Almost a year ago I became the proud owner of a 73’ ES. It has all in all been a pretty good car. A few things have broken but it has always run. Now that I have found this wonderful place I can ask fellow owners about how to fix the little glitches that this car persistently has had. Probably the most bothersome right now is the gas economy I am getting. Every week between my two jobs and school I put an average of 400 miles a week on my car. By my approximate calculations I am only getting 17 mpg city and maybe 19 mpg on the highway. When I first bought the car I seemed to get more like 25 mpg on the highway and 22 in town. I’m I just imagining these high mpg figures? Or is it true that I can have the coolest car and not pay an arm and a leg for gas? If I am not imagining these figures how can I return to them? The car’s engine runs well and smooth, I did the timing a few weeks ago and the tires are balanced and inflated. I have also replaced nearly the entire ignition system and the gas filter, still no results. Although sometimes it does work for the first 5-6 gallons. Anything anyone could suggest to help me would be greatly appreciated greatly?

The other problem I seem to have is a transmission that is week at low speeds. For example any steep hill I have to climb at a low speed is a challenge for the car. The engine runs strong and at an appropriate speed but, the car isn’t moving. Sometimes I have to give it up to 3000 rpm just to get it to move up a short hill. The car will not also move in the morning while idling. I have to give it gas to about 1200 rpm. The problem that problem goes away as the car warms up but it still has trouble with hills. Even on flats thought now that I think about it more it has consistently accelerated slower. What could this be?

Another thing, if anyone a car that they are parting out and have a clock for an ES, good wing-window sills, straight crome trim for the sides, a rear Volvo emblem, or a speedo-cable I would be interested.

Thank you,
Colin Spikes