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Buick Lucerne: Real World MPG

104 messages,  Last post on Apr 11, 2009 at 9:01 PM

You are in the Buick Lucerne Forum.

What is this discussion about? Buick Lucerne, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Sedan

Messages Page 11 of 11

#95 of 104 Lucerne CXL V-8 mileage by rivieraranch

Nov 05, 2008 (7:38 pm)

On November 1st., I bought a new 2007 Lucerne CXL V-8 from Perrine Buick, Pontiac, GMC, Hummer in Cranbury, New Jersey. I immediately drove it home to Florida, approximately 1200 miles. It performed flawlessly. The car has a 4.6 liter Northstar V-8; mileage ranged from 25-26.5 MPG with 2 passengers and a small amount of luggage. This was all on I-95, the speed limit being anywhere from 55-70 MPH depending upon which state and whether there was road construction going on. I thought this was good mileage considering the larger engine. I am sure that the V-6 would have given a couple more miles per gallon, but it would not be worth it when you compare the engine noise, strain, etc., that you would have to endure with the V-6. The V-8 has the torque and power to move the care effortlessly. It is a quiet engine and made for an extremely nice ride.

#96 of 104 Re: Lucerne CXL V-8 mileage [rivieraranch] by lane2

Nov 23, 2008 (6:30 pm)

Replying to: rivieraranch (Nov 05, 2008 7:38 pm)
Glad you are having good luck with your V8. I just purchased a leftover 2007 CXL V8 and would like to know what octane gas you are using. The dealer started me off with a tank of 87 octane and I haven't noticed any pinging and it seems to have plenty of power. Getting ready to take a trip to the mountains and would like to get the best mpg possible. Bought the car for my wife because she has a bad back and needed as many seat adjustments as possible.

#97 of 104 Re: Lucerne CXL V-8 mileage [lane2] by imidazol97

Nov 23, 2008 (6:50 pm)

Replying to: lane2 (Nov 23, 2008 6:30 pm)
I'd put in a tank of a quality brand name premium and see if you notice any difference in the driveability. You probably will pay the same per mile; slight increase in gas mileage and a slight increase in cost per gallon at fillup.
 
Myself, I'd just put in the plus grade and be happy. But I am a gentle driver.

#98 of 104 Re: Lucerne CXL V-8 mileage [imidazol97] by lane2

Nov 24, 2008 (7:05 am)

Replying to: imidazol97 (Nov 23, 2008 6:50 pm)
Thanks. What octane were you using on your trip? Would like to try a tank of the same octane to for the trip up to the mountains and if I get the mpg like you did, not bother checking the other octanes for efficiency.

#99 of 104 Re: Lucerne CXL V-8 mileage [imidazol97] by lane2

Dec 13, 2008 (9:46 am)

Replying to: imidazol97 (Nov 23, 2008 6:50 pm)
Since I had a full tank of 87 octane, tried all 87 octane for this trip. Had a high of 26 mpg up and back home and a low of 19.8 mpg in the snow in the mountains, very slow up and down. Total of about 950 miles. Very pleased with the performance, no pinging , and plenty of power. Just me and my wife but LOTS of luggage plus golf clubs. Guess I will try 93 octane for the next trip and see if there is any difference in mpg.

#100 of 104 What can I do to improve MPG by david2936

Jan 02, 2009 (12:28 pm)

Just bought a used 2008, 14K miles, CXL as a Certified Used Car from the dealership and love this car. My previous one was a 1999 Regal LS, and I loved it too. The Regal was the same engine and got 24MPG. My old car broke down for the very last time just before Christmas. I did not have many choices for replacements, because dealers have kept inventories very low. My new Lucerne is only getting about 18MPG. I live in central west NJ, and the nearest gas station and town is 5 miles away in any direction. I drive 50 miles round trip to work, but have only used the car twice so far to get there. Most driving is county roads at around 50mph and highway at 70mph. What can I do to increase MPG? I have heard premium gas, new K&N filters, fuel system cleaner, and tire pressure. Is there anything else I should seriously consider?

#101 of 104 Milage ok by oldguy8

Jan 21, 2009 (9:50 am)

I am satisfied with my mileage on my V6 on a loaded trip to Florida I averaged 27mpg think this would have been better had I realized this engine actually gets better mileage at 70 than at 60, the last fill up was at 70 on the interstate and was 28.6 Actual, I find the computer will be high sometimes and low others and right on at times. 17-20 normal for in town driving depends on the stop lights and the duration of those lights.

#102 of 104 Oil and vibrations by cold_motoring

Apr 01, 2009 (12:50 pm)

I worked on the 3800 line at Buick until the last one was built which was Friday, August 22, 2008 at about 12:00pm. I ran the dept that checked each engine for faults and leaks. If an engine was rejected, I analizied the computer info and preformed the basic repairs. Sometimes the decision was a bad cylinder bore or maby a lifter bore too tight causing vibration or too loose causing an oil pressure problem. Many situations.
The answer to the question on oil used during assembly is 10w30.
Remember that in a mass production situation there are many variables which could result in varying fuel millage. All the testing equipment was computer controled, but also had tolerances for the 12 different tests. If an engine was pushing the limits of one or more of the tests and the computer accepted these it sent the engine out. Each engine has its own personality which was developed through machining, parts, and the assembly process and a combination of these could lead to posible lower fuel millage. Any questions just ask and maybe I can shed some light.

#103 of 104 Re: Oil and vibrations [cold_motoring] by kenb757

Apr 02, 2009 (8:06 am)

Replying to: cold_motoring (Apr 01, 2009 12:50 pm)
Does GM use a special break-in oil or additve for the initial factory fill, or is it the over-the-counter (Goodwrench?) stuff? My DTS got about 2 mpg better (at 20 mpg) than my Lucerne Super, but I think it has more to do with tuning and the final drive ratio, than with other inherent differences in the Northstar V-8s.

#104 of 104 Re: Oil and vibrations [cold_motoring] by buicks5

Apr 11, 2009 (9:01 pm)

Replying to: cold_motoring (Apr 01, 2009 12:50 pm)
If you happen to ever see this reply, then please note that I have a 2000 Park Ave Ultra with the supercharged 3.8. This supercharged 3.8 now has 204,000 miles on it and is the best running car and engine of any vehicle i have ever owner at any miles on a vehicle. It does use a tiny amount of oil (1qt at 2500-3500 miles), past the rear valve cover, which is normal. GM replaces the gaskets on other applications, because of possible fire from dripping oil, but not an issue on this car.
 
The supercharger uses a tiny about of oil at about 5,000 miles; maybe 1/4-1/2 pint. Engine starts instantly, does not smoke under any conditions, and pulls hard with good acceleration. I have always used Mobil 1 10/30 with Mobil 1 filter (extra fine filtration).
 
The water pump is still good and tight and the dealer says the timing chain generally does not require replacement, even at high miles...a rarity.
 
Fuel economy is 24-25mpg at 75-80m mph and 29-31mpg at 55-60mph. Commuting at 17 miles one way is about 21-22mpg.
 
Shame that GM found it necessary to cease production. I had a 3.8 in a Toronado and it was also bulletproof. What a terrific engine!

Messages Page 11 of 11

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