Q: We recently purchased a new 2008 Acura MDX. Over the first 400 or so miles, we're averaging 10-11 mpg in fuel economy. We drive in mostly urban conditions and some highway use, but when we bought it we were told it got 15 in city and 20 in highway. So given our driving thus far, we were expecting more like 16 or 17. Did they just lie to us about the actual fuel economy? Anyone else have this issue? Is fuel economy worse when you first purchase the car?
A: The Environmental Protection Agency's MPG rating for your car is indeed 15 city / 20 highway: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/2008selemodelf.jsp?year=2008&make=Acura (Usually the EPA rating is indeed a bit on the high side.) You might want to check your tire pressure. If they are underinflated, it will cost you 1-2mpg easily. New cars also have a break-in period. You should see a 1mpg improvement once the moving parts in the drivetrain are broken in after the first 1000 miles or so. And of course driving habits affect fuel economy immensely-- Jackrabbit starts, 70mph highway speeds and hard braking will all cost you gas mileage.