Ford Focus zx3 2003

bear2oz · 10-27-2009, 08:59 PM

I just bought a ford focus zx3 2.0 L.
I live in NYC and i am only getting 18 miles to the gallon.
Is this normal? The tank gauge went from 3/4 - 1/2 in 40 miles.
only got 115 miles to a half tank of gas. 6.2 gallons.
Thanks for your help.

**octaneman** · 10-28-2009, 09:24 AM

Hi bear2oz

It is difficult to make a prognosis with the numbers you posted since we don't know how you made your calculations. Re-calculate your MPG's using this method.

On your next fill up, fill the tank to the maximum. Once it's done, then you will have to reset the trip meter to 0. Drive the car until the gas hits it's reserve system. When you have to fill up again, take the number miles/kilometers you drove and then divide by the number of gallons/liters that you just filled. It will give you the proper MPG readings for your car, assuming that the car is driven normally.

post back your findings.

**Snoopdogie187** · 11-01-2009, 01:10 AM

2 things.
1) as ocateman mentioned, re do the calculations a more accurate way.
2) you said you live in nyc, between the traffic and lights that will hurt gas millage also. Cities are hard on cars in a lot of ways.

Also not sure how much this will affect it, but the mix of gas would also matter. I think the more ethanol, the worse it gets. I forgot if nyc was usuing it more or not, and I also think they lower the concentration in the winter time. I don't remember all of the details about this though.

You can also check how well the car should be doing on gas online, just use google to find it, or post back and I can check. Just remember those are done in ideal conditions, not real world so your average will almost always be lower.

dai · 11-01-2009, 01:23 AM

i usually take the readings from 3 tanks of gas

18 mpg is what i would expect from a v8 around town

how long since it had a tuneup

check the airfilter

10-27-2009, 08:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
bear2oz Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 1 OS: win98	Ford Focus zx3 2003 I just bought a ford focus zx3 2.0 L. I live in NYC and i am only getting 18 miles to the gallon. Is this normal? The tank gauge went from 3/4 - 1/2 in 40 miles. only got 115 miles to a half tank of gas. 6.2 gallons. Thanks for your help.

10-28-2009, 09:24 AM	#2 (permalink)
octaneman Mentor Home Support, Gearhead Automotive Center Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 541 OS: WINXP	Re: Ford Focus zx3 2003 Hi bear2oz It is difficult to make a prognosis with the numbers you posted since we don't know how you made your calculations. Re-calculate your MPG's using this method. On your next fill up, fill the tank to the maximum. Once it's done, then you will have to reset the trip meter to 0. Drive the car until the gas hits it's reserve system. When you have to fill up again, take the number miles/kilometers you drove and then divide by the number of gallons/liters that you just filled. It will give you the proper MPG readings for your car, assuming that the car is driven normally. post back your findings. Last edited by octaneman; 10-28-2009 at 09:36 AM.

11-01-2009, 01:10 AM	#3 (permalink)
Snoopdogie187 Oh! What shall I be? Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 2,537 OS: Vista Home Premium SP1, mom: XP Pro SP2 My System	Re: Ford Focus zx3 2003 2 things. 1) as ocateman mentioned, re do the calculations a more accurate way. 2) you said you live in nyc, between the traffic and lights that will hurt gas millage also. Cities are hard on cars in a lot of ways. Also not sure how much this will affect it, but the mix of gas would also matter. I think the more ethanol, the worse it gets. I forgot if nyc was usuing it more or not, and I also think they lower the concentration in the winter time. I don't remember all of the details about this though. You can also check how well the car should be doing on gas online, just use google to find it, or post back and I can check. Just remember those are done in ideal conditions, not real world so your average will almost always be lower. __________________ Infected computer? click here Has TSF Helped You? Posting System Specifications Please Donate to TSF

11-01-2009, 01:23 AM	#4 (permalink)
dai Manager, Hardware Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: west australia Posts: 56,501 OS: win 7 32x 64x rtm	Re: Ford Focus zx3 2003 i usually take the readings from 3 tanks of gas 18 mpg is what i would expect from a v8 around town how long since it had a tuneup check the airfilter __________________