My 2003 Mazda Protege gives be about 20mpg for city driving, which I feel is very low. Do I need to get it checked? Can I tweak it myself to improve the mileage?

There is heaps you can do.

Change the air filter, spark plugs, oil, oil filter, coolant. All in a general service.
get your ignition system checked, check for fuel leaks, or modify your driving habbits.

also try going to a reputable shop and having your injectors thoroughly cleaned (usually around 50 bucks) That is something that I have had done in the past and noticed a significant difference. Not to mention do all the previous stuff as well (full blown tune up)

what is the milage on your car?

standard or automatic transmission?

I must admit i was a wee bit dissapointed with the fuel consumption when i bought mine last year thankfully i dont need the Air Con on much in Scotland:)


Marky

Ps we pay $6.20 a gallon here now im sure there would be riots in the streets over there if it went abouve $3

I have had good success with MPG. I average 30 mpg all around. I am also on my first set of tires which are going on 35K miles. Have you checked tire pressures? I run my PSI at 40 psi with the factory Dunlop tires and this could have a big effect on MPG. Just my 2 cents...hope it helps.