Mileage stickers get major overhaul with 2008 models

NEW YORK (9/25/07)--If you're in the market for a new car, the 2008 models all have an important and long overdue overhaul--located on the window sticker (The Wall Street Journal online Sept. 10).

Until now, all new-car stickers published mileage estimates that were widely recognized as bogus; they were based on driving tests that didn't come close to resembling real-world driving behavior by motorists.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy tests were based on a top speed of 60 mph, average test speed of 48 mph, temperature of 75 degrees, and no use of accessories such as air conditioning. Even after adjustments to account for discrepancies between test conditions and real life, the estimates were far from accurate, disappointing many car buyers who didn't get the mileage posted on the sticker.

Beginning with 2008 models, EPA is using a more rigorous approach to testing. Tests now take into account high-speed driving, hard acceleration, effects of cold, and the use of air conditioning.

The good news is the posted mileage is more accurate, but that also means the posted mileage is lower than they were for the same car in 2007. Estimates for city mileage are expected to drop by about 12% on average, according to EPA, with highway mileage estimates declining 8% on average. Expect a city estimate drop of as much as 30% for some models. Estimates on a few models won't change much at all. And car makers of large sport utility vehicles--those weighing more than 8,500 pounds--aren't required to display the new mileage estimates on their stickers until 2011.

For more information, read "Trying to Find Happiness With Higher Gas Mileage" in Home & Family Finance Resource Center.

courtesy of cuna.org