40th Anniv ? about overdrive

jennah

New Member
Aug 18, 2011
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I recently bought a 40th anniversary mustang. Im young and its my first mustang. I am well aware that if gas mileage is an issue that a mustang isnt the car for me, but i would like to try to do what i can to get the best gas mileage i can. its a v6 automatic and im curious as to when to use overdrive and when not to use it to get the best gas mileage possible???
 
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Best mileage?

Buy a car with a more efficient engine. The 3.8/3.9 OHV engine is old school tech. Look at the 3.7L DOHC engine in the current car and you can understand why. More power AND better EPA mileage.

Keep the revs down and use cruise when possible would be my only recommendation. The 6.2L V-8 in the 'Vette gets better highway mileage than the older Mustang V-6. Saving money on buying older used cars, you get what you pay for...old tech.
 
If it is an automatic, just leave the gear selector in overdrive all the time, and drive in a manner that will allow it to go into OD as early as possible, and remain there as much as possible. (I know, not fun, but you asked about efficiency).
 
Pretty much the only way to go except for towing or a few other instances...that any car person can identify...like mountain passes to avoid massive brake fade.

If you don't tow or drive in mountains, O/D is your mode.


If it is an automatic, just leave the gear selector in overdrive all the time, and drive in a manner that will allow it to go into OD as early as possible, and remain there as much as possible. (I know, not fun, but you asked about efficiency).