Just getting started

[cafn8]

Hi everyone. Sorry for the long intro. I've been doing a little lurking here and in other online forums and thought it was time to join. I live in northern New Jersey and have a commute of about 16 miles round trip completely in town (25-35 MPH).

During the warm part of the year I ride my bicycle as often as the weather and my schedule allow which usually works out to 2 or 3 times per week. When I'm not riding, I drive a 2002 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS sedan. I enjoy it a lot, but as with other Subarus it's a little bit hungry.

I guess you could say that biking to work has kind of changed how I think about commuting. Seems like I'm swatting flies with a hammer, and I've actually considered down-sizing a bit (well, OK, I've been searching Craigsligt for a used Metro Geo Cart.) However, I think that it makes more sense to keep the Subaru and enjoy it, since it is reliable and paid for. Plus it's a hoot to drive.

The bad:
-weight: at 2800, it's the lightest Subaru sold in America, but the heaviest car I've owned (if you don't include the Colt Vista I owned *shudder*)
-tires: wide and pricey. Nice grip, though.
-AWD: ample traction, but more friction. 5-speed manual means that AWD system is full time viscous diff. No fuses to pull here to get 2WD.
-gearing: well suited for acceleration and slogging through snow, but I assume it will ultimately limit highway mileage gains. Axle ratios are 4.11:1.

The good:
-torque: the 2.5 naturally aspirated engine has good grunt for a 4 cylinder. It's quite happy up-shifting around 1500 to 1700 under normal acceleration.
-5-Speed Manual: it's not easy to find an AWD car with a clutch pedal these days.
-um, that's all I got.

My FE was about 18-20 MPG in town when I first started driving the car. As the engine got more worn in and I realized that it doesn't need the kind of revs that my '92 Civic EX did, average mileage improved by about 2 MPG. I've been fiddling with high tire pressures, doing some coasting in neutral, keeping the throttle closed and the revs low. Coasting in neutral seems to help at high speed, as 65 MPH makes the motor buzz at about 3000-3500 RPM. It has less affect in town, where I can keep the engine spinning much more slowly. Right now I'm averaging 22-23 MPG in town, which is about 10% better than its EPA ratings as I recall. There's definitely room for improvement, though. Also keep in mind that this is New Jersey, where there's a zero tolerance policy on the roads for slow and lazy. See you around the forums.