The EPA changed its mileage testing procedures in 2008. You can’t rely on the old rating system to give you an accurate mileage estimate; the old EPA numbers were notorious for being optimistic. Though the ratings were changed to offer more realistic fuel economy estimates, you’re not out of luck when shopping for used cars. The EPA’s website, Fueleconomy.gov, has a database — searchable by mileage using the new formula — that goes back to the 1985 model year. The new ratings are almost always lower than the EPA’s old numbers.
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