Vehicle MPG computers

Why are MPG computers on cars so inaccurate? I have had a Focus Econetic which was up to 6 MPG out and now have a Mercedes C200 Blue Efficiency which is also up to 6 MPG out, although unlike the Focus at least the Mercedes does the stated manufacturers MPG figures. The Focus stated uo to 80 MPG but was more like 57 MPG, I wonder how many unsuspecting motorists are being duped by these faulty readings, I always fill the tank to the brim and use a calculator in the old fashioned way.

Asked on 25 May 2013 by gajhc

Answered by Honest John
To make you feel good. I had a Focus Econetic. Started at about 63mpg, but fell to 55mpg (calculated) over 8,000 miles. The BMW 320dED I ran once showed 82 over 250 miles, but the calculated average over 7000 miles was 63mpg (which is still fantastic). www.honestjohn.co.uk is a mix of dash metre and properly calculated mpgs, which helps to make it a true average of an average of an average.
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