Disenchanted. . . anyone else?

[MissFarha]

2.5 , 29k miles, Fully Loaded 2008 Altima Coupe owner. . .

It took me a year to decide on this car based on my budget, my wants, my needs, etc and I opted for the smaller engine because I didn't want to have to use premium gas and I wanted better gas mileage. . .and I am a snob when it comes to HP so it was nearly impossible to choose the 2.5 over the 3.5. I can't break 400miles on my tank! I have tried babying the acceleration, I have tried driving in manual mode, its always just me in the car and I keep the trunk empty so its not added weight, I don't know what it is.

I've read other forums and people with this car are getting 30mpg regularly. Is anyone else getting decent mileage?

I do live in the DC area and yes, I do the beltway everyday (45 mins to go 12 miles each way), but, I calculate my gas mileage on every tank and I have done 100% highway driving going 80-90mph for the majority of the trip and I didn't break 26mpg. Commuting, I do about 22mpg. . .

To top it all off, the display on the dash (that shows the temp, mpg, etc, dunno what to call it) stopped working randomly. . .just fizzled out and now its blank. . .all interior lights dim when my auto lights come on when going under an overpass during the day. . .

I bought this car 4 months ago, certified, with the wrap warranty, with 24k miles. Did I buy a lemon? Anyone else having the same issues?

Just looking for some input. . .I'm taking it to the dealer on Monday and I want to ask them about the gas mileage, but, if this is just how it is, I might as well go back and trade it in for the 3.5!

[boystar22]

Well the lights dim when your headlights come because they're supposed to. If you want them brighter adjust the brightness knob when the lights are on to your preference, and you can adjust them to another preference with them off. The dash will remember your settings when the headlights are on and off.

As for the screen going blank that could be a faulty LCD which should be covered under warranty for a replacement.

As for the mileage I get around 27ish with mixed driving, but for the most part I never cross 2k rpm when accelerating from a traffic light.

[MissFarha]

Well I feel like a giant retard. . .the boyfriend drove the car last night and just told me that he dimmed the lights, lol. . .gas mileage still blows though!

[DAAN.]

80-90mph for the majority of the trip

That must be very nice. Those speeds are illegal here. The cluster brightness is adjustable, so no worries there.

[mcheddadi]

[boystar22]

Yes?

[Desire1314]

what kind of joke are you trying to pull now.....

[coderedk]

that avatar is kinda ghey

[boystar22]

that avatar is kinda ghey

Well I'm glad it conveys they proper message since I'm gay. Sorry if I don't have some tacky a** rainbow sticker slapped on the bumper of my car to help point it out for ya.

[mrodrig2]

I've read other forums and people with this car are getting 30mpg regularly. Is anyone else getting decent mileage?

I do live in the DC area and yes, I do the beltway everyday (45 mins to go 12 miles each way), but, I calculate my gas mileage on every tank and I have done 100% highway driving going 80-90mph for the majority of the trip and I didn't break 26mpg. Commuting, I do about 22mpg. . .

I normally get 24-25 mpg 100% highway going 80. Originally I thought I was getting crap mileage too. For a full tank I drove at 70 instead and got 28mpg. So if you want better gas mileage slow down or just accept it.

@coderedk - that post is irrelevant and disrespectful.

[Rob.Vegan]

I get in the mid 20's for gas mileage with almost all city driving. On the highway I get somewhere in the 30s sometimes if I'm lucky low 40s.

I try and take it easy on the pedal but it doesn't help much. I usually barely hit the 400 mile mark after a full tank

[dangeris]

To the OP..Welcome to Nico. I'm sure the LCD display is covered under warranty so call the dealer you purchase the vehicle from and get it looked at.

that avatar is kinda ghey

Well I'm glad it conveys they proper message since I'm gay. Sorry if I don't have some tacky a** rainbow sticker slapped on the bumper of my car to help point it out for ya.

Instead of your current pic or a rainbow...How about changing your avatar to ...let's say...Charlie the Unicorn

[chiphead]

2009 2.5S. I've gotton up to 32 mpg in the summer with city/ highway mix driving. I'm in the NE and when it's cold I usually get somewhere around 27-28. Usually 300 miles to a half a tank.

2.5 , 29k miles, Fully Loaded 2008 Altima Coupe owner. . .

It took me a year to decide on this car based on my budget, my wants, my needs, etc and I opted for the smaller engine because I didn't want to have to use premium gas and I wanted better gas mileage. . .and I am a snob when it comes to HP so it was nearly impossible to choose the 2.5 over the 3.5. I can't break 400miles on my tank! I have tried babying the acceleration, I have tried driving in manual mode, its always just me in the car and I keep the trunk empty so its not added weight, I don't know what it is.

I've read other forums and people with this car are getting 30mpg regularly. Is anyone else getting decent mileage?

I do live in the DC area and yes, I do the beltway everyday (45 mins to go 12 miles each way), but, I calculate my gas mileage on every tank and I have done 100% highway driving going 80-90mph for the majority of the trip and I didn't break 26mpg. Commuting, I do about 22mpg. . .

To top it all off, the display on the dash (that shows the temp, mpg, etc, dunno what to call it) stopped working randomly. . .just fizzled out and now its blank. . .all interior lights dim when my auto lights come on when going under an overpass during the day. . .

I bought this car 4 months ago, certified, with the wrap warranty, with 24k miles. Did I buy a lemon? Anyone else having the same issues?

Just looking for some input. . .I'm taking it to the dealer on Monday and I want to ask them about the gas mileage, but, if this is just how it is, I might as well go back and trade it in for the 3.5!

[Rmuth25]

If you are going 80-90 mph that is exactly why you are getting poor mileage. Personally I will take the few less mpg and drive real fast instead of driving slow and getting 30 mpg.

[Ranga14]

Quote »Instead of your current pic or a rainbow...How about changing your avatar to ...let's say...Charlie the Unicorn[/quote]I agree! Charlie, we're on a bridge Charlie!

... So on the car, maybe it's that you're doing 80-90mph so your little engine is struggling a little more than it should? (I kid on the little, lol)

I just had a trip of 500 miles on the highway and I averaged 32mpg but that's with the Bullydog+Exhaust+Intake helping out the mpg some.

[rjdmmfl1]

that avatar is kinda ghey

I hate comments like this... its one thing to crack on someone's mods, its another thing entirely to make comments like this because... you guessed it, we do have gay members here on our forums. Its offensive because you made the comment insinuating that it is somehow a negative thing to be gay, and that is a very ignorant assumption. I have a number of friends in the gay community.. does that make me gay? If I were, would that be a negative thing? anyway, you're not the first and you won't be the last to post things like this, but just try to be aware of the groups you may be offending by your posts.

2.5 , 29k miles, Fully Loaded 2008 Altima Coupe owner. . .

It took me a year to decide on this car based on my budget, my wants, my needs, etc and I opted for the smaller engine because I didn't want to have to use premium gas and I wanted better gas mileage. . .and I am a snob when it comes to HP so it was nearly impossible to choose the 2.5 over the 3.5. I can't break 400miles on my tank! I have tried babying the acceleration, I have tried driving in manual mode, its always just me in the car and I keep the trunk empty so its not added weight, I don't know what it is.

I've read other forums and people with this car are getting 30mpg regularly. Is anyone else getting decent mileage?

I do live in the DC area and yes, I do the beltway everyday (45 mins to go 12 miles each way), but, I calculate my gas mileage on every tank and I have done 100% highway driving going 80-90mph for the majority of the trip and I didn't break 26mpg. Commuting, I do about 22mpg. . .

To top it all off, the display on the dash (that shows the temp, mpg, etc, dunno what to call it) stopped working randomly. . .just fizzled out and now its blank. . .all interior lights dim when my auto lights come on when going under an overpass during the day. . .

I bought this car 4 months ago, certified, with the wrap warranty, with 24k miles. Did I buy a lemon? Anyone else having the same issues?

Just looking for some input. . .I'm taking it to the dealer on Monday and I want to ask them about the gas mileage, but, if this is just how it is, I might as well go back and trade it in for the 3.5!

OP, as to your post, I think you have an issue with your LCD screen if it blacks out. as other folks have mentioned, it is supposed to go dim when the auto lights turn on because it figures that if its dark outside, you don't need a super bright LCD screen distracting you from driving.

As for the MPG, I hear a lot of folks say they bought the 2.5 for the better MPG. Unfortunately, we;ve found that the 2.5 doesn;t really get that much bettr MPG than the 3.5. When I reset my trip odomoter, i;'ve gotten as much as 430 miles on a full tank (as recently as this thanksgiving) and I have a 3.5. I think 2,5's get slightly better gas mileage, but not nearly enough that its actually noticeable in your wallet. Maybe $20 per month, maybe.

Anyway, I'm actually a bit confused by your post as you say you're a snob when it comes to horsepower and it was nearly impossible to choose the 2.5, but yet you did it anyway... in any case, i think if you're having second doubts about the 2.5 right now, I doubt your feelings will get better. Just trade in for a 3.5 and you'll be happy!

[boystar22]

I hate comments like this... its one thing to crack on someone's mods, its another thing entirely to make comments like this because... you guessed it, we do have gay members here on our forums. Its offensive because you made the comment insinuating that it is somehow a negative thing to be gay, and that is a very ignorant assumption. I have a number of friends in the gay community.. does that make me gay? If I were, would that be a negative thing? anyway, you're not the first and you won't be the last to post things like this, but just try to be aware of the groups you may be offending by your posts.

I'm glad for comments like this; I know the original iteration was said more in a fun spirit than anything derogatory, and it's great that we can all joke and be friends. I'm not offended, it just comes down to a point of respect. Make fun of me for having a 2.5 with 3.5 mirrors, or staggered Z rims, its a car community! This site has been great with both good people and good information, and it should stay that way. Thank you to everyone who "stood up" but I don't want everyone thinking I was originally offended. I almost made an animated GIF of my current avatar that flipped to a unicorn and back just for everyones enjoyment, but that seemed like too much work. Plus I've been busy today installing my eibach springs, and I'm very thankful on the DIY in the how-to section! Now back to these evil springs...

[mcheddadi]

lol we're all gay deep down anyways. what was this thread about again?

[Blueboost]

Last I saw that avitar/username I kind've "assumed". So, I chuckled when I saw the "that avitar is kinda ghey" then winced at the fact that codered probably hadn't put 2 and 2 together. Anyhow, gay people do their own mods? Just kidding.

I was hitting 31.5 mpg using cruise control set to 60mph in my 3.5 yesterday.

I have lots of experience with the QR25 in SE-R form, and can say in that platform it is capable of 30mpg, 40mpg with basic bolt on's. That being said, if you can trade it in get the 3.5 or consider running some mods for more power and better efficiency/mpg.

[boystar22]

Anyhow, gay people do their own mods? Just kidding.

Of course! I'm the one that did the big how-to for adding steering wheel radio controls to base models. I'm probably one of the few that has 3.5 mirrors on a NOT pre-wires 2.5 (which was about as much of a pain as installing these springs). I am impressed for never having done springs before, it wasn't that bad. The rears took about half an hour, the drivers side front took about 6 hours, and the passenger front took about an hour. There was a big learning curve in there somewhere. About the only mod I have planned that I don't want to do myself is leather seats. I've done it before and the seats themselves aren't too bad, but the door panels are just about impossible to do correctly and I'd rather just pay someone else to deal with it.

Guess I gotta update the sig now since the springs are done. It looks and handles so much better now, I should have done this a long time ago!

[milkacaduke]

Well I feel like a giant retard. . .the boyfriend drove the car last night and just told me that he dimmed the lights, lol. . .gas mileage still blows though!

"the boyfriend"... how many boyfriends u got ?

[PHENOMenalVinyl]

lol we're all gay deep down anyways. what was this thread about again?

hahahahaha sorry that was really funny to me..........

but as doc said it sucks bc people think like the 2.5 gets sooo much better mpg but it doesnt which is dissapointing for people like me bc i woulda got the 3.5 if i knew

[boystar22]

but as doc said it sucks bc people think like the 2.5 gets sooo much better mpg but it doesnt which is dissapointing for people like me bc i woulda got the 3.5 if i knew

I'm in the same boat, I picked the 2.5 for the mileage because I was sick of only getting 19mpg on premium with my last car. Although the bump in insurance between the two would have been more than I'd probably want to pay too.

[ESP]

Although the bump in insurance between the two would have been more than I'd probably want to pay too.

I got my 2.5 because I thought it'd be better on gas than it is, as well as the fact that insurance for the 3.5 would have been quite a bit more expensive. At the time, I couldn't justify spending an extra $150/month for car payments, and an extra $75+/month for car insurance...

[CoupeVQ35CVT]

I got my 2.5 because I thought it'd be better on gas than it is, as well as the fact that insurance for the 3.5 would have been quite a bit more expensive. At the time, I couldn't justify spending an extra $150/month for car payments, and an extra $75+/month for car insurance...

HAHA 3.5 vs 2.5 fuel costs; I was mildly surprised when I sad down and did some number crunching:

Alright so I have the 3.5 because I wanted the POWAAA.

I average ~450 miles to a tank, driving 82 miles daily to/from work. About 90% highway, 65-75 mph, some stop lights, some 40 mph areas. Computer readout stays around 24.2 mpg over the past 5 months.

Monthly expenses pertaining to gas mileage:

Premium 93 octane gas ~$2.69/gallon x 19 gallons per fill up = ~ $51.11 full tank

Miles driven ~1800 (and that's a low estimate, I think I drive 2000 miles a month, hitting 3000 miles every 6-7 weeks).

Monthly gas expense 1800/24.2 = ~74 gallons x $2.69 = ~$199 or

$200 for just GAS each month.

I have to fill up about every 5 days so I know I am off by a few dollars.

Now if I had the smaller 2.5 EVEN with the unexciting MPG figures some people are getting, I'd still be saving money. Let's see:

Let's assume I get 28 mpg average with a 2.5 (instead of 24.2 with my 3.5)

$2.49 for 89 Mid grade octane gas

1800 / 28 = 64.28 gallons x $2.49 = ~$160

So basically it's $200 with the 3.5 engine vs. $166 (or less if I get closer to 30 mpg) with the 2.5.

That is assuming I get 24.2 mpg using Premium fuel in my 3.5, and 28 mpg with Mid-grade fuel using the 2.5. You should be saving some money by driving a 2.5 no doubt.

Of course, coming from an '06 Sentra 1.8 and getting 31 mpg and spending a whopping $100 a month on gas at worst, you can see my wallet runs dry quicker either way.

Speaking of insurance, I'm paying over $140 a MONTH for mine. Yay me.

[Sammy_G]

I've got a 2.5 and been driving a mix of city and hwy getting 27-30 mpg.

[coderedk]

I'm glad for comments like this; I know the original iteration was said more in a fun spirit than anything derogatory, and it's great that we can all joke and be friends. I'm not offended, it just comes down to a point of respect. Make fun of me for having a 2.5 with 3.5 mirrors, or staggered Z rims, its a car community! This site has been great with both good people and good information, and it should stay that way. Thank you to everyone who "stood up" but I don't want everyone thinking I was originally offended. I almost made an animated GIF of my current avatar that flipped to a unicorn and back just for everyones enjoyment, but that seemed like too much work. Plus I've been busy today installing my eibach springs, and I'm very thankful on the DIY in the how-to section! Now back to these evil springs...

hey man i didnt mean to offend anyone and im glad you took that comment in the way it was intended,nothing wrong with being gay i have a gay friend and hes a cool kid

[johnnir3volution]

after installing my K&N intake my dash board states that i only get 19.1 MPG?? WTF? Thats doesnt sound right. I drive 10 miles a day for work/home 5 days a week and pay $43 for a full tank of gas every 2 weeks.Does this sound right guys or is there something wrong with my car.

[migs7585]

What the hell am I doing wrong? I just started keeping track of my mpg and I'm gettin 21mpgs....I have a stillen intake, fill it up 89 and drive pretty decently

[coderedk]

What the hell am I doing wrong? I just started keeping track of my mpg and I'm gettin 21mpgs....I have a stillen intake, fill it up 89 and drive pretty decently

i was getting 18.2 mpg on my 2.5, i bought ad installed the sentient grounding kit and now im getting 22.7-23.1 mpg on 93 gas