Finished my MI-NY-CT-NY-MI trip covering 2012 miles in six days. Almost exclusively highway driving at 72-78 mph with an occasional spurt to 85-90. I keep a mileage (calculated) and repair log on all my cars, so this is exact.

Over 2012 miles I averaged 28.4 with a best of 30 even and a worst of 26 even. I think the two lows were due to not filling the tank completely and the high maybe due to the opposite - filling it to the brim. So the overall average is a good indicator. Since my original window sticker says 17/25, I'm more than satisfied, especially since I was cooking along at 5-10 over the speed limit on cruise most of the time. I'm pretty sure this baby could do over 30 mpg consistently if I had the patience to drive at 60-65. PS - I used midrange gas except in two cases: one fillup with premium in CT and another in Port Huron MI (even though it was 10% ethanol, I could not resist the $4.05 price tag). And a good 1500 miles of the trip were with the top down and the side windows up, so it was not the most aerodynamic situation.

I used a Bel V965 all the time except in Ontario, where they are illegal. I had plenty of warning in NY and MI, easily picking up early radar signals 1/2 mile before spotting the trooper. My only "scare" came when I got behind a semi passing a semi. That seemed to take forever, like elephants humping. So as I stayed back to avoid any potential road debris, I suddenly noticed a blue pickup smack dab on my rear bumper, not 20 feet behind me. As soon as the truck pulled over, I nailed it up to 85 and pulled over in front of the lead truck...and a blue NYS police SUV goes by me in a big hurry.

 

I forgot to note that I put in a new K&N air filter prior to the trip. When I look back at my mileage for last summer, it was generally in the 26+ to 27+ range with occasional tanks at 28 and 29. So it is possible the freer flowing air filter leaned out the engine a bit and helped out the mileage. It was also in the 70-80s most driving days.

 

I'm glad I saw your thread.....We're picking up our 06 ltd coupe on Wed and I hadn't thought about what grade gasoline to use in it. Are you saying that mid-grade is the best to use? We're in SW Fl.... very flat terrain... regular gas or high test? By the way, how large is the fuel tank?

 

Goldwing you are definitely getting around! Those are great numbers considering you weren't flying aerodymanically. I'd be willing to bet there was a small lump in your throat when you saw the blue & the grill in your mirror!

 

15.9 gallons if the size is the same as a SRT & I can't see why it wouldn't be.
I'd stick w/ premium simply because that's what the car calls for. You can certainly run mid-grade but I'd drive the car like a old man then (hey, I AM an old man!). There are a whole bunch of threads about gas (including some by your's truly), I'd take the time to read through some. Many stations mix Ethanol in the lower grade gasolines, many do not do the same with premium.

 

Thanks Kurts..... I'll look it up under "gas"?

 

If they add ethanol, they have to post it. I've found no problems (pinging nor missing) with ethanol, but I don't seem to get as good mileage.

I generally accelerate like the old man I am. Rarely do I take it over 4000 rpm. Most shifts around 2500. Why beat on a great car for no reason. Therefore I've never heard pinging - and the computer should compensate very well.

Yes - the book calls for premium 91 octane. I run 89 midrange in both Crossfires and my Audi turbo. Never regular. If I was going racing, I would use premium,

 

89 midrange is a good octane. Generally midrange runs between 87 & 89, depends on the retailer.
"Why beat on a great car for no reason"? Because it's FUN & because I can!
Honestly, Gold, 90% of the time I drive like a gentleman back & forth to work, 60 - 65mph, 100 miles a day but when you're being harassed by a group of kids in their Eclipse it's time to say Sayonara!