View Poll Results: Are you happy with your fuel economy?

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    33 55.93%
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Thread: 2011 Mazda 3 fuel economy

  1. #1
    Jr Member Captain Mazda's Avatar
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    Default 2011 Mazda 3 fuel economy

    First of all, I've been extremely happy with my 2011 Mazda 3 GX. I bought her brand new last June and she's been my precious baby since that fateful day. It's an automatic stock GX and I've clocked in just over 12,000KM over the past 12 months.

    However, I have some gripes about the fuel economy. I've noticed almost everyone with the same model and trim has been getting better mileage than me. I started tracking my fill-ups a month ago and so far my best rating has been 9.0—I got 498km on a single tank. I don't floor the gas, I don't idle, I never use AC, and I coast whenever possible; so I know my driving habits aren't the problem.

    Right now it looks like I'll get just over 500km on a single tank for the first time, so it seems it's getting better, but still nowhere near what other drivers are reporting.

    Anyone else a bit disappointed with the fuel economy on the 2011 models? I know the Mazda 3 is not a crummy sub-compact and it's actually fun to drive compared to other cars in its class, but as a recent graduate I wish I could get more mileage out of each fill-up.

    My Fuelly profile in case you're wondering: https://www.fuelly.com/driver/captainmazda/3

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    Default Re: 2011 Mazda 3 fuel economy

    hey captain, as i have said in a few other posts about fuel economy. i didnt even notice an increase in mine until about the 24,000 km mark. and then it got slightly better when i changed the exhaust and intake ( could all be in my head for those mods) but i find i average about 600 km a tank, to a max of in the 700, but i mean to do that in my 5spd its not shifting over 3,000 rpm. no ac, hwy speeds between 90-100 km/h or 60 miles/h.

    have a look through my fuelly,

    so far ive tracked almost 30,000 km on my car and 4,500km on my gfs car.



    so for your average at 9.0L / 100km. its not a bad start and with the habbits you posted so far its a good start.
    Last edited by Booter22; 05-30-2012 at 08:52 AM.
    Quote Originally Posted by Lmmorden View Post
    Costco = good cheap solution
    Just go to automotive and ask to see their nuts
    It's like a buck a nut

  3. #3
    Jr Member tmpz's Avatar
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    Default Re: 2011 Mazda 3 fuel economy

    I do 95% city driving with my 2.0L auto and get about 500km before the light turns on. It depends heavily on traffic and driving style.

    2009 Mazda 3 GS Metro Gray Automatic

  4. #4
    Sr Member zzz3's Avatar
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    Default Re: 2011 Mazda 3 fuel economy

    My driving is a mixture of 60% hwy and 40% cty.

    I can get mid 700 if I drive to the last bar. 800 in reserve, of course that is not conducive for keeping your fuel pump in good order. I would do as John says, and wait to see if your fuel economy improves at 24k.

    Somethings I do:
    -never exceed 100 or whatever the speed limit is
    -always drive in the right most lane
    -draft behind trucks lol
    -leave it in 5th on the highway to avoid unnecessary downshifts (for passing or acceleration)
    -smooth but quick acceleration to my desired speed
    -minimize throttle inputs, coast if you can (close throttle and downshift)
    -turn off car at lights that are 1min+
    -make sure vent setting is not on defrost (even if the fan is off, the heater will run if on defrost)
    -using 0W20 mazda synthetic
    -tire pressure is set to 36psi
    -lightweight wheels lol (doubt it helps)
    Last edited by zzz3; 05-30-2012 at 12:17 PM. Reason: added some more tips

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    Default Re: 2011 Mazda 3 fuel economy

    also, can always bump the tire pressure. mines set to 36 psi right now, with nitro ( i know save the flames about it not being worth it)

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    Jr Member Captain Mazda's Avatar
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    Default Re: 2011 Mazda 3 fuel economy

    Interesting, thanks. I'll keep tracking it and hopefully I'll see a gradual improvement. I wouldn't recommend drafting behind trucks though, that's a good way to get nasty stone chips on your hood

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    Sr Member zzz3's Avatar
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    Default Re: 2011 Mazda 3 fuel economy

    Quote Originally Posted by Captain Mazda View Post
    Interesting, thanks. I'll keep tracking it and hopefully I'll see a gradual improvement. I wouldn't recommend drafting behind trucks though, that's a good way to get nasty stone chips on your hood
    my front bumper, and to lesser extent my hood, is riddled with stone chips thanks to the crappy/thin paint. i could care less since it is plastic and i plan on repainting/touching it up in the future.

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    Member Elusivellama's Avatar
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    Default Re: 2011 Mazda 3 fuel economy

    Quote Originally Posted by Captain Mazda View Post
    Interesting, thanks. I'll keep tracking it and hopefully I'll see a gradual improvement. I wouldn't recommend drafting behind trucks though, that's a good way to get nasty stone chips on your hood
    Never mind the stone chips, it's dangerous since you can't see the road ahead.

    Truck > you when it comes to an accident. I've personally witnessed ... in real time.... what happens when a truck hits a car going at highway speeds.

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    Default Re: 2011 Mazda 3 fuel economy

    um, how much does drafting behind trucks actually help?

  10. #10
    Sr Member zzz3's Avatar
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    Default Re: 2011 Mazda 3 fuel economy

    Quote Originally Posted by JHX 1138 View Post
    um, how much does drafting behind trucks actually help?
    Buy me a scan gauge and I'll tell you lol.

    From the other cars I have driven in the past, the trip computer displays a 1-2mpg+ improvement when behind a truck. Drag is one of the biggest hindrances to better fuel economy. That's why you see engineers trying to lower drag coefficient all the time.

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    Default Re: 2011 Mazda 3 fuel economy

    right now for examply im at 365 km and just got to half. i would have been over 400 if i took the hwy home and out to oakville today before half but thats what happens in city driving, and be meing off today with a combo of the defrost and what nots.

  12. #12
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    Default Re: 2011 Mazda 3 fuel economy

    Quote Originally Posted by Booter22 View Post
    right now for examply im at 365 km and just got to half. i would have been over 400 if i took the hwy home and out to oakville today before half but thats what happens in city driving, and be meing off today with a combo of the defrost and what nots.
    Really? I just filled up with 2 bars left (as in less than 1/4 tank) at 400km exactly. I do only have 15k on it though, but all highway.

    Is yours a 2.0 or 2.5?

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    Default Re: 2011 Mazda 3 fuel economy

    Quote Originally Posted by zzz3 View Post
    Buy me a scan gauge and I'll tell you lol.

    From the other cars I have driven in the past, the trip computer displays a 1-2mpg+ improvement when behind a truck. Drag is one of the biggest hindrances to better fuel economy. That's why you see engineers trying to lower drag coefficient all the time.
    but seriously, how close do you need to be to the back of a truck to benefit?

    personally i hate driving behind trucks, especially in the small economy cars we all have.
    you can't see anything! feels dangerous to me.

  14. #14
    Sr Member zzz3's Avatar
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    Default Re: 2011 Mazda 3 fuel economy

    2 car lengths is good enough (and safe at 90-100km/h). did you picture nascar drafting lol?

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    Default Re: 2011 Mazda 3 fuel economy

    Quote Originally Posted by zzz3 View Post
    2 car lengths is good enough (and safe at 90-100km/h). did you picture nascar drafting lol?
    hehe yup

    2 car lengths is ok, i think that's what i do anyhow.

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    Default Re: 2011 Mazda 3 fuel economy

    2.0L 5Spd

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    Jr Member Captain Mazda's Avatar
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    Default Re: 2011 Mazda 3 fuel economy

    Got my best tank yesterday, 560.1KM thanks to all the freeway driving I did these past two weeks. Filled exactly 45L.

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    Jr Member Captain Mazda's Avatar
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    Default Re: 2011 Mazda 3 fuel economy

    Quote Originally Posted by tmpz View Post
    I do 95% city driving with my 2.0L auto and get about 500km before the light turns on. It depends heavily on traffic and driving style.
    This is my average and I do a ton of city driving too. I remember not being able to get more than 450KM per tank in the first few months, but my mileage has been improving slowly as things get settled in.

  19. #19
    Sr Member zzz3's Avatar
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    Default Re: 2011 Mazda 3 fuel economy

    looks like i jinxed myself, managed about 280km on 25L which is about 11 L/100km (21MPG).


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    Default Re: 2011 Mazda 3 fuel economy

    Quote Originally Posted by zzz3 View Post
    looks like i jinxed myself, managed about 280km on 25L which is about 11 L/100km (21MPG).


    I get around 700-720km per gas tank driving leisurely 65% hwy, I have 5sp 2.0l 2011 hatch. Its an improvement over my 2003 Protege 2.0l which gave me not more than 600km /gas tank. I cant complain as my Mazda3 is a big improvement in every way over my previous car.

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    Sr Member zzz3's Avatar
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    Default Re: 2011 Mazda 3 fuel economy

    Quote Originally Posted by tester11 View Post
    I get around 700-720km per gas tank driving leisurely 65% hwy, I have 5sp 2.0l 2011 hatch. Its an improvement over my 2003 Protege 2.0l which gave me not more than 600km /gas tank. I cant complain as my Mazda3 is a big improvement in every way over my previous car.
    that's what i usually get too. i think it maybe time to change spark plugs, air filter (im almost at 60000km) and double check tire pressure.

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    Default Re: 2011 Mazda 3 fuel economy

    Quote Originally Posted by zzz3 View Post
    that's what i usually get too. i think it maybe time to change spark plugs, air filter (im almost at 60000km) and double check tire pressure.
    but thats good...works out to around 7.5l/100km...

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    Default Re: 2011 Mazda 3 fuel economy

    Quote Originally Posted by zzz3 View Post
    that's what i usually get too. i think it maybe time to change spark plugs, air filter (im almost at 60000km) and double check tire pressure.
    you dont " need " to change the spark plugs until 120 000 km. or at least thats when its recommeneded. actually with the newer emissions systems you shouldnt have to change them to 160 000km. but im sure trying to even take them out then would be impossible. chryslers say ever 30 000 or something least thats what there service board says but who knows.

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    Default Re: 2011 Mazda 3 fuel economy

    I get 750-800 km with close to 900 km to Empty after the last bar....works out to about 6-6.3 L/100 km.....combo 401 commuting in stop and go traffic. Mine is a 2.0L Sport GX. My easy mod is I insulated the whole air intake duct with pipe foam and covered it in aluminum foil to keep the heat away from the intake air and keep it as cool as possible. Next I put two plastic dams to force the air up the two air scoops hidden under the lip just below the Mazda insgnia to force the air into the air intake....poke around and you will find them. This rams/forces cool air into the intake and keeps it cool into the engine and the result is about 25% better fuel economy from 6.5-6.7 L/100km down to about 6-6.2L/100km...you also get a bit better grunt on the acceleration to boot!

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    Default Re: 2011 Mazda 3 fuel economy

    I get 750-800 km with close to 900 km to Empty after the last bar....works out to about 6-6.3 L/100 km.....combo 401 commuting in stop and go traffic. Mine is a 2.0L Sport GX. My easy mod is I insulated the whole air intake duct with pipe foam and covered it in aluminum foil to keep the heat away from the intake air and keep it as cool as possible. Next I put two plastic dams to force the air up the two air scoops hidden under the lip just below the Mazda insgnia to force the air into the air intake....poke around and you will find them. This rams/forces cool air into the intake and keeps it cool into the engine and the result is about 25% better fuel economy from 6.5-6.7 L/100km down to about 6-6.2L/100km...you also get a bit better grunt on the acceleration to boot!

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