What kind of gas milage?
#2
Do a search ... there are lots of posts on this. I get 23 around town and 28-29 on the road with my 5AT SE, but I think I get on the high end of "normal" due to a fair amount of freeway driving. I use only premium (usually 93 octane). I run my A/C 12 months of the year, and I keep my tire pressure at 30psi cold.
Mike
Mike
#3
MY MAX has only 500 miles, just bought it 2 weeks ago. Should I expect it to get better once the car has more miles. I get up into the mid 20's on the highway. But Miami has so many dumb a** drivers its stop and go even on the highway.
#4
I always use 93, but I have such a short commute (~3 miles, and if that was all I did my avg MPH would be about 15), so if all I do is drive to work and back, I'll get about 15-18 MPH... when I get out on the highway I have gotten up to 33 MPG (using cruice control, level ground, etc).
#5
I drive alot between highway and city. It's really hard to say. On the norm, I am getting around 23mpg. I can't understand how some of these guys get such good mileage out of their tanks. The most I have ever gotten mileage wise on the trip is like 375 to when the light came on.....I've seen numbers in the 500's...that's nuts.
#6
I could get 34 IF I drove on the highway more and IF I knew what the speed limit was....
I usually get around 20. I try to conserve gas most of the time, but I just get the itch to watch the RPM kiss the redline here and there. I often find myself running late, but my time machine gets me there pretty quick.
I usually get around 20. I try to conserve gas most of the time, but I just get the itch to watch the RPM kiss the redline here and there. I often find myself running late, but my time machine gets me there pretty quick.
#11
A few here are still talking 'miles per tank'. That is a meaningless number, as a 'full tank' varies widely, depending on such things as which way the pavement slants as you are filling, and how sensitive the fume-detecting auto-cutoff of the pump you are using may be.
And the guage showing 'empty' is a very general reading, which varies even between 6th gen Maximas.
The ONLY way to accurately measure gas mileage is OVER A SERIES OF CONSECUTIVE FILLUPS. You can get a close approximation for individual tankfulls, but a much truer measurement is obtained by adding up the exact total number of miles driven over several tankfuls, then dividing it by the exact total gallons of gas used during that time.
My automotively unappreciative sister-in-law (who treats her Maxima as she would an Escort) switched from premium to regular, and was unable to see any change in mpg. I expected that. I feel the advantages of premium or midgrade fuel are not so much in increased mpg as in a cleaner burning (with no knock or ping), better performing engine that might be expected to be in better condition a few years down the road.
I am getting around 19-21 mpg in fairly congested areas, around 23-25 in suburban areas, around 26-27 on fairly open highways, around 27-28 on hilly or busy freeways, and around 28-29 on mostly open flat freeways (doing between 70 and 85 mph). I would guess I might top 30 mpg by using cruise control and driving around 60 to 65 mph.
By comparison, my '66 Olds Delta 88 got 8 mpg in city driving and 11 mpg on the freeway, using premium fuel.
For this weight car, and with this 3.5 engine with 265 HP, I consider my Maxima's gas mileage to be excellent.
And the guage showing 'empty' is a very general reading, which varies even between 6th gen Maximas.
The ONLY way to accurately measure gas mileage is OVER A SERIES OF CONSECUTIVE FILLUPS. You can get a close approximation for individual tankfulls, but a much truer measurement is obtained by adding up the exact total number of miles driven over several tankfuls, then dividing it by the exact total gallons of gas used during that time.
My automotively unappreciative sister-in-law (who treats her Maxima as she would an Escort) switched from premium to regular, and was unable to see any change in mpg. I expected that. I feel the advantages of premium or midgrade fuel are not so much in increased mpg as in a cleaner burning (with no knock or ping), better performing engine that might be expected to be in better condition a few years down the road.
I am getting around 19-21 mpg in fairly congested areas, around 23-25 in suburban areas, around 26-27 on fairly open highways, around 27-28 on hilly or busy freeways, and around 28-29 on mostly open flat freeways (doing between 70 and 85 mph). I would guess I might top 30 mpg by using cruise control and driving around 60 to 65 mph.
By comparison, my '66 Olds Delta 88 got 8 mpg in city driving and 11 mpg on the freeway, using premium fuel.
For this weight car, and with this 3.5 engine with 265 HP, I consider my Maxima's gas mileage to be excellent.
#12
Keeping my foot off the floor
I use 87 or 89 octane, but have used 93 and have found little difference in mileage.
I usually get around 21-23 in city (depending on how many times I really nail it), and 25-28 on highway, with 17,000 miles on the vehicle. However, my mileage during the first 6,000 or 7,000 miles was much worse (16-20mpg on average). Gradually, as the car wore in, the mileage got better.
I have driven almost an entire tank in the city, racing around, and still got 18 mpg. If I really baby it in mixed city and highway (mostly city in my daily commute), I get 23-24. Quite literally, YMMV.
I usually get around 21-23 in city (depending on how many times I really nail it), and 25-28 on highway, with 17,000 miles on the vehicle. However, my mileage during the first 6,000 or 7,000 miles was much worse (16-20mpg on average). Gradually, as the car wore in, the mileage got better.
I have driven almost an entire tank in the city, racing around, and still got 18 mpg. If I really baby it in mixed city and highway (mostly city in my daily commute), I get 23-24. Quite literally, YMMV.
#13
I am getting 24.3 mpg as of this post. I consistantly use 89 octane and have over 18K on the vehicle with no knocking or pinging. Using 93 octane is just throwing your money out the tail pipe unless you are having problems with your local lower grades of gas.
#14
Originally Posted by jaydabee
I am getting 24.3 mpg as of this post. I consistantly use 89 octane and have over 18K on the vehicle with no knocking or pinging. Using 93 octane is just throwing your money out the tail pipe unless you are having problems with your local lower grades of gas.
#15
Originally Posted by MaxMus
I disagree. As per the manual, if you want all 265 ponies that this car provides, then you must fill up with Premium fuel. If you drive relatively conservatively, then yes I agree, getting Premium fuel is wasted money, but you do run the risk of engine knock.
#16
As per the 2004 manual:
FUEL RECOMMENDATION
Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number
(Research octane number 91).
For improved vehicle performance, NISSAN recommends
the use of unleaded premium gasoline
with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI number
(Research octane number 96).
...
Octane rating tips
In most parts of North America, you should use
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at
least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number. However,
you may use unleaded gasoline with an
octane rating as low as 85 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number in high altitude areas [over 4,000 ft
(1,219 m)] such as: Colorado, Montana, New
Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, northeastern Nevada,
southern Idaho, western South Dakota, western
Nebraska, and the part of Texas which is directly
south of New Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy "spark knock." ("Spark
knock" is a metallic rapping noise.) If severe,
this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the stated octane
rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on level
roads, have a NISSAN dealer correct the
condition. Failure to correct the condition
is misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN
is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing may result in spark
knock, after-run and/or overheating, which may
cause excessive fuel consumption or engine
damage. If any of the above symptoms are encountered,
have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is not a
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
I am inclined to believe that this "improved performance" from using 91 has no basis in reality, as has been suggested in other posts regarding gasoline. My rule of thumb has always been to use the lowest octane gas that prevents knocking (i.e., 87 or 89). Just my $.02.
Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number
(Research octane number 91).
For improved vehicle performance, NISSAN recommends
the use of unleaded premium gasoline
with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI number
(Research octane number 96).
...
Octane rating tips
In most parts of North America, you should use
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at
least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number. However,
you may use unleaded gasoline with an
octane rating as low as 85 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number in high altitude areas [over 4,000 ft
(1,219 m)] such as: Colorado, Montana, New
Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, northeastern Nevada,
southern Idaho, western South Dakota, western
Nebraska, and the part of Texas which is directly
south of New Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy "spark knock." ("Spark
knock" is a metallic rapping noise.) If severe,
this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the stated octane
rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on level
roads, have a NISSAN dealer correct the
condition. Failure to correct the condition
is misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN
is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing may result in spark
knock, after-run and/or overheating, which may
cause excessive fuel consumption or engine
damage. If any of the above symptoms are encountered,
have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is not a
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
#18
I've always been a bit confused about the differences between "Anti-Knock Index octance" (or AKI) and "Research octane"... I'm guessing that the rating we all see at the gas station is AKI?
#19
Originally Posted by Monotaur
I've always been a bit confused about the differences between "Anti-Knock Index octance" (or AKI) and "Research octane"... I'm guessing that the rating we all see at the gas station is AKI?
#23
Okay... Here it goes...
Numbers are misleading...BIG TIME! What a lot of you guys are reporting is WRONG!
Let me explain to you WHY... When you're reporting your numbers on the forum, you're just reporting what the 'FUEL ECON' button is telling you when you push it. Have any of you tried RESETTING it? Try this:
CITY DRIVING:
Immediately upon entering city or "stop/go traffic" driving mode, you have to immediately RESET your fuel economy computation by depressing (and holding) the FUEL ECON button until you see your MPG change to " * " on your info display (approx. 2 secs). Immediately upon completing your "city mode" driving, press the button quickly to see what you average MPG is...
HIGHWAY DRIVING:
Immediately upon entering highway driving mode (on-ramp), depress (and hold) the FUEL ECON button until you see your MPG change to " * " on your info display (approx. 2 secs). Immediately upon completing your "highway mode" driving, press the button quickly to see what your average MPG is...
I BET you guys are just randomly pressing this button (FUEL ECON) just to see what your MPG rating is @ any given time... This is not a true reflection on your city or highway mileage...
If any questions, pls PM me...I'll be glad to explain further...
OH...and BTW, I thought I was getting 16.5 - 16.8 MPG for the longest until I figured it out... After which, (following my instructions above), I got the below numbers:
CITY: 16 - 18 MPG
HIGHWAY: 26 - 30 MPG
BIG DIFFERENCE when you know how to use the info display correctly!
Numbers are misleading...BIG TIME! What a lot of you guys are reporting is WRONG!
Let me explain to you WHY... When you're reporting your numbers on the forum, you're just reporting what the 'FUEL ECON' button is telling you when you push it. Have any of you tried RESETTING it? Try this:
CITY DRIVING:
Immediately upon entering city or "stop/go traffic" driving mode, you have to immediately RESET your fuel economy computation by depressing (and holding) the FUEL ECON button until you see your MPG change to " * " on your info display (approx. 2 secs). Immediately upon completing your "city mode" driving, press the button quickly to see what you average MPG is...
HIGHWAY DRIVING:
Immediately upon entering highway driving mode (on-ramp), depress (and hold) the FUEL ECON button until you see your MPG change to " * " on your info display (approx. 2 secs). Immediately upon completing your "highway mode" driving, press the button quickly to see what your average MPG is...
I BET you guys are just randomly pressing this button (FUEL ECON) just to see what your MPG rating is @ any given time... This is not a true reflection on your city or highway mileage...
If any questions, pls PM me...I'll be glad to explain further...
OH...and BTW, I thought I was getting 16.5 - 16.8 MPG for the longest until I figured it out... After which, (following my instructions above), I got the below numbers:
CITY: 16 - 18 MPG
HIGHWAY: 26 - 30 MPG
BIG DIFFERENCE when you know how to use the info display correctly!
#26
Supporting Maxima.org Member
iTrader: (16)
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denver, Colorado
Posts: 2,761
Came back from a 160-180mi round trip, with apox 15city miles mixed in and my trip showed 31mpg. I did reset the trip (1) when I got on the highway to leave the city and then checked 3days later when I came back. 31mpg. I am very impressed with that number. Speed was between 60-80mph both ways. New Max just keeps on impressing. me.
I try to use trip 2 for city driving and am getting between 17-20mpg. Probably do a little better if stay off the gas.
I try to use trip 2 for city driving and am getting between 17-20mpg. Probably do a little better if stay off the gas.
#27
I reset. I'm not that ignorant (i.e. ignornant means uniformed). As I stated previoulsly, if you are not having trouble with you "Local" low grade fuel (89, not 87 or 86) then use it. There are several zones in the USA for processing fuel and they overlap depending on what brand you are buying. I get 24.2 mpg from Speedway here in Detroit, but realize that people may experiance different results. Truth, go with what works for you in your local area, if it aint knocking or pinging at "all" in your driving modes then its good. Don't just blindly put in hi-grade thinking its's a cure-all.
#28
Until hofb99's post, I was not aware folks here were using their onboard computer to check mpg. I guess if done correctly, that gives a pretty close approximation.
Being from the old school, I always do things the hard way. I choose a time I will be doing the same type of driving for several tankfuls, top off the tank, write down the mileage, and keep track of every fillup until I wish to end the test. The test, of course, must be ended with a fillup. At that point, I divide the total miles driven by the total gallons used and obtain an accurate mpg.
My high school physics teacher taught me that method back in the late 1940s, just weeks before he was crushed to death by a large toppling tombstone while trying to make it level. Too bad his miscalculations were in levelling the tombstone instead of calculating mpg.
Being from the old school, I always do things the hard way. I choose a time I will be doing the same type of driving for several tankfuls, top off the tank, write down the mileage, and keep track of every fillup until I wish to end the test. The test, of course, must be ended with a fillup. At that point, I divide the total miles driven by the total gallons used and obtain an accurate mpg.
My high school physics teacher taught me that method back in the late 1940s, just weeks before he was crushed to death by a large toppling tombstone while trying to make it level. Too bad his miscalculations were in levelling the tombstone instead of calculating mpg.
#29
I guess I was assuming that everyone was merely filling their tanks as much as possible (even risking overfill), recording the mileage by resetting the manual trip odometer, then checking the mileage with a calculator (or piece of paper) at the next max (pun intended) fillup.
Those electronic mpg estimators are often inaccurate. This is the most accurate method. I usually get between 2-3 mpg of the electronic estimator, but often forget to reset it between fillups. YMMV.
Those electronic mpg estimators are often inaccurate. This is the most accurate method. I usually get between 2-3 mpg of the electronic estimator, but often forget to reset it between fillups. YMMV.
#30
My Max burns fuel in the DC area like a SUV. When they say stop and go traffic, they mean stop and go. Its a unfair way to figure out how much I get because the traffic here is not normal city driving or highway driving. I once took mine out on the highway for a 20 mile trip without traffic and got 30 MPG (93 Octane Sunoco). The worst I have gotten is about 17MPG and my SUV gets that in the city. My 2005 LE Pathfinder gets an average 17.1 in the city and 23 on the highway. Those are pretty close to my Max in the city anyway. I must admit I have a lead foot too! The car is too much fun to drive to be easy on the gas.
#31
Originally Posted by 3.5 Lover
My Max burns fuel in the DC area like a SUV. When they say stop and go traffic, they mean stop and go. Its a unfair way to figure out how much I get because the traffic here is not normal city driving or highway driving. I once took mine out on the highway for a 20 mile trip without traffic and got 30 MPG (93 Octane Sunoco). The worst I have gotten is about 17MPG and my SUV gets that in the city. My 2005 LE Pathfinder gets an average 17.1 in the city and 23 on the highway. Those are pretty close to my Max in the city anyway. I must admit I have a lead foot too! The car is too much fun to drive to be easy on the gas.
#32
Originally Posted by jaydabee
I reset. I'm not that ignorant (i.e. ignornant means uniformed). As I stated previoulsly, if you are not having trouble with you "Local" low grade fuel (89, not 87 or 86) then use it. There are several zones in the USA for processing fuel and they overlap depending on what brand you are buying. I get 24.2 mpg from Speedway here in Detroit, but realize that people may experiance different results. Truth, go with what works for you in your local area, if it aint knocking or pinging at "all" in your driving modes then its good. Don't just blindly put in hi-grade thinking its's a cure-all.
#33
living and working in the chicago area, i have yet to go on the highway. it's all stop and go for me.
i have just over 2,000 miles and consistantly average between 18-19 mpg.
here's an odd question though... i let my gas light go on as a test and when i filled it up, it only required 14 gallons. does that mean that there's nearly a 6 gallon reserve even when my fuel economy screen said i had 25 miles until empty?
i have just over 2,000 miles and consistantly average between 18-19 mpg.
here's an odd question though... i let my gas light go on as a test and when i filled it up, it only required 14 gallons. does that mean that there's nearly a 6 gallon reserve even when my fuel economy screen said i had 25 miles until empty?
#34
I agree with Maxmus. However, I do believe if you continue to use 89 at whatever travelling, eventually, you will get the knocking. When I first got the car, I tried to skimp using 87 and 89, but it's noticeably different with 93 when you accelerate on the highway.
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