bigcanoe

I have a 2012 V6 base with the performance package. I like the way it drives. I wish the lower RPM power was better and the MPG too. I get 26mpg. I also wish it had a few nicer interior bits. The only thing I have done is change out the crappy rubber steering wheel and the shift ****.

I drive about 60 miles a day, and I cringe when I fill up. This is my main, only, exclusive car.

Logically, it makes no sense to trade and take a bath on the trade in price. Any advice other than seeing a shrink?

MadStang40

What exactly would you be trading it in for? Typically, you can't have high hp/torque and high MPGs... And the 305hp and your 26MPG seem like a pretty sweet set up as it is...

No sense in trading it in already as you'll take a big hit, assuming you bought that car brand new. When I drive to work (2-3 days/week) I travel 50 miles roundtrip and go through about 3/16th of a tank at about 22MPG combined. So I assume that you're probably going through a tank of gas/week?

Perhaps a Bama tune (87 tunes specifically) would be good for you. You get to keep using unleaded fuel, and can save gas if you keep your foot off the gas using 87 street and when you want, you can switch to 87 race (I believe this tune is available...)? Added power when you want it, added MPGs when you want it (like 1-2MPG boost from what I hear).

bigcanoe

Thanks, I really just wanted to be talked back down to reality. Your suggestion is a good one! Does the BAMA 87 tune require (or benefit from) a CAI?

jdmcbride

+1 It sounds like you got the right car for your needs. Just make it your own now.

I used to drive 115 miles a day to/from work, and my '04 240 hp fwd V6 Honda Accord would get the same mileage you are getting (and you have the bonus of more horsepower, same MPG, and you are driving a Mustang!).

MadStang40

Yes, it does. However, the tuner is the most important part here though I believe with an added CAI you'll net another ~5hp (but I don't know if that 5hp boost is the same for all 87, 89, 91, and 93 tunes... someone help me out here haha).

bigD1515

OP, I have a 2011. Same specs. I'm a delivery guy Fri-Monday getting 19 miles, 22-23 if I baby it. I fill up around once a week? Sometimes I get more than a week. I currently have 1/2 tank and my avg mpg is 18.9! (Had a little fun with the female in the car this week ;p) I just ordered a CAI and that alone gets you ~5 Horses and 1-2 MPG better WITHOUT tune. Mine is a no tune CAI but I'm sure you can use a tune with it (Dont see why not). Sidetrack: MadStang, not sure about the 'higher the octane tune the more horses' but it seems to make sense. Back on track: A tune costs like what $400? I don't see how spending $400 to improve on MPG is the way to go. Thats about 4-5 tanks of gas depending on the price where you are. BUT you'll get about ~20 horses (rounding a little) out of the CAI and tune itself with about the same gas, MAYBE 1-2 MPG even better. But dude honestly, I wish I got 26 on a daily basis. I know it sounds funny saying this for a V6, but you drive a muscle car that gets up to 31 MPG. These 2011+ "little" V6's are hosses. I know for sure I'm happy with it! Come back down to earth and do what Bride said, make it yours!

Hotwheelracer

Get a prius if gas milage is a bigger concern that enjoying what you drive. When I bought my car I hemmed and hawed about the same thing. My wife said, get the car that will make you happy.(damn I love that womean!) While spending less on gas would be great, I look forward to driving my car every day. If I would have got and accord or camry it would have been "just a car."

pdonket

You get 26mpg highway? Okay, I have the best mileage modification you'll ever hear. Slow down 5mph.

I get 26mpg highway or above in my 5.0...there's no reason you should be managing 26mpg highway in that V6.

Also keep in mind that these gas prices would only get better by a hand full of dollars each week were you to trade..not worth it.

2007bluestang

True this. Im 18 and work part time. I spent about 110 dollars every two weeks. Is it worth it yeah because I love my car. I couldve had something with 30 plus mpg but I wouldnt enjoy it.

jdmcbride

+1000 to that!