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Undoubtedly, the type of driving you do is the cause of such low gas mileage. Nonetheless, it does seem lower than I'd expect; I would think you would get a little bit higher, maybe at least 15 mpg with that sort of driving.
The suggestions posted here earlier are right on the money. I'm not sure if something was missed, so I'll post my suggestions:
1. Make sure your tires are properly inflated as per the door jamb decal, wouldn't hurt to inflate them 2-3 psi higher than that. Recheck the inflation regularly especially as the temperature falls.
2. Spark plugs been changed recently? If not, or unsure, change them with NGK BCPR6ES-11 (these NGKs only!) gapped to 0.035". Change these yearly.
3. Use Shell 93 octane. Perhaps the best gasoline in the NYC area. I've been getting 35 mpg highway on my '02 Aero (MT) with this gasoline.
4. Use Mobil 1 0W-40 fully synthetic oil
5. 20 oz bottle of Techron Concentrate (quick instructions: buy the 20 oz Techron, drive around 'til close to empty, then go to Shell, dump in the Techron, fill up with 93, and don't refill again until close to empty)
6. Has the oil been changed regularly? (Every 5K, no longer than that!) If it looks nasty and neglected your engine will benefit from an Auto-Rx treatment. This will clean the piston rings and other areas bathed in oil of sludge, carbon, etc.
7. A stuck thermostat can cause the car to run cold (and rich) for longer than necessary--if it hasn't been done recently, now would be a perfect time to do a coolant flush and preventive thermostat replacement. For an '00 9-5, use only SAAB (blue) coolant. $8/jug at the dealer
8. Is your air filter clean?
Some high speed driving will help blow out carbon from the engine and burn off fuel which has accumulated in the oil. Engines need high speed exercise on the expressway every so often to stay in good condition, at least once or twice a month.
Then after all that, the next time you're out on the highway, set the cruise to 65-70 (I know, impossible on the Gowanus! Get thee onto the Jersey Turnpike!) and then reset the average fuel economy on the SID. When the numbers reappear you should be getting in the high twenties, close to 30. (EPA highway fuel economy estimate for an '00 9-5 with stick is 28 mpg)
If it's not even close, you might have some sort of problem which needs further diagnosis.
good luck,
Jason
posted by 24.46.48...
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