I have a 2000 S70T that averages 17.8 mpg, what are the top three fixes to improve mileage? I have changed the air filter, oil, checked hoses for leaks but nothing seems to improve my mileage. I also use 87 octane gas.

 

city or highway driving?

 

First thing to do is adjust the "nut" behind the wheel. Here is a great fuel economy site I frequent............

http://www.ecomodder.com

 

OOoh, you might want to reconsider... On the turbo models Volvo recomends 91+. When was the last time your, cap, rotor, plugs and wires were changed? Thise might help.

 

Use the right fuel 91 + octane
Clean your Throttle body
Seafoam the intake
put Volvo plugs in specifically for the turbo
use synthetic oil 5/30

Drive smoothly and the speed limit
no jackrabbit starts

17.5 is very poor mileage. I have a T5 and get 23.5 overall with mix of city and highway.

Gets about 28/29 on the highway

 

Thanks FredMc...

What do you mean by "Seafoam the intake?" I am also getting around 17mpg city, and I'm very careful not to start quick and slam on breaks, etc...

Thanks,

 

2000 doesn't have rotor cap and wires

but some iridium or platinum spark plugs wouldn't hurt

 

I drive a 98 S70 just the base and get around 28 mpg on city, just coast to stop lights and don't break suddenly.

 

the most i get a for a full tank is 270.. and i have the n/a s70 too..
i dont know what to do..

 

I agree with Johnny, that is the likely culprit if the car is running good. You can use the trip computer or a www.ScanGuage.com to adjust that nut. I usually get around 22 or 23 in my 850 R and 24 or so in the S70. Other likely drains could be:

* Tire Pressure
* Poor spark from worn plugs
* Dirty air filter
* Bad plug wires
* Proper octane
* And a commonly over looked problem to a sudden drop>>>>>>>>>> bad brake caliper.

If any of the items mentioned about cause a 5, 10 or 20% drop in efficiency it can add up to a larger drop.

 

I am sort of a "Fuel Economy Nerd" and been experimenting with my vehicles. Changing my driving habits was the best increase in fuel mileage. My V70 is not modded or anything and it's been getting about 25 MPG on average. The only difference is the driving habits, maintenance, and tires are inflated to 44 PSI.

My "Nerd Car" on the other hand gets well over 60+ MPG in the summer, but this Geo Metro has been modified for fuel economy. I can drive from Erie, Pa to Cleveland, Oh on less than 2 gallons of gas in this thing! My economy mods for this car are...........

Engine mods including camshaft, gear, intake, and exhaust.
Weight reduction by removing spare, jack, rear seat, etc.
Aerodynamic mods to the front, top, and underside of the car.
Full LED lamp conversion except headlamps.
Daytime Running lamps disabled.
Tires inflated to max of 50 PSI.
Block heater used year round.
Vacuum gauge installed to monitor engine load.

My next planned mod is rear fender skirts.

I would never do these type of things to the Volvo except maybe the block heater.