Your MPG and Radio Question - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

rick3000 · 06-07-2007, 10:42 AM

Hi,
I was just wonder what you guys do to deal with increasing gas prices. I have been averaging around 19mpg on premium around town with very little highway driving.

What is your average mileage (city/highway)?
Is there anyway to your boost mileage? (performance chip?)

Also, my radio is peeling, has anyone else has this problem?
Any tips on fixing peeling becker radio on/off buttons? (Besides replacing the entire radio?
Is there anyway to add steering wheel radio controls?

Thanks!

RandallNeighbour · 06-07-2007, 10:49 AM

I'm keeping my foot off the accellerator pedal for one thing. Smooth shifts, no redlining, and I think about where I have to go and what other errands I can get done while I'm out so I don't make multiple trips.

I get 22 in town and 26.5 on the highway in my 2.5 box.

Someone else will have to address your peeling radio button issues. I trashed that POS becker unit a long time ago for a much cleaner sounding Alpine. While it doesn't look factory, it sure sounds a LOT better.

BTW, if the becker head unit does not have remote control capability on it, you can't retrofit it for steering wheel controls.

FrayAdjacent · 06-07-2007, 10:52 AM

I average about 22mpg mostly city, and can get up to 31mpg on highway.

Here's my tips on attaining higher fuel economy. I learned a lot of this when I owned a Honda Insight. That car will tell you what works and what doesn't as far as getting better gas mileage, and it all translates to other cars.

Use the correct grade gasoline. Your engine will run best on what the manufacturer recommends. Do not use higher or lower grade gasoline.
Make sure your tires are properly inflated. You can usually safely run them at a slightly higher pressure, which will reduce 'rolling resistance'. I would not recommend more than a couple PSI over the vehicle's suggested pressure
Have your alignment checked and adjusted. If you do not track your car, you could have the camber and toe adjusted to be more neutral.
Replace your air filter and change your oil at regular intervals
Avoid jackrabbit starts, and use the highest gear you can to cruise in. Avoid changing speed a lot on highways and freeways. Use your cruise control if you can.

rick3000 · 06-07-2007, 12:05 PM

Avoid jackrabbit starts, and use the highest gear you can to cruise in. Avoid changing speed a lot on highways and freeways. Use your cruise control if you can.

So are you saying to cruise at around 3000rpm, and not smoke everyone on a green light.

FrayAdjacent · 06-07-2007, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rick3000

So are you saying to cruise at around 3000rpm, and not smoke very one on a green light.

Yep... something like that...

r9i8c7k · 06-07-2007, 12:23 PM

I average 19 MPG. I have not taken any long highway trips yet.

KevinH1990 · 06-07-2007, 12:28 PM

The peeling buttons on the radio can be fixed by Becker. I don't know the web site off hand, but you can just search for Becker USA and you should find it. You need to mail the radio to their facility in New Jersey. I checked into it, and it will be around $55 not including shipping costs. I may have mine done this summer while I'm on vacation. I just haven't decided if it annoys me enough to spend the money.

I find my Boxster (2000 2.7L) does very well on the highway - between 28 and 30 mpg. Howver, if I drive it hard or experince a lot of stop and go traffic the mileage is in the low 20's.

kelly1005 · 06-07-2007, 03:05 PM

I get 18-ish in town, and got 28 on my last road trip in my 2.5.

In town I'm always getting on the gas and enjoying the sound. On the road I'm doing 75-80 with the cruise control on as much as I can. I imagine slowing down a bit would push it up to 30 easily.

I don't mind the low in-town mileage because I don't use the p-car as a commuter, only for fun and then I want that high RPM music. I've got a motorcycle (50mpg) and a crappy old Sentra (28mpg) for daily use.

rick3000 · 06-07-2007, 03:11 PM

Well, it is good the know it will get better than 19 on the highway. It is just a bit expensive as my daily driver, for mostly around town. But I'll deal with it.

So, no one has a DIY solution for peeling radio buttons?

Thanks!

Jeph · 06-07-2007, 03:12 PM

I don't do much highway driving...
I've never dropped below 20mpg. Even with AutoX events on a tank.

Stunin_Stud · 06-09-2007, 01:13 PM

I do alot of city driving so I get 14 mpg. when combined with highway its about 18mpg. I reset my odometer after each fill up to see what range I get and its usualy 195-215 miles. I have a 3.2 S and new air filter too. very dissapointed in the mpg.

rick3000 · 06-09-2007, 08:27 PM

14 MPG! You should take it to the dealer and have it checked out. Are You using premium in it?

Also, thanks everyone, but it is interesting that the 2.7L seems to get better mileage than the 2.5L. You would think the 2.5L would get better mileage. Also, I am working a DYI fix for the stereo buttons, I will let you know when I figure it out. I may just see if I can buy a new face though.

Pilot2519j · 06-09-2007, 10:17 PM

Save gas roller skate. Gee this is like getting a boat and worrying how much fuel does it burn in an hour. Mpg is not a deciding factor in the buying criteria for these type of cars it's all about speed and handling.Stop worrying about the gas and enjoy the car that is why you bought it in the first place.

Houston C4S · 06-10-2007, 02:56 AM

I reset the computer calculator for the day.

Got...

9 mpg.

Of course, this was at the DE at TWS.

A whole tank of gas in five sessions.

Ouch.

I had to buy $4/gal at the track just to get to the nearest station.

Otherwise, it pretty much stinks -- about 20 mpg. I told Randall it
probably is because of that durn sport exhaust +right foot.

Best,

- Mark