TRIP RESULTS

[Larz]

We have discussed gas mileage and performance efficiency many times in this forum. I thought it may be interesting to actually track this on an actual trip in real time.
I am just back from a road trip to the north. I drove from my home in Ft Lauderdale to Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania from March 21 through March 29. Here are the specs from that trek.

Time driven: 52 hours, 45 minutes
Miles traveled: 2,834.2
Avg Speed: 54.2

Gallons burned: 118 (5 fill-ups of 92-93 octane)
Avg MPG: 23.8 combined

This includes motorway and surface streets. On motorways, I follow my "posted + 5" rule. (posted 70mph = 75)
On surface streets I keep pace with other drivers.

At speeds of 75 mph with air/con set to AUTO, windows up, the speedo showed 2500 rpm and mpg was 24-25 with cruise control activated. Without cruise activated = 26

I am amazed at how easy it is to drive long hours in this car without fatigue, without squirming in my seat to get comfy. The 7-speed gear box really pays off at motorway speeds, returning about 4 more MPG over my old 07 M. On my old 07 M, It would have required almost 2 full tanks more to complete this trip (Ian extra $80 - $100)

[Wcaban1206]

Larz,

I hope all is well. I just purchased a M45 and have been referencing NICOClub like crazy. I was just looking for ways to replace my dash and came across your diy. Ironically, it was the Joann fabric receipt that led me to write this PM. I see your in Fort Lauderdale - Pompano Beach from what the receipt says. I lived in Pompano Beach for a year before moving to Miami because the commute everyday to Coral Gables was killer. It was because of that commute that I traded it my gas guzzling SUV for two Prius' and since I am finally returning those same leases, it is the same reason I am getting back into a gas guzzling machine I can be proud of!

I wanted to ask you if you have a mechanic you can recommend in SoFlo who has knowledge of our vehicles and the unique quirks that run abound them? Or do you bring your car to an Infiniti dealership? I'm not opposed to driving up to Pompano since I still visit family there about once a month.

I'm not at all technically inclined with infiniti's or the M45 to make my assertions about valve ticking, or clicking under the car when I go from park to drive, or reverse, etc. i also want to plan a engine swap in the future and would like to have a mechanic Established by then.

If you have someone you can recommend I would sincerely appreciate it. And thanks for the dash revival DIY, I plan on doing it in the next few weeks with suede... Super excited!!

[Larz]

I bring my car to the dealership for everything. I have them do the oil / filter changes and all required maintenance so I have clear documentation for warranty purposes. I live in Fort Lauderdale and use Lauderdale Infiniti. If you don't mind driving up to this dealer, I recommend them very highly. They are by far the most professional and courteous. I send everyone I know who has an Infiniti to them. When you pull into the service area, ask for Brian Rock. He will take very good care of you. The crew there does excellent work. I have never had to return to them to re-do anything they have done. You can find a map and directions at their website.

[Wcaban1206]

Lars, many thanks for the recommendation, I definitely wouldn't mind heading out there

[Larz]

I think the best thing would be to set up an oil / filter change. They will automatically do an inspection of everything and Brian will let you know what which things should be done soon, which things can wait, and which things you can do yourself to save money. That gives you a starting point to work from. I use Mobil-1 5w30 and they allow me to bring my own. An oil / filter change with the inspection costs about $48 using my oil. A cheap price to pay to have actual Infiniti techs doing the inspection. They know the trouble spots to check. Ring them on 954-845-3700 and ask for Brian in service.

[BlackCat81]

The 7 speed was a godsend for the 3.5. I really wish mine had one.