My 2003 DX gets 42 MPG??? is that normal??

[gotaviper]

Last year I purchased a used 2003 DX manual with 90k miles on it. More maintence records then I have ever seen before (good ones) with synthetic oil since day one. The previous owner was completely anal about keeping it mechanically excellent. I drive mostly 3/4 highway and 1/4 city. Even with my A/C blowing full power I still manage to get 40-42 MPG every single time. Is this because I have the DX model? with no power windows, door locks etc? maybe the less weight makes the difference? Or is it every 2003 Civic manual transmission gets this type of gas mileage? I really want to get an LX or EX model because the now power windows/door locks is just getting old... But I dont want to lose 42 mpg!! What can i expect on the LX/EX models? Also I would really prefer an automatic but I know that will probably kill the gas mileage. thanks.

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[batman900]

That is slightly above normal id say, however in my 2003 EX I avrage about 38mpg. My best so far was 42mpg but that was without ac or passangers. Recently ive been back in fourth on a few city/hwy trips and with 2 passangers, ac full blast, steep hills, cargo and a constant speed of 75mph I avraged 31mpg.

These cars are slow but are great on fuel. I wouldnt trade up if I were you eaither, its hard to find a civic that old thats well taken care of.

btw mine is a manual trans with 56k miles.

[gotaviper]

Originally Posted by batman900

That is slightly above normal id say, however in my 2003 EX I avrage about 38mpg. My best so far was 42mpg but that was without ac or passangers. Recently ive been back in fourth on a few city/hwy trips and with 2 passangers, ac full blast, steep hills, cargo and a constant speed of 75mph I avraged 31mpg.

These cars are slow but are great on fuel. I wouldnt trade up if I were you eaither, its hard to find a civic that old thats well taken care of.

btw mine is a manual trans with 56k miles.

well if you average 38 mpg thats pretty good for an EX. That makes me want to trade up for an EX. Most of my trips are just myself with no passangers going to work 140 miles roundtrip twice a week.

I just filled up my gas tank 5 mins ago right after the 140 mile trip (all highway) and I got 45 mpg. So I guess im getting 45 mpg highway/ maybe 38 city?) which is why i average out to 40-42 everytime.

When i bought the car i google MPG averages for these cars and it looks like 31 city /35 highway, i was not expecting to get 10 mpg over the rating. I figured it was something with the DX model. Hell, the civic hybrid in 2003 gets 41/45 so i thoguht maybe i have a hybrid.