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2013 Dodge Dart SXT Rallye Long-Term Road Test
Edmunds.com
Member, Administrator, Moderator Posts: 10,315
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The real problem is that the EPA ratings are unrealistic. Fuelly (or a similar website) is the best way to see how fuel efficient a car really is.
So I'm unmoved by the complaint.
The EPA test rules have been changed several times over the decades, yet they still don't match real-world conditions.
I am a little more concerned about car manufacturers getting away with putting inflated MPG estimates on a sticker that are difficult to obtain in real world driving. The EPA does not perform enough testing to keep certain car makers honest.
Maybe you have a heavy foot?
Below is my experience, and I am very detailed in the mpg I get along with other items.
I don't drive like a hypergasmiler, I use the turbo when needed, or just for the fun of it.
Update on my Dart's mileage. 1.4 Turbo with six-speed manual. 85-90% of driving on highways but these are usually two-lane with little towns and other distractions.
City driving is not usually stop and go every block but enough to never get into sixth gear.
So.... I have owned it for 14,701 miles putting 410.094 gallons of gas into it = 35.85 mpg. The last 5042 miles have averaged 36.50mpg. The first 3-4000 miles were in winter time or at least using winter blended gas. Have tried 87, 91 and 93 octane. Three times have topped 40 mpg. I do not fill the tank every time I get gas so I may have 800 to 1500 miles between filling the tank.