Bonanza35

We have a 2002 model, that has given me from 26 to 29 MPG in mixed-but-mostly-highway driving (at least 80 percent highway).

On our most recent trip (the only LONG trip we have taken in this car) from NH to TN to MI and back to NH, we consistently got between 31 and 33 MPG at a steady 65 MPH.

I'm considering perhaps getting rid of this one and buying a new one... but the EPA mileage ratings on the new ones are 18 city and 25 highway.

I realize that pretty much every year, new cars get progressively loaded up with government and EPA crap that cuts down the mileage.

(Example: we used to have a 1991 Geo Metro that got 48 MPG (!!!) highway. Name a current production non-hybrid car that even comes anywhere close to that.)

(Example #2: the Smart ForTwo got 50 to 65 MPG in European configurations... import it to the US and it's EPA rated for 38 MPG using PREMIUM gas.)

I'd like a new S2000 but not if it's going to cost me 5+ MPG for the privilege.

Anyone know what the real-world MPG difference is between old and new?

Cubs2k

I can get 14mpg on the way to work......!!

boltonblue

For one the test has been revised to reflect real world driving results more accurately. I'm not sure off of the top of my head when those cut in.

oops according to EPA it was this year.
so you may see radical change. for example the old test highway mileage number was a steady state 45mph like WTF world were they from.

needless to say the car makers were rather pissy about changing the standards since it affects CAFE ratings and gas guzzler taxes.

boltonblue

I do know that I averaged about 78 mph and got 30 MPG coming back from spring fling.
I've never done a sustained 65, but I suspect it might be better.

Lainey

We don't drive the car that hard...we are Vintage. We have taken several long highway trips and we have been in the 28-29 mpg range in our 2004. Some of our trips involve a lot of highway, some some nice stretches of back roads where the speed limit may be 50 or so. On the highway, cruise is usually set for about 10 over the limit , and of course there are occasional bursts of speed at every tollbooth and on ramp.

We don't use the car as a daily driver so have never paid attention to the city mpg. I'm guessing we'd be around 20 mpg or so.

zzziippyyy

ON the merits of highway i would say 28-29 is about what i get also in the city it rapidly declines to anywheres between 15-20 mpg i have an 01

I know your asking for new models numbers just establishing a baseline.

Neutered Sputniks

Eh...the sticker on my S (b/c the previous owner still had it in the car when I bought it) said EPA estimated 20/26 or something like that. I know I've made well over 30mpg cruising at 80+. But then again, I usually only make 22mpg in mixed driving (can't keep my foot out of the gas around town, lol)

I don't think you're going to see that much difference in MPG between an older AP2 and the newer models.