Hi folks!

many of you will remember that I am looking at a Baja 2.5L turbo and am trying to decide between an Automatic/sportshift and a 5 speed..

well, I don't see too many Baja owners to ask them ( though yesterday I actually saw 3 of them on the road! lol.. funny how before then I never really saw them:D )

So i figure I will ask you fine folks here..

I have heard that automatic Subaru's are not great on the mileage thing

So please post your real world numbers PLEASE don't forget specifics such as Auto or Manual, traffic or hwy, beat the hell out of it or gentle as a lamb and if its winter fuel or summer blend

Please no modified cars

Thanks for your help!

Peter

Whoops, I also forgot to make sure i ask you to specify year

Thanks again for your patience with this enthusiastic newbie!

A/T. Mine has ~87,000 mi. on it. The '05 A/T is the SportShift. I was getting in the low-mid 20s last summer. This winter, and specifically since the spark plug change, I'm in the mid-high teens. I drive 9 miles one-way to work at 35-55 mph most of the way. I rarely drive it otherwise at this point. I was still in the mid-teens or a little higher pulling our small boat over several mountain passes last summer. Just plain freeway driving this winter on one trip was low-mid 20s.

IMO, the main issue with Subaru mpg is the AWD and their approach to turbocharging. SAAB (and even VW-Audi in at least some models) get way better mpg and better low-end power from their turbos because they use much higher static compression ratios and lower boost to get the power.

5-speed manual. 2004 Baja Turbo. 40,000 miles.

In the fall I was getting mid 20's. 25-26 mpg or so. I drive 1/3 on back roads and 2/3 on highways. The subaru 5-speed typically bests the 4-speed auto in gas mileage by a few mpg.

2005 Baja Turbo Sportshift Auto; I've seen mpg in the mid 27 range on the highway (summertime, 75-80 mph w/AC running) more than once. At that time, the only mods were a K&N panel filter and a generic turbo muffler.

'06 Turbo, manual, about 46,000 on it.

The best I've gotten is 26mpg on the highway, using cruise control between 70-75mph.

I have heard that automatic Subaru's are not great on the mileage thing

On a long highway or freeway cruise, the A/T should get better mpg due to taller gearing. Vehicular variations are such that a decent comparison of that is extremely difficult. In city driving, either could be better than the other depending almost entirely on how each is driven and shifted.

i had a baja t a/t either 05 or 06 i forgot. and it averaged 16 mpg. the best i got was about 18 mpg.

'06 AT with 17,000 miles

30% city 70% highway (65-70mph) average 20mpg.

I've got an `04 Turbo auto sportshift with 104k miles.

All this winter I've been averaging about 19-20mpg in about 75% highway 25% city miles. Very frustrated that it's been this low lately. Especially with gas prices now climbing through the roof. And you've gotta run higher octane fuel through it.

I recently tried limiting myself to 60mph on the highway - staying easy on the boost - seemed to have helped a bunch - getting around 23mpg now.

This is weird because last summer I found that I got better fuel economy if I drove 70 instead of 65 on the highway - giving it moderate boost on the way.


When I get my gauges setup I'm going to engage in some tuning. Thinking about setting up my map to where the boost engages when I give it 40% throttle or so and to close of the wastegate sooner. That way it only boosts when I say go NOW. Will see how it responds.

If you are doing more than 25% highway miles and you like to juggle drive, consider the auto. But let me tell you - I ~sooo~ miss driving a stick sometimes. :(

It may also be noteworthy to you that the Auto tranny has an arguably more advanced (read better) AWD traction system than the 5-speed.
Interesting AWD manufacturer comparison video I came across the other day:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t09ExAUgtyE

I had an '05 A/T Turbo (traded it recently) & averaged 21 mpg under mixed-driving conditions. I got as much as 27 mpg on one long trip, but 24-25 mpg was more typical for mostly-highway driving.

I wanted the leather package, which only offered an A/T. OTOH, my commute isn't an enjoyable drive (lots of stop & go on poorly-maintained roads), so the A/T enabled me to tune out more than I would with a manual (even though I prefer a manual in general). Same reason my latest Subie (an OBXT) has an A/T.

Have an '06 Turbo A/T. Driving 25% local, 75% highway. Not too heavy on the pedal but I do lay into it every once in a while. Averaging 23 mpg. Using the same gas, Hess 91 (??) Octane.