Subject: Pathfinder help needed Author: Sarah Date: February 25, 2010 at 11:49
We were new to caravaning in June last year, bought a lovely 6 berth van and a one year old pathfinder (2.5 dCi Mammoth Sports Adventure) with an automatic tranmission as we were advised it was much simpler for first time towing. I'd like advice on fuel consumption for the car please - the official parkers guide shows the ave fuel consumption at around 28 mpg with urban at 22mpg, and extra urban at 32mpg. I do mainly urban driving and average 19 mpg which drops to 16 mpg when towing on motorways. Is this about right? I thought it seemed on the low side, especially after reading the reviews on the forum
Replies:
Author: Paul Date: February 27, 2010 at 10:54
Hi Sarah.
The manufacturers posted consumption figures are calculated from ideal driving conditions, speed etc., and in reality are never achieved. The figures will vary greatly on how you drive, frequent stop/start and even vehicle wear such as tyre pressure can influence.
Although I have no direct experience with the Pathfinder, I would suspect the figures you've posted are probably about right, and you'll especially notice a reduction when towing (althoughI would have thought you'd got a tad more than 19 when towing)
Are these figures taken from an on-board trip, or you're own calculations? Trip computers can be a rogue indication and sometimes better to work out actual figures from full tank, mileage driven and work out with fuel cost the old fashioned way.
Author: Sarah Date: March 01, 2010 at 11:06
Hi Paul,
Thanks for this. The average of 19mpg is taken the old fashioned way - using full tank and mileage. The on board computer does calculate it but agree, its a bit unpredictable - although thats where we got the 16mpg for towing from. Will measure this the old way next time we tow.
We are thinking of changing the car at the end of the year so will watch the forum and look out for one with a better fuel economy next time.
Thanks again.
