Bad milage on Subaru Outback 1996
filed in Misc Car Questions
Question: I have a ‘96 Outback AT 2.5 l and get milages of 13 and 21 (city and highway). The car is a 4 cylinder and I usually take mid-grade gas. I also tried high grade, which did not help. The tire pressure is fine.My dealer tells me that this has something to do with the new gas formula used in California.
These values seem very low to me. Is anything wrong with my car? Has anybody measured similar milages?
Answer: I don’t know about the gas in California, but I do know that the car is designed for high test (ie. 92 octane). I live in Massachusetts which has similar standards to California and I know they mess with the Gas here causing fleet owners to complain. I have an 96 outback and I get around 21 MPG in a 75% city 25% highway driving scenario. My advice is to try high test for a while and also to try using a good brand of gasoline. I have noticed with my other cars that name brand gas seems to get better mialage than no-name gas. DISCLAIMER: This is NOT an official Chevron post!
The EPA mandated the reformulated fuels to lower vehicle emissions. These new fuels, while less polluting, are not as efficient in the mpg department. I carpool with 3 other “chevroids” and we all have experienced about 2 less mpg since the reformulated fuels were mandated. The cars we drive are:
1992 Lincoln Town Car 1990 Toyota Camry 1991 Nissan Stanza 1973 Ford Bronco
Also, for you owners of older 4×4’s, pay very close attention to your fuel lines, pump membranes, tank seals, gaskets, etc. The new fuel has been shown to deteriorate these and other fuel system parts, causing leaks and subsequent fires and other associated problems. And, if you’re thinking about digging into the deep pockets of the oil companies to pay for your burned-up truck, you can bet that the fingers will be pointed to the EPA and back for years to come. —
____________ / || \ Drew Clary _______/[]___||______\# 1973 Bronco | ___ | =| o___o |# KD6VBM [|_// \|______|__// \_|] Lathrop, Ca ( @ ) ( @ ) _/ _/ The opinions expressed are mine and are not intended to represent those of my employer.
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