Just bought a 2005 3S hatchback and am a little concerned about the gas mileage. It is the 2.3 with auto trans. With my first 3 tanks of gas, I got 20 mpg and got 30 mpg on a 140 mile road trip. I am not driving the car hard, in fact I am driving it really easy. Should I expect more mpg in the future after break in or am I just getting about the average? A little dissappointed so far, but like the car!
Thanks for your input!
Gary

 

The Mazda engines come with synthetic engine oil from the factory and once the vehicle mileage reaches 5K.... you will notice a jump in gas mileage....
My sons '05 3i 2.0L is rated at 36 mpg, but with only 1K on the engine.... the mileage is 30-32 mpg....

M34MYSON

 

Thanks!

 

The rated MPG for your car is 24 city and 29 highway so would say you are running about average. Would not expect it to improve much as it breaks in but may a small amount. The less your foot is on the gas the better the mileage you can expect.

 

use neutral down hills to preserve gas as well..... easy option to use since all you gotta do is press the shifter up or whatever you call it. You wont have ot worry about slipping into reverse like some vehicles.

 

driving in neutral does preserve gas, indeed...but in most states coasting in neutral is illegal and you may get a ticket for doing so.