Why does my PT Cruiser get terrible gas mileage?

Question

My Cruiser looks great but it gets maybe 20 mpg. Did they design the car to look good but guzzle gas?

Answer 1

The PT is a bit heavy and it is one reason for the 20 MPG but at roughly 3,200 pounds it isn't bad by today's standards. A Honda Civic weighs nearly 2,900 pounds and can't carry nearly what a PT will.

Another reason for the low MPG is for a compact car platform, it has a large frontal area compared to a sedan or coupe. This will certainly effect MPG, especially at higher speeds

But it's aerodynamics while not stellar at .379cd, aren't that bad at all. For MPG purposes unless going well past the highway speed limit, you probably wouldn't notice much difference compared to cars with some of the best aerodynamics.

Another reason is its 2.4 liter, four cylinder engine has to rev a bit higher on average compared to many vehicles roughly the size of the PT but that have a V6 engine instead. The V6 can allow acceleration and cruising at lower RPM levels for everyday driving. Chryslers' mini-vans are a good example. The 3.3 liter mini-vans get nearly identical MPG but have bigger engines, more horsepower, more torque, much more interior space and weigh quite a bit more.

Lastly, though 20 mpg isn't the greatest, for cars of its size, class and interior volume, it's really not that bad.

By the way, the last 3 tanks on my automatic PT have averaged 27 MPG with EPA sticker ratings of 19 city, 25 highway. I do put effort into trying to get as best I can however.

Answer 2

Pt Cruiser Gas Mileage

Answer 3

Not knowing which engine it has or your driving style it is hard to be exact but I'll share what I do know.

#1 Taking off fast uses a lot more gas than taking off easy. Not just a little it can take five times as much.

#2 Some folks drive with their foot resting on the brake pedal. Don't do it!

#3 After about 12000 to 15000 miles the air filter should be changed. it can get clogged with dust and dirt and make the engine work really hard to suck in air.

#4 Don't leave it running while you are not in it that's a major waste.

#5 When you see you are coming to a red light, let up the gas way before you get there instead of waiting till the last few feet and hit the brakes.

#6 The dealer has an excellent brand of fuel system cleaner that will keep the injectors clean. I use it every 20,000 miles.

#7 Keep the tires inflated to the recommended tire pressure. There should be a sticker inside the drivers door that shows the correct pressure. Low tires suck up a lot of gas


And thanks for buying American

That's all I can offer for now.

Good luck.

Answer 4

I had the 2007 PT Cruiser Touring, which I never quite got sorted out fuel mileage wise.

My Specs:
2.4l (not the turbo), with CAN network (TIPM)
Automatic Transmission
K&N air filter
Stock Tires and inflation pressures
Mobile 1 synthetic oil
Bosch Platinum Plugs
Less than 40k miles
Stock Plug wires

Fuel Economy
a. My fuel mileage was typically 18-19 mpg with AC operating
b. Without AC mileage was typically over 20 mpg (21-23)

There are two other conditions which effect the PT fuel economy

The later vehicles learn the operator operators driving conditions and make some pre-assumed conditions about driving habits (clearing the memory will allow this to be reset).

I think there are issues related to leaks in the exhaust system which allows air to enter into the system, effecting the fuel economy by effecting the oxygen sensor operation (reads a false lean condition, there by enriching the mixture).

Answer 5

I suffered 18-19 city 20-21 highway for years with my PT. Then, I had an auto parts store guy recommend that I DO NOT use Fram air filters but rather, Purlolator brand. I changed the to Purolator, and now I get 24-25 city/27-29 highway - seriously! This was too good to be true, but I swear it's right!

I'm not a Purolator rep (I'm in real estate), but this was such a surprise to me that I have to post this info everywhere I can. Yes, I used Fram filters since 2009 when I got the car, and suffered bad mileage for years - until last week.

I'll never buy another Fram part again, and this auto store didn't even carry Fram parts.

Answer 6

I've got a PT Cruiser Touring Model Convertible with Turbo. I only get 18 miles a gallon in my area and about 21 on the highway. I am a good driver and don't do jack rabbit starts or drive MUCH over the speed limit. My car has only 89,000 miles on it. As for putting gas treatment in every time I fill up I'd go broke at this rate. I am disappointed. I will try a Purlolator air filter.

Answer 7

I have a '04 PT Cruiser. I love this car at first when I bought it it was getting sucky gas mileage. Then the mechanic told me not to used cheap gas. Then they told us to put premium gas and I can now get close to 27 in the city and 33-35 on hwy. It all matters for the right type of gas like top tier gas and a good gas treatment.

Answer 8

Pt Cruiser Mpg

Answer 9

State of tune can also be an isue.When was the last time you changed plugs,air and fuel filters?Tire pressure,and even front end alignment can affect mileage.What I like to do to all my cars is add an aftermarket reuseable air filter like those from K&N.I also eliminate the resonator in the exhaust and replace the main muffler with a freer flowing "turbo style" muffler.These two mods are not very costly and can add several more MPGs to any car.But tune ups and tire pressure goes a long way,in my opinion.Good luck!

Answer 10

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Need to clarify... by "revving loudly" do you mean the engine noise is just loud, or that the actual RPM is higher. If the engine RPM is higher, that would seem to indicate transmission slippage or axle/cv joint problems. If the engine noise is just louder than normal it could be an exhaust leak. Get it out of the dealership while you're still financially solvent and take it to a good muffler shop. It could be something as simple as a bad exhaust manifold gasket or doughnut gasket. This would also tie in to the oxygen sensor fault. The sensor itself may not be bad. It could just be receiving data that it doesn't expect due to the exhaust leak.