Why is my new 09 Yaris MPG is so low

[Woody_Woodchuck]

Voodoo’s numbers for mph versus mpg are about correct. Mine are a little lower because I have a 5-speed with different gearing so my rpm’s are higher and it is thirstier. Theoretically I should be able to get better mileage than an automatic but Voodoo is not going to let me prove that point easily.

My first tank, filled at the dealer I got 38 mpg. The only lower one was driving with a loaded car at 9 mph over the speed limit (around 80 mph), I got 36.3 mpg. But, I have always tried for good mileage and drive accordingly.

I have noticed 3 ‘break-in’ mileage jumps so far, ~2,000 miles, ~7,500 miles and ~10,000 miles. Each one gave me a bump of about 2 mpg. I could see the difference earlier than tank fill-up as I have always had a Scan gauge in my Yaris. I hear there is another jump at 15,000 – 20,000 miles, I have 12,000 on it now.

I did not notice a difference in the 5,000 mile oil change, maybe because the dealer did it? The 10,000 mile jump I am attributing to going with 5w-20 synthetic oil and filter.

You are right in the range with 33 mpg for your new Yaris, give it time as you learn to drive it for efficiency not power or speed. As stated many times before in many threads, the best thing you can do to get better mileage is adjust your driving habits. You have to be serious about wanting great mileage to actually get it. You will be able to get upper 30’s to mid 40’s with minimal effort or change to your driving habits, higher mileages come with more effort and concentration.