Fuel Consumption
 

Hello, I have a 2004 Jetta GL and it's eating gas like crazy. During the summer I drove almost 400 miles on one tank of gas, now I can't even get 250 off a full tank. I'm averaging about 18 miles per gallon on the highway. I get my car maintenanced regularly and have had very few problems with the car itself, but this is taking money out of my purse. I've been told that this fuel loss is normal and that it happens when the car gets older, however, I just can't see how a 35-40 percentrise in consumption can be completely normal in less than a few months. Does anyone have any advice?

RE: Fuel Consumption
 

Lower gas mileage is normal in winter, my 01' Jetta VR6 can get nearly 26 mpg in summer but now it's 24.5. But your mileage drop is too much, I suggest to take a look at your tires, maybe sparkplugs too.

RE: Fuel Consumption
 

Agree with alanlh, one other thing, if your purchasing low
cost fuel to save money, that could be the problem also.
cheep junk gas will give low fuel mileage. The better brand
name fuels usually are better, but you may have to try
different places to finally find fuel that will give mileage, in
my area that would be EXXON. low tire pressure will zonk
fuel mileage in a hurry.