Well, after more than ten years of driving my ’03 wagon, I finally joined the elusive 800 mile club.
Here’s how I did it…
This weekend, I drove from Sacramento, Ca to Portland, OR and back (1,225 mile round trip) on I-5. I drove up to be part of Cascade German Parts (Bora Parts) Summer GTG (
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=444157).
After filling up in Sacramento, I drove the 600 + miles to the Portland area at about 60 mph with cruise control engaged about 90% of the time. I had my a/c on about 50% of the time.
The next day, on the trip back from Portland to Sacramento, I did pretty much the exact same thing (60 mph on cruise control 90% of time driving, a/c on 50% of time driving).
Once I past 800 miles on the odometer, I looked to fill up at the next gas/diesel station along my route.
I took this picture as I pulled up to the pump:
Since my low fuel light had not turned on yet, I was thinking I might have a chance at 900 miles on this tank. But I decided to fill up and call it good.
Here’s the official stats:
Miles: 816.3
Gallons: 12.931
MPG: 63.13
Fuel Price: 2.65
Model Year: 2003
Model: Jetta GLS TDI Wagon
Engine: ALH
Tranny: 02J 5-speed manual
Fuel Type: Diesel #2
I’ve never performed a ventectomy, so filling up usually takes about 12-14 gallons depending on how "empty" the tank is.
Driving slow on open roads and freeways as cars, trucks, and semi’s fly by was a bit hard to take at first. But after a few hours of steady driving at 60mph on the I-5 freeway, I got use to the “slow” speed and rather liked it…Relaxing in a weird way.
All in all, I’m glad I did it. Love me my ALH wagon…