When to go from 1st to 2nd to 3rd and so...

[junorico24]

Originally Posted by nookandcrannycar

The Mazda 2 is great, it just doesn't quite cut it (IMO) re real world combined MPG from the numbers I've gleaned from owner posts on other sites.

The Yaris brand new was a zippy unit but after 5 years it has lost a bit of it's shine and luster.

I notice now that when I switch from 1st to 2nd gear there is hesitation she's not as eager as before. I assume it's because of the Kumho tires, they are inferior compared to Dunlops sports tires which came with the Yari. Toyo tires I recommend as well.These tires get the Yari scooting along beautiful.

I haven't changed the transmission fluid in 5 years. I just changed the spark plugs, cleaned the TB and MAF. But that didn't really make much of a difference.Her engine note is a bit harsh.Guess she's getting old.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by Hershey

Should be able to milk 40 out of it on occasion . Do like the design .

I like the design as well. What I've come across is anecdotal, but the highest usual combined MPG I've read an owner report is 35 and i've only read posts from two owners who reached that level. I haven't tried putting 'Mazda 2' in the search box on a hypermiling site though . If my Yaris slumped to only being able to milk 40 out of it on occasion, I wouldn't be very happy about it. The 'on occasion' for me is when I get less than 40 MPG combined on a tank.

[Hershey]

The base model 2 can be purchased for under $14,000 . Wonder if they'll make a 2 with the Skyactiv technology for around the same price ? Be nice .

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by Hershey

The base model 2 can be purchased for under $14,000 . Wonder if they'll make a 2 with the Skyactiv technology for around the same price ? Be nice .

Was that the base model 2 for the 2012 model year? The Mazda USA website shows the 2013, and only shows a ssport model and a touring model . The sport is cheaper, and shows $14,720 with an asterisk.....and I can't find the explanation/reference for the asterisk.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by matti

What do you mean by "stall out?"

Letting the car 'bog out' to the point where the engine stalls and you have to restart it. Only applicable re a manual transmission car.

[tooter]

Originally Posted by WeeYari

Shifting at XX kph is irrelevant. It's all about load on the engine.

That reminds me of an Uncle who had a Datsun pickup which he thought he would be saving gas by shuddering along in 4th gear at low speed. He destroyed the main crank bearings.

Although I run the engine between 2,000 and 3,000 and rarely above 3,000, it never goes below 2,000 under load. Any long downhill stretches get 5th gear regardless of rpms. (whee!... )

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by tooter

That reminds me of an Uncle who had a Datsun pickup which he thought he would be saving gas by shuddering along in 4th gear at low speed. He destroyed the main crank bearings.

Although I run the engine between 2,000 and 3,000 and rarely above 3,000, it never goes below 2,000 under load. Any long downhill stretches get 5th gear regardless of rpms. (whee!... )

I keep the RPMs low, but high enough so the engine doesn't shudder/bog. I'd guess my RPM range is about the same as yours, but don't know for sure re lack of a tach.

[mazilla]

redline everytime muahahahaha

[Hershey]

Nook , yes the base is the Sport . Should of stated that .

[malibuguy]

I located the speed limiter within a few days of buying my Yaris...

Average shifts for me are around 2000-2500. When im hypermiling its more like 1400

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by Hershey

Nook , yes the base is the Sport . Should of stated that .

Does that mean that the asterisk means 'including destination charge' ($14,720 minus 'destination' charge = under 14K ?) ?

[TLyttle]

I've been driving small cars since 1958. The only time I have ever damaged an engine was when someone said to keep the rpms down. My old Minor ran 15mph/1000 rpm, ie 60mph/4000rpm. I never had a problem with that engine. There is no real problem with running high rpms on a small engine as long as it is serviced regularly!

The Yaris engine is dead reliable, regardless of how it is treated; it is likely designed for 500,000 miles or more, so worrying about it is pointless...

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by TLyttle

The Yaris engine is dead reliable, regardless of how it is treated; it is likely designed for 500,000 miles or more, so worrying about it is pointless...

^^^^^This. If my Yaris pretty much maintains the same level of reliability I've seen so far, I'll likely get another one when 'the time comes'.