high fuel consumption

[to106]

Two months ago I got rid of my 1999 3.0L Dodge minivan and purchased a 2005AWD Vibe. The car fits our lifestyle. However I've noticed the gas millage is not any better then my old minivan. The car is driven the same route as the previous van had. My wife drives it most of the time. it's averaging 11L/100km. My other car 2000 Corolla which has the same 1.8L engine as Vibe is 6L/100km. Why is there such a big difference? Vibe is driven mostly in the town and it's winter here, but I did not expect to be that much of a difference. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[psiu]

Vibe is heavier than the Corolla, plus the AWD adds on top of that. Otherwise it might be due for some new spark plugs/air filter.The AWDs were detuned as well to have less power, if your wife drives it to get the same pickup as a 3L V6 mileage will definitely suck.Probably do some searches for recommended checks on your new-to-you but used vehicle, especially with AWD components.

[zionzr2]

if you do not know when or if ever the differental fluids have been chagened I would get that done too.my in town short traffic light ridden commute to work is not good for my intown mileage. but my hwy mileage is awesome for an AWD.

[prathman]

Quote, originally posted by to106 »My other car 2000 Corolla which has the same 1.8L engine as Vibe is 6L/100km. Why is there such a big difference? Vibe is driven mostly in the town and it's winter here ....6 l/100km is over 39 US mpg and I'd be very surprised if the Corolla can get that kind of mileage for in-town winter driving. That sounds more like a highway driving figure to me that's obtainable on trips where the engine is fully warmed up and running at a steady speed most of the time.

[to106]

you are correct. Corolla is mostly highway driven. and is five speed. Also differential fluid is in a permanent seal casing, that is what I was told. I had my auto transmission and coolant fluid replaced. I have not taken the car for a long drive yet, perhaps then I'll know the true millage.

[zionzr2]

Quote, originally posted by to106 »you are correct. ... Also differential fluid is in a permanent seal casing, that is what I was told. ....It is not a sealed system it takes 80w90 or 75w90 lubricant.about .5 qt in the rear and .8 qt up front.In my AWD I had my first fluid swap at about 30K and about due for my second. There is a seperate drain and fill plug for each.A rather easy job. there is a write up on it someplace I think i have a link to it in the DIY Maint. Index.I have been getting around 23-27 in town and 29-36 on the Hwy.There are lots of factors that affect the ecomy that can be acchived and some things are bigger factors than others. Winter and Summer are worse than spring and fall.

[SinisterMind]

My wife's old car ('03 Vibe base w/ auto) was always getting 22-23mpg in city driving. Her job is only 5 miles away. Her new car ('09 Matrix AWD) is getting even worse fuel economy, but it also has less than 1k miles and bigger engine.

[Sublimewind]

Just to add to this, northern states use different summer and winter fuel blends.. You always get less milage in the winter because of this, also..