do you have any options when the truck you purchase gets 25% less gas mileage than the epa standard (epa 21)?

Question

dealership said to expect 20 mpg or better (epa 21) and only get around 15 on open interstate with cruise set---does consumer have any options??

Answer 1

You should not expect to get anywhere near the EPA estimates until your first oil change. Let the engine get through the break-in process, drive it gently and when the engine has loosened up a bit, see how you do. Most vehicles do not regularly meet their EPA estimates though, but your mileage will improve as the engine is broken-in.

Also, if MPG Is a big deal for you, don't buy a truck.

Answer 2

The EPA estimates are a joke, and for the most part, the numbers you achieve will be substantially less than that. It is most likely more accurate to go by what car magazines and organizations like Consumer Reports say, as well as other owners, because their experience is much more real-world. The EPA collects data from tests that do not reflect real-world conditions. You have really no options unless you can prove that the crummy fuel mileage is the result of a defect.

Answer 3

First of all you can easily verify online if the mpg stated by the dealer is the official one offered by the manufacturer. If it is, then there are many possible factors affecting your fuel consumption:

Here are possible examples:
If you are setting the cruise control to anything above 55mph or below 45mph, you will not attain the maximum fuel conmsumption. Too slow or too fast and you waste more fuel.

If you are in a lot of stop and go traffic you wont attain the correct mpg.

If your travel route includes steep hills, even on highways, that will also affect the mpg.

If none of these driving habits or conditions relate to your case, then you should have the vehicle checked for engine trouble, it may be related to mechanical aspects like spark plugs, fuel injectors, etc.

Answer 4

Your fuel mileage will increase some as you progress thru the break in period.

things you can do:

run tires slightly overinflated, check front end alignment.

take excess weight out of truck

If you have a steady foot, you will get better gas mileage WITHOUT cruise control in hilly areas.

slow down about 5mph

check into getting a bed cover, they have been shown to really help in some cases.

If you have the BIG RV towing mirrors, don't use them unless towing. Get some aero smaller ones.

Answer 5

Not really, all it means it gets 20 or more on a MPH machine. In the city it gets less then 15.

Answer 6

I've got 2 options slow way down, or sell the vehicle.

Answer 7

go back to the dealer and *****,*****,*****,and tell them the only reason for buying the car was base on the EPA. stand strong and don't give in

Answer 8

Yes, don't set cruise for 80mph.

Answer 9

Didn't you read the disclaimer? "Your mileage may vary."