I have relatively new M3 hatchback, 2.3l automatic. It has now about 1.2k miles. I picked it up as a compact economy car but I am unpleasantly surprised by its thirst. I am constantly getting about 19-20 mpg. Driving about 2/3 town and 1/3 highway and I am not a real racer. This is only some 230 miles per tank (15 gal). Customer service is promising some improvement after breakout (close to 7k miles) but I can hardly believe it can be better than some 1 or 2 miles. I would be very interested hearing some of your experience regarding the gas mileage of this model.

 

I have an 06 3i w/2.0L, my gas mileage is great, i am getting right about 30mpg, that is a mix of highway/city driving and I do drive fast alot of the time. I am able to get over 300miles on a tank of gas.

 

there must be a problem, check air filter and the housing, check spark plugs, tire psi, fuel leak, wheel alignment and oil level. I hope this helps you.

 

Hmm, My 3 wagon (opps - hatchback!) has 26k miles and my best mileage hwy has been 27 mpg. I average between 23 & 25 mpg in combined. If I recall correctly, Mazda says the EPA mileage estimates are 25 city & 31 hwy. Notice these are estimates and require you to be allergic to your gas pedal. My size 14 shoes are heavy so it needs the extra support offered by the floorboard/firewall. I guess I'm addicted to the acceration offered by the big four engine. Anyway, if you drive slow and avoid accerating at a normal pace, you should be able to improve your mileage. However, if you drive your new car in the matter in which it was designed (read - sport) then you will be able to enjoy the occational mpg highs but will always enjoy the drive!

 

Check out http://www.fueleconomy.gov

 

A great MPG site created my a Mazda3 owner can be found at www.brianbauer.org

there you can compare MPG and start a log for fuel usage.

 

I have a 2006 Mazda 3, 2.3L Auto...and i only get in the mid to high 20's for MPG,..but...i do have to be honest,..i stick my foot in it quite abit, and i have wider tires, which doesn't help matters either.

 

yeah i drive 4hrs. a day on weekdays, and about 10hrs. on weekends, so i cant really complain that i have to fill up often.

 

Hello, I am new to this forum......and have MPG issues

I just bought a 2006 Mazda3, 2.3 hatchback.

The car had 96 miles on it and a full tank from the dealer. I had to refuel after 270 miles (so total miles on car at refill was 366 miles). At 15 MPG, I only got 18 MPG. That was dissapointing. My SUV that i traded in got that for mileage and that was the whole reason for the trade-in.

Now that I see from the posts here, and after I read my manual, i understand that there is a break-in period. I cannot imagine that it will take until 7,000 mi that it will get better. I suspect that after 1500mi when I bring the car in for the first oil change it will get much better. But can it get 10 MPG better??? that is a ridiculous amount of gain for a break-in period.

I am now on a new full tank and i will see what i average with this one, and will report back to you all about the results.

Dan

 

i heard that the break in period was only supposed be 1000mi, after i passed that mark i started drifting and street racing and my gas milage seems to fine i get about 35miles to the gallon, but due to my consant driving, drifting and streetracing i have to constantly fill up but i dont complain even though gas is $2.17.