LINK

 

Those facts have been known for a while, whats the question?

BTW: on many vehicles with a manual transmission I have been able to dramatically exceed the EPA estimates, by as much as 10 mpg in one case.

 

But one thing the story didn't point out is that the test is the same for all cars. So even though it isn't "real world", it is a standard......

The other thing I don't like, is that it really assumes the customer is really an idiot, and hasn't discounted the sticker milage the way their last car "performed" relative to the EPA tests...

I too would like to see better tests, but I kinda agree with the EPA, there is no perfect test. But that being said, yes, we all would be better served with something that is more real world.

One other thing to note, I think the numbers from the EPA tests are used to calculate CAFE, so that's where we're really getting screwed.

Matt

 

At 13,000 miles, and with me manually calculating every tank of fuel, my '05 MINI Cooper (non s) has a lifetime average of 30.38 mpg. Lowest tank was 26. highest tank was just under 36 mpg.

Here in Vermont that consists of a mix of interstate (most of that at a pretty good clip )and mountainous twisties - although rarely a traffic jam (gotta love these quiet vermont roads).

Oh, and I'd have to say that my OBC is usually pretty accurate, usually with 1-2 mpg of the manual calculation. Also 75% of that gas has come out of the same pump at the same station (93 Octane Shell).

 

It's not too hard to exceed EPA estimates if you don't have to stop and don't floor it. Even our MCS can get mid-upper 30's if I'm trying. Our Honda Insight rated at 70 mpg can easily get over 125 if you know how to drive it right.

 

AUDI claims 21 MPG highway and I achived that everytime some time even 23mpg. On the other hand, MINI claims 30 MPG and I only get 26 best!