Consumerism Commentary - Latest Comments in Introducing Fuelly

Re: Introducing Fuelly

UH2L — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:35:53 -0000

I agree with Mapgirl that the site doesn't have enough vehicle-specific information including transmission, exact engine. On some Saabs, there's a 175 hp 4 cylinder engine and a 210 hp 4 cylinder engine, but the site doesn't know enough for each model to distinguish. Auto/manual can make a difference, (although not all manuals do better than their automatic counterparts), but driver behavior (driving style) is a huge contributor to differences in fuel economy. My Saab 9-3 wagon (manual) has averaged 28.2 mpg which is great for a 3,300 lb car that has more max cargo volume than a Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, and Mazda CX-7, all of which weigh considerably more and need more fuel to get around. But I generally drive it for efficiency only step on the throttle occasionally to have some fun and hear that turbo.

Re: Introducing Fuelly

mapgirl — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:23:40 -0000

Oh. My. God. This is the website that all my fuel receipts have been waiting for all these years.

Unfortunately, it doesn't make a distinction between automatic and manual. I drive a manual and I can tell you already that I get WAY better mileage than the 2001 Altimas listed. If I am under 25mpg, I get really ticked off. When I first got my car, and occasionally still on long road trips, I get 30mpg.

Re: Introducing Fuelly

Barb — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:41:32 -0000

Smithee, I don't use the a/c a ton, but I haven't been avoiding using it. If I do use it, it's generally on a highway, when it's more fuel efficient to use a/c than open windows anyway.

Re: Introducing Fuelly

Brian — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 09:09:58 -0000

I really like fuelly. It has really helped me to save money on gas by watching my mpg. I have a goal to try to maintain 18.5 mpg average. and this site does a nice job of tracking. I also recommend adding comments on your driving and notice trends that save you money. Like leaving early for work or tried to curb aggressive driving

Re: Introducing Fuelly

MultifolDream$ — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:46:22 -0000

I'm using excel for years. The best tool with powerful BI capabilities when you get enough data.

Re: Introducing Fuelly

Mark — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:10:23 -0000

I've been using the Fuel LogBook feature of GasBuddy.com, but I'll give this a shot since there are at least a handful of other folks still chugging along in a '99 Ford Taurus. :-P

Re: Introducing Fuelly

UH2L — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:19:08 -0000

Or you can use either of the two following sites that have much more data already...

www.truedelta.com

www.fueleconomy.gov

These site are also great when you are shopping for a car because they give you an idea of real-world fuel economy instead of the EPA ratings which I have always been able to beat on my cars without resorting to some of the dangerous hypermiling techniques. Some cars come in lower, although with the lower new-for-2008 EPA ratings, this will be a less common occurrence.

I am very particular about tracking my fuel economy and do it on a spreadsheet. It's not that hard compared to financial tracking. Keep a pen in your car and just write the miles on your gas station receipt and enter it later. Decreasing fuel economy can cue you in on the fact that you may be having an issue with your car. Don't forget to keep your tires inflated!

Re: Introducing Fuelly

Mary — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:44:56 -0000

I installed this ap on my iPhone just recently. I don't yet know if I will get any practical information out of it but it's fun, easy and seems like a good way to track mileage.

Re: Introducing Fuelly

Smithee — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:33:56 -0000

Barb, I suppose you're not using any air conditioning?

Re: Introducing Fuelly

Barb — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:26:14 -0000

That's interesting. I have a Prius and overall, my average looks about the same as others (45 MPG). Of course, during this time of year, it's more like 50. Prii enjoy the heat!

Re: Introducing Fuelly

Randy — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:55:47 -0000

I looked at Fuelly a while back. Interesting concept, although there didn't seen to be enough data for the cars I drive for it to be meaningful. That being said, they seem to be growing; and hopefully it will turn into a useful service.

Randy