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? -- GregDear 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 downIf you have a question for Terry, e-mail him at Driving for Dollars. Save money on your car -- sign up for Bankrate's new weekend Car & Money newsletter advertisementRelated Links:7 best off-to-college carsNational auto loan averagesWhat changes auto loan rates?Related Articles:All new cars for 20105 steps to 'clunker' dealTake the 'cash back?'
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
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.
If you have a question for Terry, e-mail him at Driving for Dollars. Save money on your car -- sign up for Bankrate's new weekend Car & Money newsletter
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