I wouldn't say I drive it gingerly, but would say I'm cheap
Which is half the reason why my friends nicknamed me Cheech. When I play sports, I'll find some cheezy way of winning, ..... cheap & cheezy.....worked it's way to ChiChi then to Cheech.
I found my driving patterns very consistent, the mileage would rarely change, so when it did change and I'd ask "what did I do differently?". Through experience and contrary to what the "experts" say, a quick start up to cruising speed seemed to burn the least amount of fuel and improve the overall gas mileage. Along with the occasional full throttle to burn off the any build-up in the engine (my excuse to the wife for punching it
) would give better than average economy for the cars I drive.
Where I live, there's not exactly anywhere to let it out, but there's lots of corners
... which is the main reason for acquiring the car. The commute to work is a helluva lot more fun now!
A drop in the mileage can give you a heads up that there is something mechanically wrong, electronically too I suppose (spark plugs, distributor...), well before the signs are evident through sight, smell, or noise.
What I do (recording the gas) is completely part of my anal retentive personality, something my sister started me on with my first car (bitch!). I've been doing it now for 30+ years, maybe I've got an electronic fault somewhere
Oh, and just to add fuel to this conversation, I buy all the gas from one company too.
Time to see a shrink.....