Gas Mileage: 2.5 S vs 3.5 SE

[3Coupe3]

I'm new here. I'm thinking of getting an Altima Coupe sometime this coming summer. I know what the EPA estimates are for both models but I was wondering what you real drivers have gotten in terms of gas mileage for both models. I'm particularly interested in how much difference there really is between the two models.

Also, if I'm buying mine in the Summer of 08 would it be smarter to wait for the 09 model or would it really not matter?

Thanks

[generic808]

I have the 3.5 and I get about 21-22.5 mpg. If you're planning on buying next year, wait til the 09's come out and then pick up an 08. Nissan usually offers good incentives on outgoing model years. You'll maybe get factory rebates and/or 0% to 1.9% financing.

[AltimaJoe]

I've got the 2.5S and I've been averaging around 32 mpg on the highway (where I do most of my driving). It drops quite a bit in the city because of my driving habits but if you don't stomp it at every stop light like I do you'd probably do okay, like 26-28 maybe?

[SHIFT_2.5S]

I get about 21.5mpg but I'm also averaging 17.5mph.

[tsorenson]

I was thinking about doing a post about the same topic, but it seems like someone has beat me to the punch. I have an 3.5 A/C and I get an average of 25.8 and that is driving to work and back which is about 45 miles each way. In Northern VA traffic which can be stop and go at times and at times I can fly down the road depending on when I leave home or work.

[cartersaltima]

I get about 21.5mpg but I'm also averaging 17.5mph.

LOL are you kidding me! i do that in my driveway

[SHIFT_2.5S]

LOL are you kidding me! i do that in my driveway

Once you've experienced the traffic in Los Angeles, you'll understand.

[mcheddadi]

I Average 19.6MPG with my AGRESSIVE driving style.and 33 MPG with cruise control set at 50mph

but normal driving gets me about 23MPG

[SHIFT_CR]

LOL are you kidding me! i do that in my driveway

Yes, I've been to LA and the traffic is horrible. You get traffic on saturday on a 5 lane highway...

I get 25.5 mpg in city/highway driving and 32-35 mpg on highway going 70-80 mph in my 2.5

[ssjones]

Two tanks so far, 27 & 29 mpg respectively. I'm driving from MD to OH and back on Thursday, will let you know how that turns out. MD to Poughkeepsie the following week. My Nissan buddy (Murano) tells me it takes a few thousand miles for the motors to loosen up. My 2.5SL has 1,300 miles currently.

[SHIFT_2.5S]

Yes, I've been to LA and the traffic is horrible. You get traffic on saturday on a 5 lane highway...

They made some highways 6 lanes and there's still traffic in the morning, daytime, and evenings of every day except some Saturdays or Sundays.

[nismofool]

i get 19.9 mpg, and 25.8 mph. not too bad for the 3.5se, and i drive 50/50 on the highway and normal streets, and run into traffic everyday after i get off of work.

[generic808]

Something I really don't miss about LA? The traffic on the 405 But other than that, I miss it sooo much I guess that explains why I'm there like 6 times a year

[pdrumans]

19 city/24 hwy

I do short distance drives to work and back. Rarely drive on the hwy. Considering that I don't drive that far, I think I am doing pretty good on gas. I fill up my car every two weeks. My car is a 3.5 and I drive 95% city driving and usually for just about 3 miles per trip.
Modified by pdrumans at 12:13 PM 12/12/2007

[LinkNuc]

Holy crap I have a lead foot but have been driving conservatively 6th gear at about 45-50m I have NEVER got less than 24.3 and on the highway its 29...but I don;t punchit that much...

[SHIFT_2.5S]

Something I really don't miss about LA? The traffic on the 405 But other than that, I miss it sooo much I guess that explains why I'm there like 6 times a year

Traffic on the 405? There's traffic on the 405, the 101, the 57, the 10, the 5, the 210, the 105, and the 60. I know I missed some...

[cliffy21]

On the highway, i get around 30mpg in my 3.5, but i averaged 25mpg over the last year with it. I probably drive 70/30 highway to city though, and i don't get too far over 60mph for most driving in the boonies where i live.

[pdrumans]

Holy crap I have a lead foot but have been driving conservatively 6th gear at about 45-50m I have NEVER got less than 24.3 and on the highway its 29...but I don;t punchit that much...

24.3 city is pretty amzing for a 3.5 even with a manual transmission.

[LongBeachCoupe]

2.5 automatic20" wheelsAvg around 22 MPG... I have a heavy foot as well...

[LongBeachCoupe]

Put your $$ into the market and hope for the best... maybe you can forget about gas prices and get the GT-R

[SHIFT_COUPE]

I drive like a prick most of the time so my gas mileage could be better

[Mr. Music]

24.4 mpg in a 2.5s CVT. lots of city driving and stop & go on the highway... my average mph is about 18; it sucks when it takes an hour to drive 15 miles on a 5-lane highway, and an hour and a half in the city for the same drive...

[Rustym2]

Just took at 3600 mile trip in a 3.5 with CVT. I got 26.3 highway and around Denver I get about 21.

[generic808]

Just took at 3600 mile trip in a 3.5 with CVT. I got 26.3 highway and around Denver I get about 21.

Ooh...Denver guy in the house! I love Denver! I actually visit there every other year. I'm a die-hard Broncos fan and I'm always going to their games. I usually stay with my friend who lives in Cherry Creek or Westminster.

GO BRONCOS!!

By the way, welcome to NICO!

[BlackNWhite]

I get about 21.5mpg but I'm also averaging 17.5mph.

Roughly the same but my avg is a little better.

I think it's because to avoid all the traffic that everyone talks about... I usually take the streets to get to work. Sucks on the mileage.