I currently drive a 1992 Civic CX with 345,000 miles on it. The original motor wore out at 245,000 miles, at which time the local Dr. Motorworx replaced it with a used motor from Japan. The original motor was not overembued with power, but did give mpg's in the lower 50's during the summer and upper 40's in winter. The new motor has much more power, especially at the higher rpm's, turning in 0-60mph times of under 10 sec, but will still give me 50mpg provided I ristrict my visitations into the engine's higher rpms.
I've been adjusting my driving techniques for maximum mpg's since the gas shortages of the mid '70's, at which time I was getting 36mpg out of my 68 VW bug. My main technique is to try to drive in a manner that mimimizes the use of braking (either wheel friction or engine compression) consistant with safe driving. This requires anticipation of traffic and traffic light patterns and I also maximize the use of freewheel coasting on any downhill I encounter or wherever I need to let my speed diminish for a turn or upcoming traffic. In addition to good miliage, a fringe benefit of my driving style is that my brake linings last a long time before wearing out (I'm averaging 120,000 miles for the front calipers, and 330,000 miles on the rear drums).
I'm looking at the hybrid car market, but am waiting for a practical hatchback or small station wagon to come out in hybrid form and without a long waiting list. I often travel with 2 Irish wolfhounds and 2 Australian shepards which fit fine in the back of my little Civic hatchback, but wouldn't fit in the Insight or the Civic or Prius sedans. The 04 Prius Prius looks promising provided the fastback design of the cargo area with the seats down has enough vertical space to fit my dogs. Due to the scarcity of the new Prius in this part of the country (South Carolina), I haven't actually seen a 04 Prius to see if it could handle my canine load.
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