CX-5 w/ manual: real-world MPG?
 

I am looking at getting a used 2013 or 2014 CX-5 Sport w/ the manual tranny. Quick history: I sleep in my car during extended road trips, and I bought a Jetta TDI because it gets 30/41 MPG w/ diesel, but it sucks to sleep in so I want something larger. I am wondering what real-world MPGs I can expect with the CX5. EPA says 26/35 MPG, but I know real-world results differ. My Jetta gets about 45 on the highway at 60 MPH, compared to the 40 MPG rating. So, on the highway, what type of MPG can I expect driving at 60 MPH and driving at 80 MPH with the CX5 manual tranny?

Also, does this vehicle have any "known problems?" Most cars do. For example, in my Jetta it's known the high pressure fuel pump can fail, leading to a $10k bill. It's happened to many people. Most vehicles have some type of engineering flaw that can be pinpointed, just wondering what the CX-5s is.

Last, what are the most expensive scheduled maintenance elements that are required? I also really hated that maintenance costs on my Jetta were through the roof.

I can't help with the MPG question but I can offer some info on the sleeping. The rear seat in the Sport doesn't fold as flat as the seats in the higher trim. The higher trim seat moves forward as the back is folded to give the back more room. The Sport doesn't do this.

Your choices are 1 see if it is good enough. Two, remove the seat. or three replace the seat with one from a donor.

Here is a thread on a sleeping platform.
CX-5 - How to Build a Sleepinng Platform

I plan on removing the rear seats all together as I never have more than two people in my car. Then I would build a wooden platform in the rear for my bed.

You will find you have plenty of room. With the front seats forward and min recline you have 6 ft 9 inches.