Newby MPG Questions (Look out!)

[Yaryaryaris]

Hi everyone,

I'm a long time MPG-head (metro Xfi's, festivas, tercels, echos, etc.) recently got a good deal on what was my modest dream car (07 Yaris HB 5-spd) only options: A/C and cruise. I NEVER use the A/C (I wouldn't use it on the surface of the son, just out of principle)...

Anyway, I got it used with approx. 35K The only "mod" it came with is a K&N air intake (it was a surprise, not told to me until I flew from Mn. to Utah to fetch the car) I figured it wouldn't hurt MPG's, and might even help.

On my way back to Mn. I drove exactly 57MPH with one other person in the car and averaged around 39MPG.

I found this VERY disappointing considering my Echo (2-dr, 5-spd) got 50+MPG's driven this way (I never got less than 45MPG with that car)

But wait, it gets worse. I realize it's winter (and Mn. has plenty of it) but I can't get this car to get anything over 35MPG NO MATTER HOW EASY I DRIVE!!! Sure, I could push it around with the engine off.

I'm an experienced max-mpg driver, never speed, slow take-offs, low RPM's coasting when possible, etc.

My research regarding this so far has been that the relevant differences between the Echo and Yaris are: weight (Yaris is heavier) wheels (Yaris' are bigger and wider) and shape (I've read the HB has more drag than the sedan)

But I've been reading here on this forum (and other accounts elsewhere) of people getting much better MPG's with my exact Yaris, and even AT models.

Questions: Could the K&N filter be negatively effecting MPG's

I also run my tires at 44PSI (yeap, it's a rough ride, but I'm all about the MPG's)

Any advice would be much appreciated. I put in a request for the stock intake available over on the FS section BTW.

Brenton