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I found this website after watching a CNN feature on the founder. I love driving my 2007 Mini Cooper S convertible. Unfortunately I can get carried away and drive too fast which is not energy efficient. So I am on the lookout for some tips and encouragement. Have always considered MPG when buying cars since the 70s and the memory of gas lines, but haven't honed my driving skills. Glad to find this group and at least one other Mini driver.

Minis rock.. I want a mini.. sigh. Anyway, start with this article. (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1510) Welcome!

Welcome, MiniMa! If you are looking for ways to improve your fuel economy, you came to the right place!! :thumbs_up:

What transmission do you have in your car?

I have a manual, 6 speed transmission. I think I will do best if I get into 6th gear and keep it at about 50-55. It is so much fun to drive, that keeping me in check is the problem - it wants to go fast. It's a matter of learning to drive differently - I started today when driving my van (the collie dog transport system).

That's good news!! You have lots of options with a stick shift and though you can do great things with an automatic transmission you have that extra edge available to you with the manual transmission. :)

Collies, huh? :D

Keep us up to date with your progress and be sure to ask lots of questions -- we love helping others achieve better fuel economy!

MiniMa, welcome. As others have already stated, if your desire is to conserve fuel, you came to the right place.

I think most of us here really do like to drive, so we understand what you are going through. I admit that I ran it up a bit in 3rd the other day, but it needed a tune up anyway.

Still, your car uses premium, so the dollars you can save by applying the techniques found in the article "Beating the EPA, the Hows and why of Hypermiling," will be well worth your efforts. The article is chock full of techniques, and deserves a number of re-reads.

Be careful not to try too many things at once, it can get confusing, and you don't want that while you are negotiating traffic.

Folks here are very helpful. We want to help you be successful with your efforts, so ask us questions and keep reading applicable threads.

Hi Minima:

___A belated welcome to CleanMPG from yet another!

___I started reporting Monthly sales figures on the Mini just a few months ago given it is one of the most fuel efficient vehicles you can drive in the US. Besides the excellent FE, its fun to drive attraction and resale show that you made a smart choice for both the fun and the practicality of it all! Adding to it, you are driving a 6-speed stick and oh how you going to have fun while learning to squeeze a gallon for huge numbers with a little practice on your part :)

___Good Luck and welcome again!

___Wayne

I am new to this board as well...I tried eliminating the breaks today on a 210 mile trip and got my best Gas mileage by 8 MPH on the trip today.

I am gong to continue to learn more.

welcome to both new members. i see a lot of minis in the area where i live, and i think are are darn cute.

blindcheck, fill us in on what you drive......that will help get you some ideas, though it sounds like an 8mpg increase is pretty darn good already.