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garpike
Cruiser Expert
PT Cruiser Club Member
Posted: Aug 27, 2007, 6:47 PM
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Better Gas Mileage?
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Alrighty everyone I keep seeing tibits here and there about how to get our wonderfull PTs to get better gas mileage so I decided why not put all that info into one place!
Anyone that knows a good way to get more outta yer buck at the pump post it here......please.
I'll start with a few of the more obvious ones...
- Replace air filter regularly
- Replace PCV valve regularly
- Keep tires properly inflated
Alright gearheads lets get cookin!!!!
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** NUMBERS 6:24-26 **
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Posts: 234 | From: Cincinnati, Ohio
| Registered: Aug 22, 2007, 2:20 PM
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slipfit
Cruiser Expert
PT Cruiser Club Member
Posted: Aug 28, 2007, 6:13 AM
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Re: [garpike] Better Gas Mileage?
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It depends on the way you drive. Went down to 'BAMA' last week with the PT loaded, 2 sets of golf clubs, coolers and luggage. Drove from north of Detroit to south of Birmingham and back up thru Knoxville (relatives) then back home - 1726 miles. 6 fillups cost $180, not to bad even with the high gas prices. Alot cheaper down south - like 30 cents a gal. Anyhow, going thru Ohio got 24.9mpg, thru the Smokies got 19.2mpg. That's with the cruise control set at 80/85mph sometimes hitting 90. So, an empty PT on a flat surface doing 70mph should do alot better but not as much fun.
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If it's gonna happen - it's gonna happen out there.
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Posts: 358 | From: Columbus, Mi
| Registered: Jan 21, 2007, 3:03 PM
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Clive G
Cruiser Expert
Posted: Aug 29, 2007, 9:42 AM
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Re: [garpike] Better Gas Mileage?
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Keep the junk outta your Cruiser.
Folks often haul around more "stuff" than they need and every extra pound robs a bit of gas mileage.
If you don't carry passengers very often, perhaps even remove the rear seats?
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Posts: 222 | From: N/A
| Registered: May 18, 2007, 11:05 AM
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i_like_retro
Cruiser Expert
Posted: Aug 30, 2007, 12:44 AM
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Re: [Clive G] Better Gas Mileage?
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I get 21 with the windows down at 60mph. Don't even ask me about with the A/C on. But, anyway, back to the thread: I fairly certain I remember someone mentioning that synthetic oil and a good filter helps a bit. Don't know for sure though.
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Posts: 239 | From: Cedar Hill, MO
| Registered: Apr 18, 2007, 11:35 PM
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Bluephrog
Cruiser Addict
Posted: Aug 30, 2007, 5:42 AM
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Re: [garpike] Better Gas Mileage?
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1. Do NOT exceed 2500 RPM in any gear.
2. Go up one grade in octane rating - this will take more than one tank full to work.
3. Drive with a raw egg between your foot and the "go" pedal. (light pressure = better gas mileage and in this case you will get a penalty if you press too hard)
4. Change out your tires and wheels to 15" and not wider than a "75" (wider tires, more drag/friction). Keep them at or above recommended air pressure.
5. change the oil to synthetic 5W30.
6. Do not idle for more than 30 seconds.
7. Install free flowing air filter (K&N or similar)
8. Install engine heater and use it (keeps engine at or near operating temps - no warmup time)
9. Remove the Rear Seats and Spare tire. (less weight)
10. If you actually do all mentioned above, you shouldn't be driving a PT Crusier!!
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Posts: 673 | From: Vermont
| Registered: May 24, 2003, 5:25 PM
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sent1
Cruiser Expert
Posted: Aug 30, 2007, 6:03 AM
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Re: [Bluephrog] Better Gas Mileage?
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Seriously, don't forget to change to better spark plugs like NGK Iridiums and better wires.
On one leg of a trip taken recently I got 34 MPG in the dreamer. You can read my signature to see what I'm runnin'. The conditions were, no AC, 2 lane highway, average speed was about 65, stopped three or four times for construction which led to slow restarts and getting back up to speed, turn engine off rather than idling while waiting for pilot vehicle, temp= 65-75 degrees, highway was combination of mountainous-curvey/flat-straight.
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DC1 #1610--5-speed. Its got some stuff.
'03 Inferno Red--Its getting some stuff too!
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Posts: 424 | From: Salem, Oregon
| Registered: Apr 14, 2007, 8:56 AM
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Bad Joss
Cruiser Buff
Posted: Aug 30, 2007, 3:18 PM
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Re: [sent1] Better Gas Mileage?
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I believe the operator's driving habit is the number one factor in gas mileage.
My 2005 GT will get 25+ if I cruise and avoid quick slow-downs and speed-ups.
As mentioned above, I try to keep my RPM below 3k which works out to 65 mph or so. Trouble is, the Cruiser wants to go faster than the "secret" speed limit which is nominally 65 on the roads near my digs. It is 75 miles to the nearest freeway so the vast majority of my highway driving is on 2 lane, good highways. So to be honest, I cruise between 65-70 depending upon traffic flow. 25-28 mpg seems ok to me.
My Cruiser's mechanics are absolutely stock - no alterations at all.
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Posts: 55 | From: Klamath Falls, OR
| Registered: Jul 10, 2006, 6:16 PM
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MICKEY41
Cruiser Addict
Posted: Aug 30, 2007, 6:47 PM
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Re: [Bluephrog] Better Gas Mileage?
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 THANKS BLUEPHROG, Finally I have a number to go on. 2500 RPM's. I have asked how fast you should go when a light turns green or going around a corner and I have said, I can get it up to 5000 and it is so much fun! But I was worried I would hurt my car and all I ever got was maybe answers. Now I will cool my jets and give Pete a break, Thank you so much, Mickey. 
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2005 ELECTRIC BLUE CLASSIC
Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect.
It means that you have decided to look beyond the imperfections
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Posts: 884 | From: Gilbert, Arizona
| Registered: Apr 24, 2007, 8:45 AM
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Cruiser RN
Cruiser Veteran
PT Cruiser Club Member
Posted: Aug 30, 2007, 6:59 PM
Post #9 of 29
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Re: [garpike] Better Gas Mileage?
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 Hi.Miss CRN got crap gas mileage when I first got her,used with 3000 miles on the odometer.It was 19 mpg in the city and 23 mpg,If I was lucky on the highway.I had immeadiately switched to full synthetic oil 5W-30 weight and switched to a Cold Air induction system.After these changes my mileage improved to 25 city and 30 MPG highway.I also am fatidious about matainance,check my tire pressure weekly,and drive the posted speed limit with my cruise control engaged.My mechanic said that these changes are good but individual driving habits are the #1 determinent of gas mileage.God Bless.......Mike
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Mike Casabianca
His: 2001 Black LE with Auto Transmission, BullDog Signs Flames, WeatherTec wind deflectors, cargo area mat, PT trash can, PT valve stem caps and Dart's coldair intake, chrome tail and headlight bezels, chrome bumper inserts, chrome license plate pillow, chrome fender trim, 1940's retro chrome on front and back fenders, door spears, chrome hatch door trim, chrome gas door, brushed chrome door sills, billet door pins, custom "BlueHaze" dash mat, MRK Group lugnut covers, dome light trim, etc. and the chrome goes on......
Hers: 2003 Patriot Blue Woody with Automatic Transmission, Bulldog Signs Eeyore, Cargo area mat, WeatherTec wind deflectors, PT valve stem caps, PT trash can, "BlueHaze" custom dash mat, and chrome tailpipe extension, "Old School" wood shifter knob, wood and chrome door pins, MRK Group interior knob and switch covers, door surrounds, and dome light trim, chrome door surround trim, white eeyore window decals, smoothie hub cap, wood eeyore plaques ....and the Wood goes on
http://community.webshots.com/user/mdcvmvc
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Posts: 2282 | From: Yonkers, New York
| Registered: Aug 21, 2002, 12:00 AM
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Bluephrog
Cruiser Addict
Posted: Aug 31, 2007, 5:22 AM
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Re: [MICKEY41] Better Gas Mileage?
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If you are running a good synthetic oil you aren't going to "hurt" your engine by running it up to 5000 RPM. You are going to use a lot of fuel though. The fuel injectors are capable of dumping more than a pint of gas into the engine at redline (6200) in under a minute. Running it up to 5000 RPM often, uses a LOT of gas. Yes, it is fun to "drive the PT", but as the saying goes "you play you pay".
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Posts: 673 | From: Vermont
| Registered: May 24, 2003, 5:25 PM
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MICKEY41
Cruiser Addict
Posted: Aug 31, 2007, 5:51 AM
Post #11 of 29
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Re: [Bluephrog] Better Gas Mileage?
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Bluephong, I am so confused on this oil issue. Some say not to use synthetic oil unless you vehicle has 30,000 miles on it. Breaks down the engine or something. I trust your opinion as you seem to know what you are talking about. I use regular oil put in at the dealers as I do not trust anyone to mess with my car but them. I change my oil every three month and it only has around 1500 miles used during that length of time. When I got Pete around the first of May, I changed the oil right away, then I had it changed in three months, with a tire rotation. my car had 13,200 when I got it, has 1500 now. Mine is all town driving, very short distances, maybe 5 miles a day. Sorry for so much information, but I want to know what to do on my next oil change, please advise, Mickey.
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2005 ELECTRIC BLUE CLASSIC
Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect.
It means that you have decided to look beyond the imperfections
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Posts: 884 | From: Gilbert, Arizona
| Registered: Apr 24, 2007, 8:45 AM
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Bluephrog
Cruiser Addict
Posted: Aug 31, 2007, 4:10 PM
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Re: [MICKEY41] Better Gas Mileage?
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Oil can be an interesting subject. Synthetic oil is standard fill for many cars right from the factory. Most of the "must have" a certain amount of miles on the engine before switching comes from the need many years ago for the engine to "break-in". Break-in has not been necessary for a long time do to the much better machining that computers can do (CNC). Another reason synthetic oil was not recommended was the seals and gaskets depended on the oil to help expand, synthetic oil doesn't typically have these characteristics. Today seals and gaskets are made of completely different materials, in fact silicone is the number one material. Synthetic oil also has a much broader "working" temperature. Good synthetic can still flow well at 60 below zero and hold together to more than 450 degrees. This is one reason that it is good to use if you have a turbo as the turbo can get very hot and Dino oil just cokes up under severe heat (turns to a goo).
Changing your oil is a completely different subject. When you have a cold engine your engine requires a richer than normal fuel to air mixture to get and keep your engine running. This richer mixture creates acids and sludge that contaminates the oil. If your engine doesn't get up to temperature and stay there for a period of time, the acids and sludges don't get dissipated. Usually 8 to 10 miles is required to "burn off" these acids and sludges in the oil. Since you don't travel very far you are not eliminating the contaminates, so frequent oil changes are a good idea. Your every 3 month/1500 mile oil change is probably a good interval. Synthetic oil can "hold" more contaminates, but still would require a change much more often than the manual recommends. There are filtering systems that you can add to clean the oil so it will last longer, but there is no room in the PT engine bay to put it. Since you need to change your oil often, I would stick with a good Dino oil.
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Posts: 673 | From: Vermont
| Registered: May 24, 2003, 5:25 PM
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MICKEY41
Cruiser Addict
Posted: Aug 31, 2007, 5:01 PM
Post #13 of 29
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Re: [Bluephrog] Better Gas Mileage?
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Thanks Bluephrog, you know your stuff!!!!! Man, you are smart! I am glad I am doing the right thing, thank you for agreeing with me and all the information. You have helped a lot of people who were confused about oil. Dino, I will make sure they use that next time or take it in with me! Mickey
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2005 ELECTRIC BLUE CLASSIC
Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect.
It means that you have decided to look beyond the imperfections
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Posts: 884 | From: Gilbert, Arizona
| Registered: Apr 24, 2007, 8:45 AM
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DixieGal
Cruiser Fan
Posted: Aug 31, 2007, 11:43 PM
Post #14 of 29
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Re: [garpike] Better Gas Mileage?
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I try to avoid the quick stop and go stuff. However around here sometimes the guy in front of me needs to be grabbed by the hair and told, "You DO NOT do the quick stop for two reasons. One, it's bad on your gas consumption and two, THOU SHALT NOT DAMAGE THE CRUISER!"
I don't carry a lot in the stowage area. I have a mini flashlight that I carry in the console, a first aid kit (I'm a former emergency medical technician and my family is from a rural area) and an insulated bag (which is empty unless I stop at the grocery store).
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Posts: 31 | From: N/A
| Registered: Aug 25, 2007, 11:30 PM
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pjdaoust
Cruiser Expert
PT Cruiser Club Member
Posted: Sep 18, 2007, 4:46 PM
Post #15 of 29
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Re: [Cruiser RN] Better Gas Mileage?
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Quote:
My mechanic said that these changes are good but individual driving habits are the #1 determinent of gas mileage.God Bless.......Mike
Thanks Mike,
it should be noted to all the complainers about their fuel mileage that they have mostly themselves to thank for their poor fuel mileage.
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Paul J. Daoust
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Posts: 118 | From: Garner, NC
| Registered: Apr 7, 2005, 4:33 AM
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slipfit
Cruiser Expert
PT Cruiser Club Member
Posted: Sep 20, 2007, 12:23 PM
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Re: [pjdaoust] Better Gas Mileage?
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Noticed my mileage  was slipping down to about a steady 20mpg lately. I tend to drive a little fast so I don't expect the best, I've got new Bosch Platinum+2 plugs, new wires, K&N air filter, timing belt and dual Supertrapps (straight pipes). My engine light came on yesterday - P0420 code. Which indicated it could be the EGR valve. AutoZone doesn't sell them - went to the dealer and talked to them. Faulty EGR can cause excessive soot (I've got it) on the exhaust pipes and poor mileage (that too). With my Chrysler discount (25%) it cost $54.81 and took me about 2 1/2 hours to install. So, I'm hoping this will make a change, I was getting about 24 mpg.
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If it's gonna happen - it's gonna happen out there.
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Posts: 358 | From: Columbus, Mi
| Registered: Jan 21, 2007, 3:03 PM
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CajunCruiser
Cruiser Fan
PT Cruiser Club Member
Posted: Sep 26, 2007, 1:30 PM
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Re: [garpike] Better Gas Mileage?
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When I first got my 06 PT my mileage hovered around 24 city to just under 28 hwy. I read some where that for every MPH over 55 you lose on average about 1% of mileage. I decided to re-check my hwy mileage with that fact in mind. I tanked up just off the interstate drove eighty miles to my destination and refueled just off the interstate. I kept the speed as close to 60 as I could.
I drove staight through......no exits.
I couldn't believe it! I figured 35.7/gal. I noticed the car was on a slight decline, so I moved to another pump, but it would not take any more gas. I suspected that my figure might be bogus due to a mistake somewhere, yet I see "bluphrog" got similar results.
These results were with the A/C on, thermostat set low fan high. 5spd std. over South West Louisiana flat terrain.
CajunCruiser
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CajunCruiser
"Tacky.....yet delightfully unrefined!"
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Posts: 30 | From: Lake Charles, LA
| Registered: Sep 25, 2007, 7:35 AM
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TerryR
Cruiser Expert
PT Cruiser Club Member
Posted: Sep 26, 2007, 1:40 PM
Post #18 of 29
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Re: [CajunCruiser] Better Gas Mileage?
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Hi, CajunCruiser,
I have not had quite that good mileage on my '07 with automatic, but have seen over 30mpg when I'm doing 60 over flat terrain. I also see a pretty good drop when I drive at 70.
The 30+mpg range on my car is between 45-60 MPH without stops. Of course, when you stop, the mileage drops fast!
So, what parish you from? I spent the first 40 years of my life in Jefferson Parish (Metairie).
Terry
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Living Happily Ever After, Now and Then in Millbrook, AL.
2007 Bright Silver Touring Edition.
Sirius Radio
Ham VHF/UHF FM
Chrome Side Vents
Chrome flames
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Posts: 188 | From: Millbrook, AL
| Registered: Feb 6, 2007, 7:11 PM
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Bo Blue PT
Cruiser Expert
PT Cruiser Club Member
Posted: Sep 26, 2007, 1:48 PM
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Re: [TerryR] Better Gas Mileage?
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No kiddin' folks! On my last trip back to sunny San Diego last month, I averaged 29mpg with the cruise set at 75mph and was totally amazed! I have the auto trans and a/c running constantly across that desert. I can't complain at all however, I do think I need to change my plugs & wires from the OEM ones.
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"Just Cruisin' Lite."
  
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Posts: 240 | From: Texas State of Mind
| Registered: Sep 23, 2007, 5:22 PM
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FiveVee
Cruiser Fan
Posted: Sep 26, 2007, 3:11 PM
Post #20 of 29
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Re: [Bo Blue PT] Better Gas Mileage?
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haha, ya i think the best way to get better economy is to "stay out of it". but with a new muffler on the way that might become very hard for me you could always buy a prius if gas is that important
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2002 PT 5-Speed. K&N "air box mod"; PT chrome door lock pulls; Chrome flames; Cow print fuzzy dice; more to come....
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Posts: 30 | From: Va Beach, VA
| Registered: Jun 23, 2007, 5:20 PM
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TerryR
Cruiser Expert
PT Cruiser Club Member
Posted: Sep 26, 2007, 3:34 PM
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Re: [FiveVee] Better Gas Mileage?
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Quote:
you could always buy a prius if gas is that important
Ummmm, no.
Terry
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Living Happily Ever After, Now and Then in Millbrook, AL.
2007 Bright Silver Touring Edition.
Sirius Radio
Ham VHF/UHF FM
Chrome Side Vents
Chrome flames
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Posts: 188 | From: Millbrook, AL
| Registered: Feb 6, 2007, 7:11 PM
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FiveVee
Cruiser Fan
Posted: Sep 26, 2007, 5:05 PM
Post #22 of 29
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Re: [TerryR] Better Gas Mileage?
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ya, i was kidding, those car are ugly. verrryyy ugly
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2002 PT 5-Speed. K&N "air box mod"; PT chrome door lock pulls; Chrome flames; Cow print fuzzy dice; more to come....
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Posts: 30 | From: Va Beach, VA
| Registered: Jun 23, 2007, 5:20 PM
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pjdaoust
Cruiser Expert
PT Cruiser Club Member
Posted: Sep 26, 2007, 6:09 PM
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Re: [FiveVee] Better Gas Mileage?
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Quote:
ya, i was kidding, those car are ugly. verrryyy ugly
Yes, but the reason people buy those cars is so they can be seen in a green machine. LOL
That is the most important attribute of the Prius, that it is instantly recognizable as being green.
You know, it's not easy being green.
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Paul J. Daoust
(This post was edited by pjdaoust on Sep 26, 2007, 6:12 PM)
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Posts: 118 | From: Garner, NC
| Registered: Apr 7, 2005, 4:33 AM
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MICKEY41
Cruiser Addict
Posted: Sep 26, 2007, 7:24 PM
Post #24 of 29
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Re: [pjdaoust] Better Gas Mileage?
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Hey Pjdaoust,  Mickey 
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2005 ELECTRIC BLUE CLASSIC
Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect.
It means that you have decided to look beyond the imperfections
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Posts: 884 | From: Gilbert, Arizona
| Registered: Apr 24, 2007, 8:45 AM
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CajunCruiser
Cruiser Fan
PT Cruiser Club Member
Posted: Sep 26, 2007, 9:33 PM
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Re: [TerryR] Better Gas Mileage?
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Well hello from Cajun land TerryR,
When people asked how I liked my Cruiser, I would say, "If I can get 30 MPG, it's the perfect car." Well.....it has and it is! This little car has exceeded my expectations in every way.
I'm from Calcasieu parish. I live in Lake Charles......I'm sure you've driven through here if you lived in Metairie.
Terry, how did you post the photo of your car with your forum ID? I'm a new member. I looked for instructions for that action but failed to find it.
Cool Cruiser by the way!
CajunCruiser
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CajunCruiser
"Tacky.....yet delightfully unrefined!"
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Posts: 30 | From: Lake Charles, LA
| Registered: Sep 25, 2007, 7:35 AM
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