Date:         Thu, 27 Apr 2006 11:17:43 -0400
Reply-To:     Geza Polony <gezapolony@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Geza Polony <gezapolony@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Re: More Energy Saving schtuff...VLVC

Excellent advice. We tend to neglect the effect driving habits can have on
mpg, focussing instead on mechanical advances. In the case of these old
Vanagons, there really aren't many mechanical things to be done once the car
is in good shape.

One thing I've learned over time is to avoid cold driving around town.
Keeping the car out of open loop mode makes a big difference in mpg.

I just had this conversation with a fellow on the Saab board. When I bought
my Saab two years ago, I was shocked to see I was only getting about 16mpg
around town, using the mileage meter Saab builds into the instrument panel.
I was sure there was something wrong, but  no, the problem was that I was
driving it on short trips here and there, "testing out" the turbo, as it
were, and never letting it fully warm up. Now I'm getting 28 + mpg freeway,
22 average. Mostly due to abstention...


Geza