- Newest year: 2009
- Gas
- Small cars
2008-2009 Saleen S281 Family MPG & Fuel Cost
2 model years · 14 MPG combined
15,000 mi/yr · premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Among the costliest small car configurations to fuel, MY2009. Ranked against all rated configurations, not sales-weighted.
2008-2009 Saleen S281 Family at a glance
The 2008-2009 Saleen S281 Family covers 2 model years in the EPA database (2 configurations in all), rated 14 MPG combined. The newest model year, 2009, costs about $5,740 a year to fuel for its most efficient version, the S281 Family 5.0L 8-cyl supercharged RWD (14 MPG), at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). EPA changed the ratings in 2009.
2008-2009 Saleen S281 Family by model year
What the 2009 S281 Family 5.0L 8-cyl supercharged RWD costs to drive
Per month
$478
$5,740 a year ÷ 12
Per 25 miles
$9.57
Per 100 miles
$38.27
Five years
$28,700
5 × the yearly cost, prices held at today's level
vs the small car median
$2,250more a year
Class median $3,490 a year, MY2009
Based on 15,000 miles a year and premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2009 Saleen S281 Family MPG
Versus 2008: The most efficient configuration stays at 14 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $5,740.
Gas configurations (1)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S281 Family (Most efficient) | 5.0L 8-cyl supercharged | RWD | 11 | 18 | 14 | $5,740 |
1 configuration requires or recommends higher-octane gasoline and is costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2008 Saleen S281 Family MPG
14 MPG · $5,740/yr
Gas configurations (1)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S281 Family (Most efficient) | 5.0L 8-cyl supercharged | RWD | 12 | 18 | 14 | $5,740 |
1 configuration requires or recommends higher-octane gasoline and is costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
Fuel cost by state
Yearly cost of the S281 Family 5.0L 8-cyl supercharged RWD: $6,840 in California and $4,980 in Texas, a $1,860 difference.
- California $6,840
- Washington $6,440
- New York $5,670
- Florida $5,240
- Texas $4,980
Similar cars
Closest combined MPG among MY2009 small car models.
Generations
- 2008-2009
Frequently asked questions
What gas mileage does the 2008-2009 Saleen S281 Family get?
EPA rates the 2008-2009 Saleen S281 Family at 14 MPG combined across 2 configurations and 2 model years. The most efficient version, the 2009 S281 Family 5.0L 8-cyl supercharged RWD, is rated 14 MPG (11 city, 18 highway).
Which years had the best MPG in the 2008-2009 Saleen S281 Family?
Every model year of the 2008-2009 Saleen S281 Family tops out at 14 MPG combined, so no year is better than another.
Did EPA ratings change during the 2008-2009 Saleen S281 Family?
Yes. Ratings changed in 2009.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2009 Saleen S281 Family per year?
Driving 15,000 miles a year at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the S281 Family 5.0L 8-cyl supercharged RWD costs about $5,740 a year. Across all 1 configuration the cost runs $5,740 a year.
How much does it cost to drive a 2009 Saleen S281 Family 100 miles?
About $38.27 per 100 miles for the S281 Family 5.0L 8-cyl supercharged RWD at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). That is the annual cost over 15,000 miles divided by 150.
Is the 2009 Saleen S281 Family more efficient in the city or on the highway?
The S281 Family 5.0L 8-cyl supercharged RWD is rated 11 city and 18 highway MPG, so it is more efficient on the highway, by 7 MPG.
How does the 2009 Saleen S281 Family compare with other small car configurations?
The S281 Family 5.0L 8-cyl supercharged RWD costs about $5,740 a year to fuel, $2,250 more than the class median of $3,490, and less than 0 of 10 small car configurations. The comparison covers all 336 rated small car configurations for MY2009, not weighted by sales.
Is the 2009 Saleen S281 Family different from the 2008 model?
The most efficient configuration stays at 14 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $5,740. EPA lists 1 configuration for 2009 against 1 configuration for 2008. See the 2008 Saleen S281 Family for that year.