I read all these posts about SC4's getting 22-24 MPG (incl City driving) and I sure do not. I'm 42 and don't speed much anymore, although I do like getting to the posted speed limit, but I certainly consider myself an "average" driver. I'm a "stock SC" guy all the way, no mods.

1) Do you drive with PWR or NORM?
2) In heavy city driving do you leave the Overdrive on or turn it off? (Do you EVER turn it off?)
3) If you are in the conservative modes, don't you feel as though you give up some significant performance and feel as though you use a lot of gas by "kicking it down" more when passing ??

Mine has 55K on it, in very good tune and again, I would never be classified as a fast or hard driver. (My wife says I drive like an old man)

I got 18.8MPG last tank - mostly city - but Dallas has a lot of 45mph stretches where I drive. I got excellent mileage in my 2000 528i previously (better than most 528 drivers), so I am thinking I just don't know the best way to drive the SC4 yet.

I would love to hear from you more experienced SC4 drivers!
Thanks

 

I leave my SC400 in the normal mode 99% of the time. I just use the "Power" mode on rare occasions. Same with taking overdrive off.

I also run the vehicle exclusively on Chevron premium fuel. Most experts agree that Chevron is the best gas you can buy. It helps clean out some of the gunk in your engine that hurts mileage. It also helps to prevent it from forming. Try a tank full of Premium Chevron the next time you fill up, along with a bottle of Techron fuel additive.

Check your air filter. You may also want to change all fluids on your car. Make sure that your tranny is using Toyota Type IV fluid. Use a good quality synthetic blend gear oil in the rear differential, and try a high quality motor oil like Valvoline. Drain and fill the radiator with Toyota radiator fluid. Although you might not be due for these services, the fluids/oils that were previously used, may not be up to par. I have experimented with all sorts of engine fluids over the years, and have been extremely impressed with the Toyota brand products. One way you can tell, is by getting your hands in the stuff. It just tends to have a more "slick" consistency than other brands. Even the Toyota radiator fluid feels like it would keep things lubed better.

Have your alignment checked, and inspect your tires. If your tires aren't any good, then your vehicle may be "tramlining" (darting to the right or left on uneven pavement).

All of the above suggestions will most likely each make modest improvements in your mileage. When you add them all together, you should see noticeable improvements- not to mention your car will last longer and drive better.

 

I drive with ECT in PWR most of the time, OD is on all the time. You said your car is in good tune, but have you done the 60k service yet? That may help. Also check your tire pressure, that is crucial. 18 MPG isn't that bad. Normal gas mileage is 18 city and 22 freeway. Sometimes you can go further on a tank of gas than others.

 

i went from Miami all the way to gainesville FL (400 miles) in 4.5 hours with one stop and wasted only 15.5 gallons.

 

mynole1,

You see what the problem is here? Many people here post MPG for both SC300 and SC400, the higher number you saw is mostly from SC300 I6. SC400 is V8, therefore burns more fuel. The number Dimcorner posted was for long distance driving lol. I think if we take a poll for all SC400 only and for regular driving habits only, the number on MPG would be very close to what you get.

 

These cars are pigs around town,but the highway mpg is decent I believe.
The Acura integra GSR used to get the same,and heck,this is a V8!

 

The lowest I got in my SC400 is 14MPG. The highest I got was 23.5MPG.

The lowest I got in my SC300 is 7MPG. The highest I got in my SC300 was 24MPG.