Why does the old Changan Mazda 3 consume so much fuel?

[JourneyRose]

Due to the old Mazda 3 being equipped with a high-revving engine, the model is outdated with relatively backward technology, and its manual-automatic transmission only has 4 forward gears, resulting in extremely high fuel consumption during high-speed driving. When driving at around 140 km/h, the engine speed reaches 4000 rpm. Driving style and road conditions vary, so fuel consumption may also differ to some extent. Additional information: Adding a certain amount of cleaner when refueling is recommended. After cleaning, it's best to drive at high speed for a while, which helps increase exhaust flow and allows stronger airflow to carry out larger carbon deposit particles. Regularly replace the three filters (oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter) as they must be changed periodically during vehicle use.

[LaEmilia]

I've been driving that old Mazda 3 for many years, and it feels quite fuel-thirsty, probably related to my driving habits – rapid acceleration and frequent highway driving tend to consume more fuel. Plus, with the car's age, engine wear reduces efficiency, spark plug erosion causes uneven ignition, and issues like underinflated tires or clogged air filters all contribute to higher fuel consumption. I used to be lazy about checking these small details, but now I'm learning to maintain it regularly, changing oil and cleaning carbon deposits, which has indeed improved fuel efficiency. That's how it is with older cars – proper care can extend their lifespan for several more years.

[MichaelAnn]

The older Mazda 3 has relatively high fuel consumption, which I believe is mainly due to the early engine design being less energy-efficient. The naturally aspirated 4-cylinder version has poor transmission efficiency, and if the transmission fluid hasn't been changed, it might worsen the issue. The high drag coefficient and relatively heavy body, especially when using the air conditioning, lead to even higher fuel consumption. After researching, I've found that driving steadily, avoiding frequent hard acceleration, and checking for aging oxygen sensors and fuel injectors can significantly alleviate the problem. It's recommended to have a comprehensive inspection at a professional shop to improve fuel economy.

[ColeAnn]

My old Mazda 3 has become noticeably more fuel-consuming after long-term use. Excessive carbon deposits in the engine lead to incomplete combustion, and faulty spark plugs or ignition coils also increase fuel consumption. Keeping up with maintenance, such as changing the engine oil and air filter, is simple and effective in controlling fuel consumption. Don't overlook these minor issues.

[DelChase]

Driving that old Mazda 3 for over a decade, the fuel consumption gradually increased—car aging is the real culprit: air leaks in seals, declining engine efficiency, and a weak battery also guzzles gas. I do regular maintenance like cleaning fuel injectors and ECU calibration, using higher-octane gasoline helps. Don’t overload the car, clear out trunk clutter, and fuel economy will naturally improve a bit.

[StAnastasia]

Older cars like the Mazda 3 often consume more fuel, and driving habits have a significant impact. Frequent hard braking and prolonged idling can lead to higher fuel consumption. Aging vehicle conditions also play a role, such as faulty sensors or worn-out tires with poor grip increasing friction. It's recommended to replace old parts and develop a smoother driving style, using ECO mode in urban areas to save fuel.