I'm not 100% pleased with it, but its not bad enough to **** and moan about either.

 

Any car is an economical car if it runs good, low maintenance and it's paid for. My 8 will officially become an economy car this year when I make my final car payment. I'll drive the car another 10 years and save tons of money with no car payment. Forget good gas mileage. I'm way ahead of that game with this car. Wise ownership is the key.

 

I run my 8 hard and then sometimes shift just sorta normal...this week I got 270 on one tank so I am happy...my 2004 Passat would get about 305 so not bad...

 

I've had my '04 for 16 months (14000KM). I have ALWAYS got 13-15 MPG, no matter how hard I drive it. I do all city driving which kills any chance at decent mileage in the 8. The most KMs I've ever gotten on one tank is 366 (about 220 miles), with a couple of highway jaunts mixed in. I have a friend that routinely gets 400KM to a tank with his 8--there is really no explanation for it! The mileage SUCKS, no matter how you slice it, but I've learned to LOVE everything else about this car-so I just accept it.