I seem to be getting a pretty constant 20-21 mpg in mine, even with the cold starts this winter. I usually keep a good following distance, and drive moderately agressive. And i make sure to do at least one heavy acceleration per tank (usually 2), to try and dislodge any gunk. The trip 1 way to town is 12 miles, of which 10 is highway between 45 and 55. Of that 10 miles, about 6 miles are over "the summit" which is decent grade, though slight enough I can power over it at 60 without downshifting and only 1 passenger. 3 passengers, I usually get to downshift.

I generally go 210 to 240 on 3/4 tank of gas (70 to 80 per quarter tank). When shifting, I usually shift at 3k, or whatever'll get me back down to 2k. Speeds are: 14 to 2nd, 21 to 3rd, 30 to 4th, 35 to 5th, 40 to 6th. When accelerating on the higway I shift around 4k rpm, not sure what speeds. Interstate, it goes up to 4.5 to 5k.

I generally use premium from Maverick, but at 3.25 a gallon, i filled up with low midgrade this last tank. I'll be sure to ad results when I burn it up.

Best way to figure mileage is to start with full tank, reset one (or both) of your odometerss. Go until your next fillup, write down odo, write down gallons shown on the pump after filling, divide odo by gallons. (ex, 225mi on odo, 11.3 gallons put in to click off = just a hair under 20)

Oh, forgot to add that I very rarely use cruise control. Only when I'm on the interstate for more than 15 miles do I ever kick it on. And I always kick it off and use the good ol foot in any mountain passes.

Ok... final edit. I'm also using stock rims, and Goodyear Eagle GT rubber. Last pressure check was 35psi and even wear. Last oil change... about 2.5k miles ago. I did go through a bottle of injector cleaner last summer, though my mileage dropped for that tank.

 

lol, love it.

 

bump...just bought the rx8 tune up kit from atkinsrotary.com

hopefully it helps my gas problem...if i get at least 15-16 ill be happy

 

yeah that is an awesome deal on the that kit..... i was like WHOA... where was this when i did mine

 

I am curious to see how the tune-up kit treats you. I recently bought an 04' GT with 36,000 miles on it. Love the car, but don't love the mileage thus far. Last tank, 150.1 miles with 13.339 gallons of 91 octaine gives me 11.25 mpg (all in the city). Car drives great, with plenty of power, no warning lights, etc.

A sticker dated 11/24/06 has N3Z2-18-881T, indicating a flash update, but possibly not the most current one, as the MSP16 recall was closed out on 6/9/08 according to the Mazda Warranty Vehicle History Report).

I am not sure if the coils and plugs have been replaced, so I figure this is a good place to start. I am skeptical that it will put me in the 17-19 range that others here are getting.

I'm all ears if anyone has any other suggestions.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Steve

 

Just finished the first tank of low midgrade. As far as I know I didn't change any driving habits. But I did get an MPG increase of about 2mpg, placing me at 22.5mpg. On premium I seemed to get a constant 20-21, so I'm running another tank on the same grade to try and duplicate it.

This fillup:
10.7 gallons
241.8 miles
Altitude: average 5200 to 5300.

Hopefully the next update will be in a couple weeks!