Model Year MPG differences

Lioninstreet · 04-18-2009, 05:53 PM

Looked for posts that cover this already so please be kind.

I'm a 5 speed Insight shopper in South Florida. Well I noticed that the MPG ratings seem to be best on the older models. Any owners care to comment on the reality of this in the real world? Is this due to minor tuning differences or fuel map changes??

Thx

**uhtrinity** · 04-18-2009, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lioninstreet

Looked for posts that cover this already so please be kind.

I'm a 5 speed Insight shopper in South Florida. Well I noticed that the MPG ratings seem to be best on the older models. Any owners care to comment on the reality of this in the real world? Is this due to minor tuning differences or fuel map changes??

Thx

You might be seeing the way the EPA changed the ratings. As far as I know all the 1st generation 5 speeds should be the same. This should apply to the CVTs as well which get slightly worse mpg, but have slightly better emission standards.

Lioninstreet · 04-19-2009, 10:46 AM

I am basing my question on data found here:

Side-by-Side Comparison

I believe these are the new EPA numbers and reflect a difference of 3 MPG between the 2000 & 2006 model years. (2000 being the highest rated)

The earlier charts show a similar difference, with higher MPG numbers...

It appeared odd to me as well. Any explainations or does model year seem to have any effect on MPG in the real world?

**gpsman1** · 04-19-2009, 06:02 PM

You get different MPG ratings if you get A/C or no A/C installed also.

02insight · 04-19-2009, 06:35 PM

difference is very little though, maybe 1 or 2 mpg. But combined seems to be the same. The 2000 insight seems to have the best.

Lioninstreet · 04-19-2009, 07:08 PM

Odd that the '06 is actually showing the worst MPG per the current EPA testing (a full 5% less than the '00)...

And, is it safe to assume the ratings test either with A/C on or A/C off, not off one year and on the next?

With all the real world testing done, I guess the real question is; Anyone able to say with any certainty the older stock Insights actually do get better MPG's?

I've seen in the past that cam changes, fuel map changes, etc. can easily make these kind of subtle differences. It just seems odd that the MPG numbers would deteriorate with the newer models.

It's usually the other way around. As refinements are implemented, performance improves...

**Hybrid-Battery-Repair** · 04-19-2009, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lioninstreet

Looked for posts that cover this already so please be kind.

I'm a 5 speed Insight shopper in South Florida. Well I noticed that the MPG ratings seem to be best on the older models. Any owners care to comment on the reality of this in the real world? Is this due to minor tuning differences or fuel map changes??

Thx

The testing methods got harder with each year and emissions limits got tighter. So yes they're the same/no they're not.

The EPA tests changed from year to year.

In 2003 they added a third catalytic converter.

Over the years, they have upgraded the BCM's to give better battery life at the expense of economy. This isn't something you can predict, because many older models have been retrofitted ("upgraded") to the new BCM software.

In short, they're about the same. The average driver should be able to get in the high 60's on the highway in a MT car no matter what year.

discovery · 05-10-2009, 01:56 AM

not only the EPA but early models insight use different LAF five wire Oxygen Sensors. They bring the car in more lean mode A/F mix could come to 26:1. that means less gas more miles.

biododge1 · 05-10-2009, 02:10 AM

If it helps for your comparison, my (original)window sticker was 61cty 70hwy

Over all, the rating was a fair number to achieve. But I have done better as I grew accustomed to the car

jkbrushaber · 05-10-2009, 08:20 AM

I agree with ogregev.

I bought mine almost a year ago, and was perplexed by the same question. The answer that I found (not necessarily 100% correct) was that the software had been updated over the years. This decreased the amount the battery pack could be utilized to spare it's overuse and demise. It also slightly decreased the mpg ratings. Many of the older models have had their software updated, so buying a 2000 may or may not have slightly different battery management than an 03,04,05. The update was to increase the battery longevity, so I went with a 2006 which I knew had the change at the time it was built. I didn't have to wonder if/when the update may have been done....or not. Of course, you'd get a 10yr/150K warranty anyway. Speaking of that, keep in mind that a 2000 doesn't have a whole lot of time left on its 10yr warranty. (8-20months)

Basically, minus the couple of changes listed in this post, the software, and radio (tape vs. cd) they are pretty much the same.