Your salesman may have just read you the brochure stating the 12/15 city/highway mileage.
Fuel efficiency is calculated to appeal consumer buying attitude. It is usually done with only the driver (skinny one), no passenger or cargo. Performed on a flat straightaway, speed of 50 mph (80kmh), no accessories (AC, radio, sometimes no power equipment, etc), usually with manual transmission. That is why many advertisements carry the tiny disclaimer to say that your fuel efficiency will vary between vehicles and driving habits.
So, any deviations from the manufacturer's testing will affect your fuel mileage. While 12kml (reflects to about 30 miles per US gallon) is not impossible, it is hard to achieve if the vehicle is equipped with many options, AC running most of the time, and so forth.
8kml (about 20 miles per US gallon) is a little low. I understand that the regular maintenance is performed but that statement varies from one person to another. To most people, maintenance is oil change. What is your definition of maintenance?
Is the car completely stock, or has been "performance enhanced". Larger wheels, lowering spring, among others will have adverse effect to fuel efficiency. At a little over 26K miles, I would try adding some fuel system cleaner into the fuel tank to clean up the fuel injectors, replacing air filter, PCV valve, fuel filter. You may also want to pull the spark plugs and see if they are still in good condition and are properly gapped.
Friday, June 5th, 2009 AT 11:53 PM
