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The rated capacity of our tanks is 18.5 gallons. I've been keeping a gas can in the trunk and running my tank empty. After pouring in the contents of the gas can (1.8 gallons), I can usually squeeze another 17 gallons into my tank. I run out at about 300 miles. That's about 16 MPG. Grrr... The rated mileage is supposed to be 17 city, 24 highway.
MPG = Miles Per Tank @ 18.5 Gallons (@ 16 Gallons)
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10.0 = 185 (160)
10.5 = 194 (168)
11.0 = 204 (176)
11.5 = 213 (184)
12.0 = 222 (192)
12.5 = 231 (200)
13.0 = 241 (208)
13.5 = 250 (216)
14.0 = 259 (224)
14.5 = 268 (232)
15.0 = 278 (240)
15.5 = 287 (248)
16.0 = 296 (256)
16.5 = 305 (264)
17.0 = 315 (272)
17.5 = 324 (280)
18.0 = 333 (288)
18.5 = 342 (296)
19.0 = 352 (304)
19.5 = 360 (312)
20.0 = 370 (320)
20.5 = 379 (328)
21.0 = 389 (336)
21.5 = 398 (344)
22.0 = 407 (352)
22.5 = 416 (360)
23.0 = 426 (368)
23.5 = 435 (376)
24.0 = 444 (384)
24.5 = 453 (392)
25.0 = 463 (400)
25.5 = 472 (408)
26.0 = 481 (416)
26.5 = 490 (424)
27.0 = 500 (432)
I included miles per tank at 16 gallons because I figure that's when most people fill up again. Notice that near the end of this scale, running the tank dry lets you go another 50 miles.
Still, at 10,000 miles per year, the difference between 16MPG and 20MPG only adds up to 125 gallons. At $2 per gallon, that's $250. Probably not worth the expense of having a shop investigate. That's about the cost of new oxygen sensors, a set of spark plugs, an air filter, and a fuel filter. If you have a shop do the work, you can stack labour on top of that.
I've heard some people say that replacing the O2 sensors can perform miracles. I've heard other people say rubbish to the whole notion. Both sides have a reasonably strong argument, so I figure it's not a black and white issue, and worth considering once the other [cheaper, easier] options are exhausted.
Has anyone seen any conclusive evidence that the EGR valve significantly affects fuel economy? I haven't really looked into it, but I could certainly see the potential. I'm pretty sure it's rather exclusively an emissions device, but no doubt it's presence is reflected in the design of other engine systems.
...still miffed that mileage would get so bad so suddenly without turing the CE light on...
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