Gas mileage LOW

sarge rmb · #1 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008, 12:33 AM

2004 v10 eddie 40000 miles Im getting 8 mpg on short trips around town. Is that normal? I have a little bit of a lead foot but I though I would be getting at least 10 mpg. If this is normal then so be it. THANKS FOR REPLIES.

igotoneforya · #2 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarge rmb

2004 v10 eddie 40000 miles. I have a little bit of a lead foot but I though I would be getting at least 10 mpg. If this is normal then so be it. THANKS FOR REPLIES.

Short trips where it never warms up and a lead foot will net you as low as 8 with winter blend gas. It is not at its most efficient until warm. Try keeping rpms under 2100 and see what happens.

I assume you live in north?

sarge rmb · #3 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008, 09:32 AM

yep I live in S.W. Pa Its so lovely this time of year! Ty for reply.

VaSheriff · #4 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarge rmb

2004 v10 eddie 40000 miles Im getting 8 mpg on short trips around town. Is that normal? I have a little bit of a lead foot but I though I would be getting at least 10 mpg. If this is normal then so be it. THANKS FOR REPLIES.

I have you beat! I am consistently getting 8.3 mpg.

Yes, I think it's normal. When you see people claiming 14 or 15 mpg in city driving on an Excursion, never buy a used car from them.

igotoneforya · #5 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008, 01:17 PM

One issue that accounts for some of it is "city driving" definition. I get 11.5+ in the city but my city trips are at least 10 miles each (seldom do errands or short trips with X, hate parking lots) where we have 45 (I drive 50ish) mph speed limits and I hit about 5-6 lights on average. Spending some time in Memphis and ATL I did not get that good of mileage.

scottman70 · #6 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarge rmb

2004 v10 eddie 40000 miles Im getting 8 mpg on short trips around town. Is that normal? I have a little bit of a lead foot but I though I would be getting at least 10 mpg. If this is normal then so be it. THANKS FOR REPLIES.

NORMAL, keep your foot out of it and you might get 9 or 10

!! As for me I enjoy going 700 miles between fill ups!!

X_Hemi_Guy · #7 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008, 01:44 PM

Driving style, fuel blends and DEFINITION of 'city' as pointed out above ALL combine to deterimine mpgs.

My commute NEVER entails getting over 50mph and usually requires no less than 7 complete stop/starts to cover 4 miles...

So mpgs are about what you see (8-9). But what do I expect from having to accelerate a 7400# vehicle from 0 so many times...and when I'm in a playful mood to stretch my right foot (frequently)...I'm sure that has a LOT to do with the mpgs around town. I didn't buy the Ex as a commuter. It is a near 4 ton beast. It is simple...it takes so much energy to motive this mass...

I'm sure if I drove a 7.3L or 6.ohmygod the same route...I would NOT see much over 12 either.

Now unloaded on the highway...(something I do NOT do with my Ex)...I'd bet to see 13-15 on the V10 and 18-20 on a 7.3 and 16ish on the 6.0hmygod (all motors non-chipped)...again driving habits, speeds, weather/wind, fuel blends will ALL account for variations...

Long winded way of telling you my V10 drinks like yours for the way I drive her.

For a point of reference...our minivan driving the SAME route will get 15 or LESS and that is a 3.8L V6. The mini on that SAME route will get 25 but that is a 1.6L 4 banger...so NONE of my vehicles get GREAT mileage on the SAME route...it is the ROUTE...lots of stops and goes...KILLS mpgs.

FWIW...on the highway our minivan gets 26 and the mini gets 35+...for unloaded highway trips those are what we drive...

Good luck.

joe.