MPG pre & post 96 - Chuffer Dandridge
The car guide I have quotes good mpg, 45-60ish, for cars like the Peugot 205, and Fiesta 1.1 up to about 95-96. However, the model range from 96 onwards quotes significantly lower, 34-54mpg, for the same engine sizes.

Why does this happen, and as I'm looking for a car of 95-96 vintage, is it something I need to take into account?
MPG pre & post 96 - Altea Ego
Wasnt that about the time that manufacturers were forced to change the way they advertised MPG? It went from a "steady 56mph" I think (which always gives good figures) to "Combined" ( a mix of simulated urban, 56mph and motorway) which was supposed to replicate real world driving.

So the MPG didnt change, but the way of reporting it did.

MPG pre & post 96 - Andrew-T
I'm pretty sure you are right, RF.
MPG pre & post 96 - frostbite
Wait until some europhile insists on it all being reported in litres and kilometres.

That will bring tears to our eyes.