Nissan 240SX
21.5 MPG The 1998 Nissan 240SX is EPA-rated at 21.5 MPG combined (19.5 city / 24.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 698 gallons, $2233 a year in fuel, or $0.149 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1989–1998 run it averages 20.8 MPG, improving by 1.5 MPG over 10 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.116 | $1163 | $1744 | $2326 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.140 | $1395 | $2093 | $2791 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.149 | $1488 | $2233 | $2977 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.163 | $1628 | $2442 | $3256 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.186 | $1860 | $2791 | $3721 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.209 | $2093 | $3140 | $4186 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.233 | $2326 | $3488 | $4651 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 21.5 MPG | 19.5 | 24.5 | $3575 | 414 | 2 |
| 1997 | 21.5 MPG | 19 | 25 | $3575 | 414 | 2 |
| 1996 | 21 MPG | 18.5 | 25 | $3675 | 424 | 2 |
| 1995 | 21 MPG | 18.5 | 25 | $3675 | 424 | 2 |
| 1994 | 20 MPG | 18 | 23 | $3850 | 444 | 1 |
| 1993 | 21 MPG | 18.5 | 25 | $3675 | 424 | 2 |
| 1992 | 20.5 MPG | 18.5 | 24.5 | $3750 | 434 | 2 |
| 1991 | 21.5 MPG | 18.5 | 25.5 | $3575 | 414 | 2 |
| 1990 | 20 MPG | 18 | 23.5 | $3100 | 444 | 2 |
| 1989 | 20 MPG | 18 | 23.5 | $3100 | 444 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 68 minicompact cars models tracked here, the Nissan 240SX ranks 19 on current figures, against a class average of 22.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Toyota Celica Convertible (22.5), BMW 318i Convertible (22.7), Mercury Capri (22.7), Volkswagen Cabriolet (23), Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible (23).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 414 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.2 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Nissan 240SX get?
The 1998 Nissan 240SX is rated at 21.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 19.5 city and 24.5 highway. Across all 10 model years in the database it averages 20.8 MPG, ranging from 20 to 22 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Nissan 240SX cost in fuel per year?
At 21.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 698 gallons — roughly $2233 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.149 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1998 model is $3575.
Has the Nissan 240SX become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 20 MPG in 1989 to 21.5 in 1998 — an improvement of 1.5 MPG, or 8% across 10 model years.
Is the Nissan 240SX efficient for its class?
It ranks 19 of 68 in the Minicompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 22.5 MPG. That is 1.0 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.