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Subaru Outback 2008 MPG

49 messages,  Last post on Aug 18, 2008 at 7:25 PM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 2 of 5

#10 of 49 Re: Subaru Outback 2008 2.5i Limited MPG [javagate] by nornet

Feb 22, 2008 (2:39 am)

Replying to: javagate (Feb 21, 2008 7:27 pm)
I for one would be interested to see how your mileage progresses. I was beginning to think I was the only one that experienced poorer mileage the older the car got.
Did your other cars give you worse mileage with time?

#11 of 49 Re: Subaru Outback 2008 2.5i Limited MPG [nornet] by xwesx

Feb 22, 2008 (6:27 am)

Replying to: nornet (Feb 22, 2008 2:39 am)
Reduced mileage as the car ages generally has to do with the vacuum and emissions systems working at lower efficiencies due to carbon buildup and crud. If you keep those systems in good order, mileage should stay very stable over the life of the car taking into consideration periodic variations for season, tires, wind drag, and other variables.

#12 of 49 Re: Subaru Outback 2008 2.5i Limited MPG [xwesx] by ateixeira

Feb 22, 2008 (6:40 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Feb 22, 2008 6:27 am)
My Forester improved with age. I didn't hit peak efficiency until 15k miles. It remained good until the day I sold it.

#13 of 49 Re: Subaru Outback 2008 2.5i Limited MPG [javagate] by xwesx

Feb 22, 2008 (11:41 am)

Replying to: javagate (Feb 21, 2008 7:27 pm)
The average for my 2008 2.5i over 7500 miles was right at 21 mpg, though I would have to pull up my spreadsheet to know for sure. The best tanks were mid-26 hauling 4 passengers and with no cargo on the roof. Speeds were around 80. When the car was loaded (check my carspace page to know what I mean by that), the economy was right at 22, which is understandable considering the wind drag created by the roof cargo.
 
My worst tank was 16.9 - the last tank I had before I sold it. I attribute that primarily to its being in the shop for 5 days with frequent idling and short test trips followed immediately by -50 temperatures for the remainder of the tank.
 
Winter versus summer mileage here in Fairbanks shows huge variations - from 27 in the summer down to an average of around 19-20 in the winter for my Subarus. A friend's Toyota Prius gives her about 35 in the winter versus 50 (or more) in the summer. It takes more energy to get the cold parts turning....

#14 of 49 Re: Subaru Outback 2008 2.5i Limited MPG [ateixeira] by xwesx

Feb 22, 2008 (11:42 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Feb 22, 2008 6:40 am)
Yes, I should have stated that once it hits peak efficiency (around 10-15K miles), it should remain stable.

#15 of 49 Re: Subaru Outback 2008 MPG [nukala] by julecat

May 04, 2008 (3:07 pm)

Replying to: nukala (Dec 24, 2007 12:02 pm)
I just bought a 2008 Outback 2.5i and I couldn't believe that I am also getting 14-16 with careful city driving also. The window sticker on my new 2008 said normal range is 20city and 26 highway. I thought with the 170 hp I would get great mileage. My 2002 outback LLBean with 243hp that I just traded in for the 2008 2.5i got better mileage. Does this make sense? I am disappointed.

#16 of 49 Re: Subaru Outback 2008 MPG [julecat] by paisan

May 04, 2008 (5:11 pm)

Replying to: julecat (May 04, 2008 3:07 pm)
Your milage won't increase until you hit about 10k miles. During break-in your milage will be lower.
 
-mike

#17 of 49 Re: Subaru Outback 2008 MPG [paisan] by jerm32

May 06, 2008 (7:16 pm)

Replying to: paisan (May 04, 2008 5:11 pm)
Thought I would share. Just got back from a trip, Maryland - South Carolina. Avg down was 29.7 with some stop and go traffic. Way back was 31.5. Avg commuting is 25 to 26 half and half city/highway. Was excited on way back to go almost 500 miles on a tank. 7500 on OD before start of trip.

#18 of 49 Re: Subaru Outback 2008 MPG [julecat] by nukala

May 06, 2008 (8:16 pm)

Replying to: julecat (May 04, 2008 3:07 pm)
I am noticing a slight improvement in the MPG at 16.5 but this is still woefully low. I beleive the manufacturer should be more honest and give a more real world MPG . I basically chose this vehicle over a toyota highlander or honda pilot as this had better MPG advertised. There is no doubt that in snow this is a great vehicle but i feel the interior is cramped and there is no space to store things. These issues i could have overlooked but when added to a low milaege, I have to agree with you it is really disappointing. Hopefully thing will improve after 10K.

#19 of 49 Re: Subaru Outback 2008 MPG [nukala] by paisan

May 06, 2008 (9:16 pm)

Replying to: nukala (May 06, 2008 8:16 pm)
After reading this thread I did a little experiement on my last tank of gas.
 
I drove it in a more sane manner than I normally drive (being a race car driver I tend to be a bit hard on the pedals) and was able to get 25mpg in mixed city/highway with my 05 Legacy GT Turbo w/5MT wagon. I am also running 235 width tires v. 215s which are stock and these are also heavy heavy tires and rims. With stockers im sure I'd get at least 2mpg higher.
 
-mike

Messages Page 2 of 5

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