A couple months ago I got a new job and became the proud owner of a 140-mile round trip commute. See the attached image for a map.

The trip is between Columbus and Athens Ohio on mostly 4-lane highway, some of it limited access. As you approach Columbus, the terrain flattens out, but from about Lancaster on down you're going up the Appalachian plateau. Lots of light but interesting curves and elevation changes, gorgeous scenery, and not much traffic, truck or otherwise.

And of course I do it in my 8. I debated back and forth about taking my wife's Saturn SL2, but then decided if I was going to be in the car for 2 and a half hours each day on that topography, it may as well be in one that's more comfortable and fun.

Gas right now isn't too much of an issue. I am getting about 280 miles on 13.5 gallons - about 20.5 mpg. I'm using 87 octane. I keep speeds between 68-72 to save on gas (going 74 on the limited access portions takes mpg down to 19.5) and not get smoked by the fuzz. I've got a BP credit card that gives me 5% off and every month they send me a little check.

Let me also say that I'm running Goodyear GT tires, which are great in the rain (and snow?) but big and heavy. I think I'm taking about a 2-3 mpg hit by running them as opposed to the crappy nankangs I had on it before. On really tight turns there's a bit of rubbing, so I'm wondering if I should maybe drop down to 17's next time around if I stay with this tire.

Anyway, you can all do the math regarding how much mileage I put on the car. The car has 86.6k on it as of this moment. For maintenance, I'm using Royal Purple 10w-40 at the absolute longest drain interval recommended by the manual.

Problems? None so far. I've had the car for about 35k at this point and have only had to do routine maintenance. I keep the oil topped off, rotate the tires, redline at least once a day and check everything else on the car weekly. I'm hopeful that the relatively light duty will keep the engine running longer as opposed to shorter.

Costs compared to driving a car like the SL2 for a long commute like mine? Assuming the SL got 36mpg, I'd say I'm spending about $2k/year more in fuel at today's prices. If gas goes up to $4 a gallon it would be $3k. Let's assume I do plugs once a year compared to once every two years for the SL, $20 cheaper oil changes, brakes and tires being roughly twice the cost, and insurance We'll add on another $600-$1k a year for maintenance over the cheaper car. So I spend about $3k-5k more each year than I "have to" to drive this car.

As of right now, it's worth it to me. I love how it drives, and I'm glad I get to stretch it out a little more (which I totally didn't get to do on I-70 which is flat and straight). It's nice to spend a little more time with it a day closer to it's element (curves).

 

That's one hell of a daily trip!

 

If your ok will racking up the miles on your car that quickly then more the power to you man.

I for one have a long commute. 110 mile round trip, and I have a seperate beater for the occasion.

I'm just too scared to use the 8 as my DD for such a long haul.

 

That right there is when you pack up and move.

 

Your using 87 octane???

 

Mrs. Mateo has a specialized job - it wouldn't be the easiest thing to just up and move.

Yep.

 

Not that easy in this economy... right now.

 

^ is this true? Just for the record i would get some premium in that poor 8 before it leaves you for a different owner.

 

What's wrong with 87?

 

Nothing is wrong with using 87, these idiots just don't know anything.

 

read the manual, "This vehicle is designed to use 91 [(R+M)/2 method] (96RON) or higher gasoline for best performance. If [fuel i said the first time] is not availiable, gasoline from 87-90 can be used temporarily for emergency purposes, buth this will slightly reduce performance. Fuel with gasoline from 87-90, when driving in high temperature or low humidity conditions could cause engine knocking.


... it goes on, look in your owners manual in the index and go to fuel requirements.

 

+1 on that. My last job was only a 45 mile commute and i bought a beater for THAT. Couldnt imagine 170 miles

 

That's interesting, my manual says "You may use a regular unleaded fuel with an Octane Rating from 87 to 90 but this will slightly reduce performance." Then again, the manual also says "don't use gasoline additives" and I'm premixing (2-4oz/tank).

I've read a lot about octane ratings on this forum and elsewhere. I ran 93 for a while. 91. 89. 87. I didn't detect much difference between the grades. There's no pinging, knocking, or timing change that I can detect. If there was, I would up it. I didn't even need to pull the room fuse when I went to 87. If performance suffers, I don't notice it.

So, at this point, I'm comfortable with my decision. I don't think my car will leave me. But if I do asplode the engine, I'll be sure to let everyone here know.

For others, I can understand not wanting to put a lot of miles on a nice car, but are some of you guys really that worried about your engines blowing that you won't drive it 70 miles one way on a daily basis?

Regarding the drive, my old commute was 33 miles one way, with 2/3 of that on I-70. It was flat, straight, and miserable. I hated it. Now, even though I'm going twice as far, I'm in the country, the road is curvy, open, and uncluttered. It is wonderful. It's down right enjoyable most days.

 

Required fuel Premium unleaded (91 octane) according to '10 brochure.
If you can't afford the $3.40 per tankful extra, maybe you can cut out a starbucks latte once per week.
This is coming from a person who doesn't even own a rx8 and owns a Toyota Camry.

 

BTW if i had to commute 170 miles a day, i would love to have the rx8, great cruising car IMO (got off subject on the whole gas thing)

 

My daily commute is from Brooklyn to Manhattan, about 7 miles each way, although some mornings I bet it takes you less time. My last tank, 11.4 MPG. Thanks NYC traffic ( there was a ton on traffic last week because of construction).

Anyway, that's a hell of a commute. While I understand why some would want a beater, I commend you on your choice to have some fun on your way to work.

 

Running low octane will only cause problems when the engine is at high risk of experiencing detonation, i.e. when the ignition timing is most advanced and the housing is hottest and the compression is highest due to the throttle being fully open. I don't know to what extent this engine can adjust ignition timing to compensate for lower octane, but that's usually the approach they use to prevent detonation.

Any chance I can find out what Mrs. Mateo's really specialized job is? You've piqued my curiosity now. Maybe something with the gummint?

 

Wowzers and I thought I had a long drive into Cleveland each day. 98 miles round trip.
I'm getting 18.5 Mpg but I look at it more as cost per mile.
Right now I get 6.5 miles per dollar. That is $15 per day or $75 a week for gas not to
mention ware and tare. (oil too) $300 a month is almost a car payment. LOL.
But its the cost of running high class.
Once the snow comes I'll put the RX8 up and go back to the del Sol, it gets 35Mpg on regular.

 

And those conditions don't exist to a great extent with the style of driving I do, outside the odd redline. One thing I've wondered about is the "rate" of redlining. Everyone says redline once a day, but what about when your mileage goes up? Should you do it more? Depending on the day, I'll get between 1-4 redlines depending on lights I hit. Is that enough for 140 miles of highway driving?

Mrs. Mateo is an Italian teacher at a Catholic school. When she got hired, she took one of about 20 full time jobs in Ohio, and the only one that was open in Central Ohio at the time. All things considered, she's got a decent gig, but it's not like being a Spanish teacher where you could just up and get a job anywhere.

 

Ugh, do you have to deal with the nightmare that is the Shoreway? I grew up in Chardon, so I know the area pretty well.

Thankfully I'm driving against traffic. I think I would cut myself if it was the other way around.

I'm around $100/week for gas. And yes, it is more than my car payment. And it will only go up!

 

I can't say I envy you in that regard. Your monthly parking bill alone probably is more than what I spend on gas. Plus having to sit in traffic.

But you are ballin' in NYC, so that counts for something.

 

To answer that, you just got to understand the purpose of redlining. By reaching redline, you are opening up all the ports and pushing any carbon buildup on those ports out with your exhaust. So generally, you should redline at the end of any trip (to and from), so when you off the car and leave it, the carbon doesn't settle as much.

I personally try to get to my redline a little bit after my car warms up, and a little while before I reach my destination. This ensures my ports are cleared (better MPG, I'm guessing) before the bulk of my travel, and also keeps it clear after the long driving. Of course, since I am young and invincible, I try to keep my car running at the upper rpms, and redline to pass people anyways.

 

The Saturn is cheap build with a good engine. Those miles would cause the trim to fall apart. You are spending 3hrs a day in a car and work hard for your money. You deserve The most fun getting there. I can't imagine doing it in a boring economy car. I do not blame you for taking the rx8. You can always trade off now and then to keep the miles and cost down on your 8. I feel sorry for people who have young children and work. Day care is like $45 a day. Your costs are minimal in comparison.

 

Personally, I wouldn't devote 12 hours a day to work. The cost of driving would be secondary. 8 hours work, 1 hour lunch, 3 hours driving... But I used to do 60 miles a day in traffic in the 8 (maybe 1.5 hours in the car a day) and it was livable.

 

Depends on the road too. If it was pure traffic the whole way, that would suck. But if there was a section of road (maybe the scenic view) that was just a blast to drive, I would love do that every day. Just push it a little harder every day.... :D