TheWagon

Up until about a year ago, I had a 120 mile/day commute, and while I can't say I regularly checked mpg it wasn't too abysmal (low 20's). Ever since the car got relegated to nanny-mobile duty, however, it has taken a dive [edit: I should mention that it now sees 100 miles a week if that - around town]. Maaaaybe 16mpg. I get around 150-170 miles to a tank. I've been meaning to dig a little, and then this weekend happens. I drove from the Philly area up to northern CT, and over those 4 hours on the highway I went 235 miles on an indicated half tank. Topped up and calc'd ~24 mpg.

So, I plan on replacing the fuel filter and plugs, neither of which have ever been replaced to my knowledge. While I'm at it I'll replace the air filter, although I did this last year. Any other thoughts? Or is this typical experience - horrible city/short trip mileage?

Thanks.

Mr. Malcontent

and I am getting 23-24mpg. That is on the 100CSQa. I drive fairly mellow, never really see the revs above 3k. Replace your plugs with the ones that Audi recommends, some people have had problems with Bosch in the 12Vs.

Fuzzbeaner

My '97 Avant gets 18 MPG doing my in-town school/work driving. I try hard to keep the pedal light.

islingtonaudi

new front oxygen sensors and new plugs in the last 5k so try that. A fuel filter couldn't hurt either.
The original window sticker on my car says 19 city and 25 highway so sounds like you're on the low side.

A6Gary

After changing to NGK plugs from Bosch OEM plugs (only had 25K miles on them), and a new air filter, my mileage increased ~10% (~1 MPG), plus better acceleration/power. Your 16 MPG around town makes me suspect that you need new plugs and an air filter.

TheWagon

Could you throw me the number of the NGK's? And your favorite online source, although I'd prefer to try the PEP Boys and AZones of the world in the interest of expediency. Have folks found success in the local parts places for plugs? I've been getting stuff from Shokan, so I suppose I should just place an order for oil/air/fuel filters anyway, although they seem high...
Oil - $10.50
Air - $18.00
Fuel - $19.00
Plugs - $5.65 per (Bosch, but I'd prefer the NGK)

Thanks Gary

joshha

around 19 in town and highway 21-22 @70mph+

TheWagon

..but my around town is lousey. Looking back at some receipts there was one tank where I got 12.7mpg!? Gads. We'll see how the new plugs and filters do...

Aonther request for NGK numbers...

A6Gary

on-line suppliers (list on the FAQs) that may be cheaper. I've bought parts also from www.partspalace.com - their site is slightly higher ($5.13 ea for the NGK plugs), but they have fast service. Essentially, all of the on-line suppliers use the same database and wharehouses, only their prices are different depending on their mark-ups/profit margins. Most offer free delivery w/ $50 min order.

TheWagon

Once again, thanks Gary (et al)