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Wagons Chrysler PT Cruiser Chrysler PT Cruiser Owners: MPG-Real World Numbers
138 messages, Last post on Apr 06, 2009 at 6:09 AM
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Replying to: colteagle (May 28, 2008 12:48 pm) Ref the tank filling question. the tanks are a very standard size, and the manual says to shut off the fuel as soon as the auto off clicks. I always round it up to even money. The factory has told us salesmen that people shouldn't overfill the tank as it can lead to run off when the gas heats in the tank during warmer days, and run it out the overflow tube on the fill line. That might affect mileage. They also warn that due to it being a pressurized system, it can splatter out if someone opens the gas cap shortly after it has been over filled, creating a highly dangerous explosive/fire condition. Sounds logical. However, even if you fill it completely, everytime, the variation cannot be much between fill ups. I don't think that would be the culprit to the wide variations in MPG. I would bet it wouldn't make a 1/2 MPG difference from one to the next time. I think there must be something else causing the vast differences. I know the cars are very sensitive to diffenrnces in driving styles, so accelerating harder over a part of one tank may affect mileage quite a bit. Who knows! I just know I love driving a cool little "hot rod"! Willie D 
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I inherited my 2002 PT from my stepfather last November, and I have to say it is as bad as an SUV or truck when it comes to mpg. I get at best 16 mpg. I've gotten as bad as 10! 10!! I spend most of my driving on the freeway, and there haven't been any problems before with the car. Is there anything anyone can suggest to make it a little bit better? Right now I'm looking into trading it in or selling it myself. |
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Replying to: lil_frita (Jun 04, 2008 9:45 am) |
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Replying to: lil_frita (Jun 04, 2008 9:45 am) You didn't mention how many miles it has or what regular maintenance was done on it before you took possession. My wife's aunt seems to think that all a car ever needs is gas and maybe an oil change every few years. The previous suggestion of a tune-up is a good idea, if it hasn't had one lately or if you don't know the condition of the plugs, air filter, wires, etc. A can of a quality fuel injector cleaner in the tank might help (ask the auto parts guys). Pay attention to the recommended mixture ratio on the can and don't overdo it. There's also a simple and free solution you might try first. Disconnect the negative battery cable and leave it off for at least an hour or more. After you reattach it start the car and let it idle for 2-3 minutes while the computer relearns the idle. After that, drive at varying speeds for the first hour or so. The objective is to let the computer learn your driving habits and adjust accordingly. Your step-father may have driven it entirely differently for many years and now if you are driving mostly highway miles things could change by resetting the computer. |
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Replying to: lil_frita (Jun 04, 2008 9:45 am) I only got about 22 mpg, but when I sold these they all seemed to get MUCH better than yours is! I would suggest a check and replacement of the spark plugs and wires. You might have a vacumn leak or an O2 sensor going bad as well. Could be any of, or all of those things. Check your tire pressure carefully and keep them near the max for best mileage too. The PT is sensitive to throttle application as well. If you drive them hard they drop down pretty severe in MPG. My new 2003 I wrote about earlier had plugs and wires put on it, and new rear tires, and the initial check indicates around 30 MPG!! Blew me away! I'll have a better picture for reporting on the actual MPG after a 600 Mile round trip I'll be taking on June 11th. Good luck, let us know if plugs and wires help. Willie Welch  
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I've noticed that about the throttle applcation. Before, I got about 18-19 in the city.Now, I get in the 20-21 city miles. |
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Replying to: camshot2 (Jun 04, 2008 12:40 pm) Hope this helps and good luck with yours.
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Replying to: sfabear (Jun 22, 2008 4:34 pm) |
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Well...time for an update about the 2003 Turbo GT Cruiser I traded for. I got an average of 23.8 MPG highway and city at speeds of 70-74MPH for 600 of 800+miles total. The best was almost 26 mpg, and the worst was right at 20.5, using the gallons into the miles recorded. This car does not have the mileage computer readout. I always topped the car to even money on fillups, but did not try to top it off full each time, as that isn't possible really. Baffles in the fuel cell and oxygen trapped there will cause some minor differnces in volumn, but not enough to make a single mpg, in my humble opinion. This was also in very hot weather with the A.C. on constantly, so... I feel that is about right for the Turbo and my style of driving which I would consider to be mildly aggressive. I like the Auto-stick tranny and the surge when the Turbo kicks in about 3000 RPM. The little beast gets up to 70 mph VERY quickly! I used to drag race a 1970 Dodge Challenger, all metal body, with a tuned/polished carb on a 440 C.I. Hemi. Slow out of the hole but strong at the end of the track, and this little beast appears to be turning similar 1/4 mile times based on feel. Maybe I will run it thru the local strip for a timed pass one of these Saturday evenings. I think the mileage is acceptable for me to keep this, and I LOVE to drive the little monster! 2003 Inferno Red GT Turbo Cruiser, stock. Willie D. Welch aka camshot2
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