I want the max! but not the mpg!
11-28-2010, 07:30 AM
#43
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Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: state of confusion
Posts: 1,341
Would I like to reliably get 30+ mpg overall? Sure. But probably not in a near-two ton car on a 110"-ish wheelbase. Too many compromises, methinks. Cut a ton and half of the seating out and it'd be a different story entirely (and a pretty nice commuter car that you might not mind driving or being seen in on the weekends).
Norm
11-29-2010, 12:21 PM
#45
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: a meadow south of Atlanta
Posts: 8,143
Courtesy of the ↑↑↑ bump and the recent upward creep in fuel pricing . . . it's not productive to worry about whether you're a couple of mpg above 30 or a couple of mpg below it (hint: there's nothing magic about 30, any more than there is about the 35 that has some future regulatory meaning). Not everybody is going to choose the same point along the economy → performance spectrum.
Would I like to reliably get 30+ mpg overall? Sure. But probably not in a near-two ton car on a 110"-ish wheelbase. Too many compromises, methinks. Cut a ton and half of the seating out and it'd be a different story entirely (and a pretty nice commuter car that you might not mind driving or being seen in on the weekends).
Norm
Would I like to reliably get 30+ mpg overall? Sure. But probably not in a near-two ton car on a 110"-ish wheelbase. Too many compromises, methinks. Cut a ton and half of the seating out and it'd be a different story entirely (and a pretty nice commuter car that you might not mind driving or being seen in on the weekends).
Norm
Fuel efficiency depends greatly on the weight of the car, the power of the engine, gear ratios, the way the car is driven, etc. I like the thought of very high fuel efficiency, but want a comfortable, roomy sedan with a strong engine, and, although I am not into jack-rabbit starts and very aggressive driving, I still find myself passing Aunt Myrtle on the way to church each Sunday.
Folks tend to lean to a car that has the room and power they need. If they are interested in high fuel efficiency, they usually need to sacrifice somewhat in the room and/or power area, and be careful how they drive.
Even if I was buying a used car, I would still want a certain amount of room and power. I think the Maxima will be desirable for some folks as a used car, especially for those who like its styling.
I think Norm is especially astute in not worrying about whether the car gets a few MPG above or below 30 MPG. Here is one reason why:
I drove a 1966 Olds Delta 88 for over 200,000 miles. That beauty got 8 MPG in town and 11 MPG on the freeway. My overall MPG with that car was around 9 MPG. I replaced that car with one that got 13 MPG, which improved my gas mileage by FOURTY-FOUR PERCENT!
But increasing the MPG of a vehicle getting 28 MPG by 4 MPG gives only around a 14%increase in fuel efficiency. 14% is very nice, but for me, that is not worth giving up room, creature comforts or power for.
And, as Norm hinted, factors such as styling and image do enter the equation for most of us. A used Maxima scores well in those areas with some folks.
01-05-2011, 09:53 AM
#47
the way I see it, either you go small like prius an get maximum mpg or go nice and big like 7th gen maxima at 22mpg.
all that middle of the road 4 bangers that get like 25 mpg mixed is not worth while. Either enjoy the ride and it's ammenities or get maximum mpg. the middle ground is useless.
all that middle of the road 4 bangers that get like 25 mpg mixed is not worth while. Either enjoy the ride and it's ammenities or get maximum mpg. the middle ground is useless.
01-05-2011, 12:27 PM
#49
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Maryland
Posts: 4,020
the way I see it, either you go small like prius an get maximum mpg or go nice and big like 7th gen maxima at 22mpg.
all that middle of the road 4 bangers that get like 25 mpg mixed is not worth while. Either enjoy the ride and it's ammenities or get maximum mpg. the middle ground is useless.
all that middle of the road 4 bangers that get like 25 mpg mixed is not worth while. Either enjoy the ride and it's ammenities or get maximum mpg. the middle ground is useless.
Last edited by Ghozt; 01-05-2011 at 12:30 PM.
03-06-2011, 10:05 PM
#51
Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 111
I am only on my 5th tank of gas since I bought my used 09', but so far I have been averaging 24.5 mpg in about 50/50 mixed driving. My 07' Civic SI was only getting 26-27 mpg with the same driving this winter. So I really have no complaints so far about the Maxima's efficiency.
03-08-2011, 10:05 AM
#56
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: Hot Springs Village, AR
Posts: 547
I am only on my 5th tank of gas since I bought my used 09', but so far I have been averaging 24.5 mpg in about 50/50 mixed driving. My 07' Civic SI was only getting 26-27 mpg with the same driving this winter. So I really have no complaints so far about the Maxima's efficiency.
That's about what I get. Over the last 5000 miles I have averaged 24.65 mpg in my '09 sport. That is mostly rural driving with a little interstate thrown in.
03-08-2011, 09:22 PM
#57
Obviously you haven't been in a leaf, it's really amazing doesn't feel "econobox" at all. It's like a normal car behind the wheel just with a 70 mile range for most drivers.
Last edited by MaxLoverAz; 03-08-2011 at 09:22 PM. Reason: spelling
03-09-2011, 07:46 AM
#59
maybe you guys are unknowingly using a thicker viscosity engine oil ?
5w30 is the recommended right ?
5w30 is the recommended right ?
03-09-2011, 07:54 AM
#60
03-09-2011, 10:03 AM
#62
the max, from the ground up, was designed as a performance car.
the sonata, from the ground up was designed as a econo midsized family sedan.
u can see and feel it when u compare the two. the design direction of the two are also completely different. the max is strong, wide, big, masculine and sexy. the sonata looks unporportional, weak, front end is short vs rest of the car, too many body lines but misses the mark.
the sonata, from the ground up was designed as a econo midsized family sedan.
u can see and feel it when u compare the two. the design direction of the two are also completely different. the max is strong, wide, big, masculine and sexy. the sonata looks unporportional, weak, front end is short vs rest of the car, too many body lines but misses the mark.
03-09-2011, 03:16 PM
#63
If you're serious about the fuel efficiency don't get the prius, don't even get the Nissan Leaf. Get the Chevrolet Volt. It's the best looking electric car out there, just has a weird looking interior. As far as the max goes I am very happy with the average 30 MPG in my Maximasaurus Rex.
03-09-2011, 06:03 PM
#64
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 15
If you're serious about the fuel efficiency don't get the prius, don't even get the Nissan Leaf. Get the Chevrolet Volt. It's the best looking electric car out there, just has a weird looking interior. As far as the max goes I am very happy with the average 30 MPG in my Maximasaurus Rex.
03-09-2011, 09:13 PM
#66
03-13-2011, 05:11 PM
#68
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Toronto
Posts: 52
i am not too familiar with miles and gallons since i am from EU; is 14l/100km city driving considered decent for Maxima or is that too much? I have not refilled yet since i picked up the car from the dealership. I am suspecting they did not fill up with premium?
03-14-2011, 03:44 AM
#69
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: state of confusion
Posts: 1,341
A little units-conversion software called "Convert.exe" gives 1L = 0.2641721 gallons and 1km = 0.6213712 mile, or a little under 17mpg. Is this a brand-new car?
Your suspicion - it's certainly possible.
Norm
Your suspicion - it's certainly possible.
Norm
03-14-2011, 09:31 AM
#70
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Toronto
Posts: 52
I have not done any oil change yet and have no filled up the gas myself yet. I have ~180km left on the tank from the dealer.
03-14-2011, 09:43 AM
#71
30 mpg average is just ridicuous, if that were the case manufacturers wouldn't be going out of their ways to create cars like the lexus HS and buick lacrosse hybrid.
please refrain from posting info that is terribly misleading, the only way to get 30 mpg average on a a35 max would be going down hill at a steep incline without touching the acellerator.
please refrain from posting info that is terribly misleading, the only way to get 30 mpg average on a a35 max would be going down hill at a steep incline without touching the acellerator.
03-14-2011, 12:06 PM
#72
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 910
30 mpg average is just ridicuous, if that were the case manufacturers wouldn't be going out of their ways to create cars like the lexus HS and buick lacrosse hybrid.
please refrain from posting info that is terribly misleading, the only way to get 30 mpg average on a a35 max would be going down hill at a steep incline without touching the acellerator.
please refrain from posting info that is terribly misleading, the only way to get 30 mpg average on a a35 max would be going down hill at a steep incline without touching the acellerator.
I have averaged 32mpg driving through the mountains even with a heavy foot. It can be done. Just don't count on it in city traffic.
03-14-2011, 01:43 PM
#73
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Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: state of confusion
Posts: 1,341
03-14-2011, 01:46 PM
#74
so why, WHY didn't nissan rate the a35 for 19 city and 32 highway ?
they would be the first to rate it as impossibly as high as possible yet they have the hwy mpg at 27.
they would be the first to rate it as impossibly as high as possible yet they have the hwy mpg at 27.
03-14-2011, 02:14 PM
#75
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Toronto
Posts: 52
03-14-2011, 02:40 PM
#76
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Southern California
Posts: 50
Originally Posted by robtroxel
Agreed. If you keep your foot out of it, 30 + is doable. I cruise @68 mph which seems to be the sweet spot. Every mpg helps all of the folks in the US consume at little less oil. Good luck!
30 mpg average is just ridicuous, if that were the case manufacturers wouldn't be going out of their ways to create cars like the lexus HS and buick lacrosse hybrid.
please refrain from posting info that is terribly misleading, the only way to get 30 mpg average on a a35 max would be going down hill at a steep incline without touching the acellerator.
please refrain from posting info that is terribly misleading, the only way to get 30 mpg average on a a35 max would be going down hill at a steep incline without touching the acellerator.
Originally Posted by BBmaxi
so why, WHY didn't nissan rate the a35 for 19 city and 32 highway ?
they would be the first to rate it as impossibly as high as possible yet they have the hwy mpg at 27.
they would be the first to rate it as impossibly as high as possible yet they have the hwy mpg at 27.
03-14-2011, 02:48 PM
#77
oh ya my bad, I totally forgot about the fact that u can run below speed limit to capture the sweet spot for mpg.
over here in so cal 65-70 mph is the legal speed limit but the mpg meter shows the most mpg at the 45-50 mph range.
over here in so cal 65-70 mph is the legal speed limit but the mpg meter shows the most mpg at the 45-50 mph range.
There is another sweet spot to, its at about 62mph.
It's not misleading, I get 30mpg average sometimes (during the summer). So far I currently get 27/28 average (not going by the car computer). Driving the speed limit.
Nissan did not rate it, the EPA did. If you have the chance to check the window sticker, look carefully at the fine print and you can see 31mpg hwy.
It's not misleading, I get 30mpg average sometimes (during the summer). So far I currently get 27/28 average (not going by the car computer). Driving the speed limit.
Nissan did not rate it, the EPA did. If you have the chance to check the window sticker, look carefully at the fine print and you can see 31mpg hwy.
03-14-2011, 05:09 PM
#78
30 mpg average is just ridicuous, if that were the case manufacturers wouldn't be going out of their ways to create cars like the lexus HS and buick lacrosse hybrid.
please refrain from posting info that is terribly misleading, the only way to get 30 mpg average on a a35 max would be going down hill at a steep incline without touching the acellerator.
please refrain from posting info that is terribly misleading, the only way to get 30 mpg average on a a35 max would be going down hill at a steep incline without touching the acellerator.
Sounds like you're in a boat on your own with this one. If you're not achieving 30 mpg that doesn't make it absolutely impossible for anyone else to get it on their a35. I would definitely recommend you check your facts as well.
03-14-2011, 07:04 PM
#80
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 27
I agree, 30 MPG highway is a bit optimistic. Especially here in DC where no one drives below 70 MPH on the Beltway. If you do drive below 70, prepare to get honked at or tailgated even in the right lane.