Plugs maybe...O2 sensors tend to go between 40k and 50k. But O2's would throw a code usually?

Carbon buildup is definitely a possibility. It's my understanding that it tends to throw codes, plus it tends to reduce power. I don't have much experience with these cars, but I've owned and driven several exotics over the years. This car feels fast; like scary fast when sprinting--the combination of high torque and the FWD feel strange to me. So if it's got reduced power...jeez.

The dealer I purchased it from has agreed to take it back because of the mpg issue.

 

Just on a whim I decided to take the JCW on a 420 mile trip today.

Guess what? I averaged 38mpg at speeds of 80+.

Does that sound normal?

 

If this is just freeway, it may be possible but I don't believe at 80+.

My ever best just freeway being gentle at cruising speed all day long on distance trip has been about 36 mpg, no mountain roads at all. It never happened again.

I live in a northwest mountainous coastal town and my mpg is about 20-22 city driving during the week. As soon as I access the open road it improves a lot

I also observed something strange with the JCW engine. Driving in 4th at about 4K rpm improves gas mileage while cruising in 6th at the same speed at about 2500 rpm brings down mpg. It seems like the engine breaths better at higher rpm with a threshold for best efficiency.

What happens for you could be similar depending where you live and the climatic parameters.

 

Dube

if I recall prior to this last post he got the dealer to take back the JCW so who knows.

Ian

 

Yeah, I don't know what to tell you. Return trip milage was similar; just under 37mpg at similar speeds of 80+.

Dealer agreed to take back the car, as I stated. I took it on a trip to Nashville this weekend just to check hwy MPG prior to taking the car back. I wanted to see if the MPG was as poor on extended drives as it was around town.

 

I am wondering how Mini owners are dealing in Europe driving in town most of the time where gas is so expensive.

Since the Mini has the same engine with Citroen and Renault, they may also have some concerns to figure what is right and not.

Do you have the compressor or turbo engine?

It may not matter. I am curious

 

Turbo.

I really think my issue with around-town MPG is the extremely short commute distances. My business is only a few blocks from my house. Most of my commuting is around a couple of neighborhoods. I think the engine must not ever reach ideal operating condition.

One thing I have noticed--maybe it's normal, I don't know. The throttle response seems to drift around a bit. Sometimes it's lightning quick response, sometimes it lags just a little. It's very minor but I can definitely tell a difference.

Also the turbo inlet pipe comes loose sometimes; it's super irritating.