I just bought a Honda FIT 25 mpg help.?

Question

First partial tank 26 mpg and second 25. Both contain highway and city driving. I drive fairly carefully for mileage. I bought the car because of the mileage. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I think its too early to judge milage issues. Fill the tank up a couple times 1st?

Answer 2

agree with what has been said so far, here are some considerations summarized: 1. New Engine breakin - engine under more than normal resistance while setting everything in 2. Poor breakin - Did you follow what the dealer says and keep it under 75 mph and low RPMs for the first 700 miles? a proper breakin is CRITICAL to ANY car! 3. Fuel - try changing gas stations, maybe you are getting watered down gas, very common at discount places. 4. A/C - only use when you need, compressor is a significant engine drain and WILL make you lose at LEAST 1-2 MPG. i just bought a new Fit and only have about 100 miles on it so far, gas meter reads about 2/3 full, so assuming i get 300 miles out of the tank (max capacity 10.8 if i remember right) that should even out to about 30 mpg with mixed driving in DC. If none of these is the problem I would say you might have to take it back to the dealer.

Answer 3

First off, new for 2008 models, the EPA is using a new set of fuel economy measuring rules that greatly reduce the claimed milage.
http://www.edmunds.com/advice/fueleconomy/articles/119812/article.html

Basically, that means that the Fit in 2007 which claims 33/38 is only going to be claiming 28/34. Same car, things are just measured different: more accurate to how people really drive.

Starting in 2008 ALL cars milage will be lowered like this, so as you start seeing new window stickers, yours will be closer to theirs again.

At 26 and 25, you're not doing too bad.

I have only a couple of hints:
1) 55mph uses a LOT more gas than 65.
2) Having 3 passengers is not figured into the reported mpg...if you take people around, your milage will go down.
3) Try and keep your antique bowlingball collection at home, if you can. Heck, even an extra 30 lbs in the trunk can cost over $100 a year in gas.
4) Make sure your air filter is in good condition. Air is just as important as the fuel.
5) Make sure you're not using E85 ethanol blend gas. It's less potent, and you'll get less milage
6) Huge body kits/spoilers and after-market large wheels can take a suprising toll on milage.
7) You mention you drive carefully for milage: that's great. A lead foot costs money!
8) Even though you are getting only 25 and 26...that's still significantly more than most cars with your mix of city and hwy.

Answer 4

I haven't actually tested any myself, but many japanese automakers overstate their mpg ratings (per magazine articles i've read). It's unfortunate, but true. A honda, like the fit, with 109 hp, 4cyl engine, and being fairly lightweight, should be getting around 30mpg in the city and upwards of 35mpg on the highway, maybe more under good driving conditions with decent gas. I would fill up at a different fueling station and see what happens. Are you using E85 fuel or any other ethanol based fuel? You'll get much less MPG with that. If getting decent gas doesn't fix the problem. Take it back to Honda and get another one (or at least have them evaluate your current vehicle) If they can build a civic that gets more than 35 mpg, then they can build a fit that gets even more. Good luck -

Answer 5

How can you judge the milage on a couple of tank fill ups? I left my last dealership ( a Honda store in December of 06), and can tell you that it is too early to judge milage issues.

Normally, one has to have at least 7500 miles to consider poor milage claims; nonetheless, I would suggest that the vehicle be taken into the dealership for a check with the scan tool and driven to see if its out of normal operating specifcation. Keep the receipt showing what was checked and if anything was done. Also, purchase a auto expense book, keeping track of milage; date of fill up, miles at fill, number of gallons, etc. Also keep track of service records.

The idea here is to actually see if milage is improving as the engine/vehicle gets more miles on it. Engines are tight when new and normally, the rings and valves have to "wear into" a pattern to seat fully for the longest life and most power and milage. Have some patience, by keeping track of it and having records you can ask Honda to look into the matter if the situation does not improve over time. This also may protect your legal rights and gives you other possible options should not get satisfaction.

Hope this helps, a car nut

Answer 6

do everything to keep it tip top, oil change, air filter, tires, etc. basically maintanence. sorry about spelling. hondas are great cars. good luck

Answer 7

Nope.

Answer 8

umm drive how you did the first time. it's not always gonna be the same anyway.