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Columns: Driving for Dollars
Terry Jackson Expert: Terry Jackson
Driving for Dollars
EPA tests didn't reflect the way people drive -- now they do
Driving for Dollars

Fuel mileage not always as advertised
 

Dear Terry,
I paid cash for a new Jeep Commander a week ago and found the average gas consumption is 8 to 10 miles per gallon, not the 14 mpg indicated in their advertisements. I have a problem with this in the fact that gas costs so much and I feel I was told one thing and sold another. Do I have any options for taking the car back and getting a different one?
-- Greg

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Dear Greg,
Those mileage estimates are ratings by the federal government, not the manufacturers, and until the 2008 model year those numbers were as much as 30 percent too high because the EPA tests didn't reflect the way people drive. Unfortunately, you don't have any sort of truth-in-advertising complaint against the dealer to force them to give you a different car. I will say that if you moderate your driving habits -- accelerate more slowly, don't do hard braking -- you should do somewhat better than 8 to 10 mpg.

This week
Solving the mysterious 'check engine' light
As-is car means just that
Fuel mileage not always as advertised
Rip-off deal leaves buyer upside down
Bankrate.com's corrections policy-- Posted: Aug. 4, 2007
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