A lot of it has to do with the nut behind the wheel and his driving habits. 170k on the brakes is a good indicator of that. There are times when the weather is less than ideal, though, that will affect my mileage. Headwind, snow, etc. I still stick by my 40 MPG, although it may even be better now, who knows.

I do have my old favorite beater in reserve though. That's an '86 VW Golf diesel. Being's it is still mechanically governed, it's fairly simple and there's not much that can go wrong with it. It can easily get over 40MPG. It's my "when things get really nasty" car. I can store lots of fuel for it for a fairly long time, unlike gasoline.
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vwhugger</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
yaris001-1.jpg
</div></div>
Kari Toyota in Superior? Great little cars, and damn reliable!
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">not really the change i voted for..............just sayin </div></div>

oil and fuel was higher under Bush... just sayin
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

i'm going the opposite direction, my hobbies require me to have a truck... i'll get a motorcycle for gas savings
laugh.gif
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mnshortdraw</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vwhugger</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
yaris001-1.jpg
</div></div>
Kari Toyota in Superior? Great little cars, and damn reliable! </div></div>

Yup, on Kari.
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tucker301</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just recently sold a perfectly good '98 Civic EX Coupe for $1500.
WTF was I thinking? </div></div>

You were thinking you wanted a new car with a DENT in it. Ahahahahahahaha
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jroberts</div><div class="ubbcode-body">shooter is that the diesel? </div></div>

Yes, it's the TDI model. When we went to the dealer I was thinking of getting the Premium 3.0 and then saw the diesel. Took it for a drive and decide on the TDI. Also, went through Costco buying program and was able to get the TDI Prestige for the same price as the 3.0 Premium. Consequently, the 2010s were hitting the dealers and this was a 2009 they wanted to get off the lot, hence the good price.

Also, premium fuel is $4.17 and diesel is $3.95. The diesel gets 25% more milage per gallon.
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EventHorizon</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">not really the change i voted for..............just sayin </div></div>

oil and fuel was higher under Bush... just sayin</div></div>
I bet by this summer you will never admit to saying that.
I have a funny feeling that gas and diesel are going to hit the roof. You think $4.00 per gallon is high. I bet by late summer we will be wishing it was still $4.00 per gallon.
And no....I wish it wasn't so.
.....SmokeRolls
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Opticsspecialist</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i'm going the opposite direction, my hobbies require me to have a truck... i'll get a motorcycle for gas savings
laugh.gif
</div></div>

Just be careful doing that. I know its not a fair comparison, I got an R6 (not for gas savings) but it only gets about 5 mpg more than my Mazda 3. With the engine in my Mazda 3 being literally 3 times bigger, that doesn't make sense. Granted I do rip the R6 up around the 13-15k rpm range from time to time.
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

Agree with that, my Accord gets better gas mileage than my bike.
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

This thread should be titled why Hondas are the best. When I drove my Fit from Denver back to North Carolina it averaged 35.4 over the 5000 mile senic route I took. I wish there was an American car as good as the Civic or Accord.
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EventHorizon</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">not really the change i voted for..............just sayin </div></div>

oil and fuel was higher under Bush... just sayin </div></div>

It was, for about two months. The truth is too political to post but suffice to say, this is far worse as nothing is being done about it. Recall that something decisive was done in '08'. Something that put the lie to all the assholes who had pontificated on the demise of $2.00 a gallon gasoline.

And the Plymouth/Dodge straight 6 was a great engine. Had it in a 75 Dart and, while plain and austere, it was very economical.
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

I always have a mpg beater handy. This one is hard to beat.
DSC_0050.jpg
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

2003 VW Jetta TDI
dsc00768y.jpg

EGR delete, .658 5th gear cluter, timing advanced to the max, I change the oil every 20k miles and stop for diesel every 800 miles, I normally get 53-55 mpg, car has 222k trouble free miles.
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

4701ed8a.jpg

this is my new run around truck...picked it up to try and keep miles off the megacab
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

I have an 08 Dodge Charger SXT 3.5L V6 and with the modifications that I have done I can get 30-32mpg on the freeway doing 70mph.

Sad thing about Imports, is that the older cars, such as the CRX from the late 80's early 90's got better gas mileage then most of the cars they sell today. My sister had a 1990 CRX Si that got 40mph and my brother had a CRX HF that got 60. Still waiting for a Hybrid POS with all that technology to beat a 1991 carb CRX HF
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

I had an 88 toyota camry 4 cyl 5 speed manual. Loved that car. Got 48 mpg on the highway. Wish I still had it now.
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ravkin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My sister had a 1990 CRX Si that got 40mph and my brother had a CRX HF that got 60. Still waiting for a Hybrid POS with all that technology to beat a 1991 carb CRX HF
</div></div>

I asked a Honda sales guy why the new CRZ gets such poor millage compared to the old CRX-HF, his reply, "I am asked that a lot these days".
 
Re: High MPG beater the new status symbol. Show your's

1980 VW Scirocco.
1991 Jetta 1.8 with the AUG transmission (Lower geared).

55mpg on the highway before high-flow cat, 48 on the highway AFTER the high flow cat.

Not to mention it handles like it's on rails, looks sharp, and there isn't another one within 20 miles of me.

VWKitty.jpg
 
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