I am still driving a 95 DX that I bought new 11 years ago. Mileage has always been excellent, but recently improved when my AC belt started making terrible noises. The AC hasn't worked in years, so I readily agreed to having the belt removed. It never occurred to me that it was eating gas without cooling the car... Now I get 40+ MPG regularly. I use the standard methods described by other posters - always reset my tripometer after writing down the miles traveled - then let it fill automatically - and get a printed receipt. The last time was on Monday - 374.8 miles - 9.252 gallons - for an average of 40.51 MPG! I always got 35 or better, but the improvement in such an old car (243,000 miles) was amazing! People keep telling me that I am making it up, but I do it every week so I know it is right. I commute over 30 miles to work, but take back roads so most of my driving is around 55 MPH - which is supposed to give you the best mileage. I couldn't afford to commute in any other car - though I still have always paid less than $3 per gallon. My only concern is that I am planning to purchase that gorgeous 2006 LX next week. If my mileage is worse, I will be so disappointed! Not really... I will be so thrilled to have a car in which everything works again. It's been a long time - but I have had almost no work done on my 95 - and want to trade it before I start having huge repair bills! There is no way I would drive anything but a Civic!

 

Great post! And thanks for the information on MPG increase following AC removal. I knew that would be true, but never heard any real-world confirmation!

It looks the the new LX is a great car--I'm going to test drive one in about 15 minutes. It's rated at 38 mpg on the highway, but I think Smart Drivers will be able to keep that above 40 mpg!

Congratulations and have fun!

 

Smart drivers.....^^^^

smart drivers or people who are hot (no ac) and cant accelerate very fast.

 

I say drive with the AC while gas is "cheap" lol

 

I had a Toyota Tacoma that would get 14-18 MPG in the city normally. Then I removed the AC belt when the compressor when out and had it jump about 2 MPG ish. 17-22 was my norm afterward. It's very true and could happen to anyone.

 

ya removing the AC belt will definatly increase your milage.... even tho the compresor isnt ingaged it is still turning a bearing and the belt is tight so its more of a drag...

with my last road trip with no AC i got almost 45mpg, and on the way back WITH AC it droped like 8mpg....

and im sure if i removed the belt i could get afew more mpg outta my civic... BUT i need AC... what can i say im a p***y i hate the heat!
thats why i love the winter so much you can dress for the cold... BUT ya cannt strip enough for the heat


when winter hit.... im definatly pullen my AC belt to find out myself

 

lmao so true...thts y in florida AC is a MUST!!!

-JP

 

This must give you 2-3 more hp, too, ya think?

 

ya it could give ya alittle more power...... but so would removing your whole AC system for weight reduction.... BUT i sure as hell wouldnt remove the system for alittle extra power!!!! im a pusssss when it comes to hot weather.


ya definatly cannt try racing with the AC ON.LOL

 

I ussualy remove the A/C belt in the winter.

If you don't mind strongarm steering, remove your power steering belt for even more MPG.