MPG Improve after added mileage/wear ??

[TNSolera]

New 2011 Solera, first 1000 miles more like 60-65 mph 13mpg avg.. 2nd 1000 miles drove 60mph.. same 13mpg.. I was expecting more like 15-16 due to previous reviews with owners w/6cy mercedes engine. Will my mileage improve over time.. IE after a break in period? Should we use synthetic oil to help here?I understand the added height and more blunt front end design hurts our mileage.. expected -1 mpg vs the more areodynamic models. Any feedback appreciated. TN

[scubieman]

I assume this is diesel. If so or if not wait at least 5000 to 10000 before seeing improved mileage.

[windrider]

Sorry, but can we get real. 300 mile round trip, 13 miles per gallon, cost $4.00 per gallon equals 23 gallons of fuel, at $4.00 per gallon equals $92.30.

Same trip at 14 miles per gallon equals 85.72. So that is about $7.00, not even 2 gallons of fuel. Camping ain't cheap.

[TNSolera]

Thanks, is the diesel and I was hoping it gets a little better after a break in.. we're planning trip to Alaska.. > 10k miles over 3-4 months..

[reinerka]

There are many factors if you want to compare the numbers (even to other members with the same vehicle).

Wind
Terrain (high altitude/up-down hill percentage)
Load (carry full tanks of fresh/gray/black water?)
etc, etc.

Changing the oil to another oil might improve your mileage as you will carry a lighter wallet with you. As long as the oil meets Mercedes spacs you won't see a difference at all.

Diesel engines take a bit longer to break in than gasoline engines.

On your trip to Alaska it would make a $500 difference (13 vs 15 mpg) if diesel costs $5 on average. I doubt that should be a make/break decission.

Reiner

[George]

TNSolera,
The mileage you are getting is about what I got when mine was new. We have a little over 5K on it and now average 17mpg. The key is, like Reinerka said, not having full water tanks and keeping it ~60-65mph. You'll find on your trip that when you get out of the hills of TN onto flat ground in the midwest you'll do better mileage. Be patient.
George

[mckirby50]

We just passed 3000 miles and have averaged 13-14 mpg the entire time. i'm not displeased as i drive a Ford Expedition (gas) at work and it struggles to get 15mpg. Put any type of trailer (boat or cargo)behind the Expedition and it won't get 10mpg.
Will be verry happy if the Solera ever gets 17-18 mpg.

Kirby & Paula
2012 Solera

[08flagvlite]

X2!!

[The_Stuff]

headwind can make/break the trip! if you dont mind every tom/dick/harry passing you then ease her back 5mph and you will save dramatically!

[Tremain]

Our 2010 Solera on a 2008 chasis has 20,000 miles on the turbo diesel and has had 2 oil changes and is complete on all services........Sorry, best mileage has been 15 and average is..........13.4 at 65mph, 14 to 14.5 at 60 and maybe 14.8 at 55mph. Our lowest after 15,000 miles was 8.1 mpg against a head wind in Louisiana. Measured at every fill up. We were also told we would get 21mpg from Terrytown RV.