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The best way to get high MPG in any car is to move the vehicle with very little engine usage. It is difficult, even for my 3 cylinder Geo Metro, to get consistently over 50mpg.
I started by eliminating any idling. I start the car and drive away immediately. No 'warming up' the car or leaving the engine running to fetch something from a building, etc.
Then I started driving in 5th gear at speeds of 30mph or higher. The difference between driving in 3rd compared to 5th is a matter of getting a steady 50mpg, or 75mpg+.
Next, I tried turning off my engine when I had long coasts. Downhills or approaching stoplights the engine was always shut off. This is easy with my car because it doesn't have power steering. I also developed a knack of using the clutch and the Geo's movement to restart the car instead of the starter.
Then I got my Scangauge II. That REALLY opened up my eyes to how my vehicle's MPG reacts in every sort of driving situation. It's definitely worth the investment.
I've also dwelled in the aerodynamic modifications too. I removed my side mirrors and I'm even running on compact spare tires in the rear.
Then I started P&G, aka 'pulse and glide, or burn and coast technique. I got into the 60+ mpg mark briefly, but it's a tiresome technique, and can't feasibly be used on the highway (at least with my car).
And, as always, the choice of vehicle makes all the difference. I really don't see why anyone needs more than 4 cylinders these days of $4+ gas. For those of you that haul things occasionally, just rent a truck for that day. It's a lot cheaper than driving a guzzler all year 'round.
I've spent almost $1,800 on gas for my Geo since I bought it last August. That would most likely be over $6,000 spent if I drove the same amount with my previous car: a V8 Ford Thunderbird.
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just started to restore it bought it for 4300 less than a month ago. yah i was suprised on the mpg using unleaded, made me kind of mad after i bought it my dad told me he just sold a 64".
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