Leftie wrote:

> I just averaged 50mpg on a quarter tank of gas with my '95 Civic EX
> sedan. That's the highest I've ever gotten, and it's not representative
> because of the small sample and because that driving was 90% highway,
> but I still find it impressive. What other high numbers are you folks
> getting? BTW, I practice 'Super-Miling' which is just modest, safe steps
> to increase economy, unlike 'Hyper-Miling,' which can be dangerous. I
> run the tires at 38psi cold, coast with the engine *on* when possible,
> and accelerate gently. I also try to 'time' lights so I don't have to
> stop more than necessary. I generally get about 41mpg in Summer, a few
> less in Winter. I use midgrade gas because the gearing is so high I need
> full engine power to get the best economy.


It's a shame that hypermiling gets such bad press. I'm doing much the
same as you, and get high 30s (city and highway) in an old Accord wagon.
Having a manual transmission helps; you can coast in neutral and
accelerate with the engine in it's most efficient RPM/Throttle envelope
without the transmission downshifting. Back last summer, when gas was
4$, I had a fair number of people ask about my mileage. When I told
them, there was often a mild backlash accompanied by the accusation,
"Oh, you're one of those hypermilers." I then had to explain that I was
a 'good' hypermiler. I watch my mirrors, try never to hold up
traffic, don't run red lights, etc. I may not get 60MPG, but I'm not
tearing up my car or becoming a traffic hazard.

I'd argue that anyone exceeding EPA is a 'hypermiler,' but agree that
some of the hardcore techniques do little except alienate the average
driver. We've all seen the news segments - "See how Wayne gets 65MPG!"
Most people are curious, but react with a giant 'WTF?' when they see
one of the HM 'stars' putting down the road trailing a queue of pissed
off commuters, turning the ignition off while moving, taking freeway
exits at clearly unsafe speeds, pushing the frigging car across parking
lots, bragging 'my tires have 70psi,' and engaging in other hare-brained
behavior. If HM proponents could keep their ego in check and act in a
less OCD fashion they might manage to get somewhere in terms of
educating the public. Simply teaching people to anticipate those #$%^
traffic lights will instantly increase Joe Sixpack's city mileage by
10~20%