Hey All,

I'm looking at both a 2002, and 2003 R50 5-spd. In investigating the fuel economy on the EPA website, it stated that both the 02 and 03 were estimated at 22/29 Mpg. The 2004 comes in at 25/33 mpg. Did something change in the 04 model year or was this just some weird crap with the EPA estimates (guidelines, etc)? I saw the buyers guide link, but didnt remember it saying anything about Fuel Economy or major engine changes.

Thanks!

Jon

 

I don't know of any change between those years, but 2002-2004 had the Midlands transmission which has been problematic for some. The 2005-2006 has the 5spd Getrag which is a safer bet.

I get ~26mpg mostly city with weekend spirited runs in my '06 R50.

 

Thanks for your reply! I'm probably gonna go with the r53 if I can find one in good shape and in my price range, which if I understand correctly has the 6-spd getrag

 

EPA changed the way cars were rated..def get the stick...

 

Good luck in your search! I've thought about trading for an R53 but I can't justify it for a few reasons. For what it's worth, I got about 35mpg on a mostly highway trip today, much of it a little more spirited than economical.

 

I have a 04 R50.
Have done alot of engine mods and performance.
On highway my mpg is 35-39.
City is around 30-32.
I drive fast!
Foot is in the TB.
EPA estimates are usually of by 3mpg.

 

2006 R50, five speed. Just averaged 43.5mpg on a 40 mile trip, mostly highway, with cruise control set at 60mph. Sunroof and windows cracked, and no A/C. Miami, FL at 85 deg F.

 

I get 32mpg in my 80/20 mix, driving "normal."

I'm running the stock R50 ECU tune with a JCW head, exhaust, and sound kit intake. I expect to pick up a MPG or two when I get it tuned.

 

Man you guys get great gas mileage from your R50's!!!

I have an 04 and get 27 city, and I've seen it hit 31 on highway, now
lately though its been 29 max.

It has a CRAPtastic CVT

 

try changing your air filter, spark plugs, inflate your tires, and/or fuel injector cleaner. i also use 93 octane. keep in mind, i was cruising on a flat land at 60 mph with 86 degrees outside. 27 city sounds right but 31 hwy is too low

 

R50s definitely get better gas mileage than R53s, but you can still get a respectable MPG out of an R53. I average 29.0 MPG in my R53 and I by no means am driving economically at the moment. I have complete gridlock for the first 2/3 of my morning commute which usually ends with a spirited run when traffic clears and my evening route usually includes some quick runs through the twisties. I could probably push 40 MPG if I actually tried, but I imagine it would be much easier in an R50.

 

-I have an aftermarket air filter so that bad boy is always maintained
-spark plugs have been done
-tires are always to spec
-have done the fuel injector cleaner and always use chevron 91 octane..that's the highest octane in California

What I didn't mention is I'm running 15x7.5 wheels, wrapped in 205/50.
So the speedo is reading 5mph too fast...the smaller wheels are lowering my fuel economy, not to mention the CVT is showing its age compared to when I first got the car.

Oh well, I'm keeping my R50 till it dies....permanently lol

I get 33 mpg highway on my new coupe s, so I think 31 mpg on an 8 year old car that's been ran hard in its life is fairly good to me

 

Try calculating your next tankful using GPS versus the odometer. It might not be as bad as you think.

Oh, and if anyone posting is using the trip computer to come up with your figures, please disclose that. Those numbers need to be taken with a grain of salt.