Just got a 99 XC70 and am only averaging between 10 and 12 mpg. I don't know much about cars in general but was wondering if there were any things I could be doing to better my mileage. Just blew out the air filter and will change it soon when I get a chance, but what else could be causing this seemingly low MPG? Thanks for any suggestions.

 

Take out your rear drive shaft. You will gain MPG, you will have less strain on your trans and you will increase your HP. Of course if you live in an area where you use your all wheel drive this would not be an option. I took mine out of my 01 XC70....what a difference!

 

Well there are obviously easier ways to increase gas mileage and who buys an awd car and doesn't take advantage of this.

But anyways it does seem like your mpgs are very low. Are you running synthetic oil or non-synthetic? Synthetics can usually increase your gas mileage by 2 or so mpg! I'm not sure when you got your last regular mantinence done but if your over due, that might be affecting your mileage running old dirty fluids through your engine.

Also just try searching around for generic tips to improve gas mileage, I googled "tips to save gas" and this was the first result:

http://www.tips-to-save-gas.com/