Does anyone know the original EPA estimates for the Vanagon? Most everyone knows that the numbers were laughingly optimistic. In 2008 the EPA will be publishing numbers which are meant to better reflect real usage. I don't know how true this is. fueleconomy.gov has published Vanagon fuel economy estimates going back to 1985 which have been revised to be comparable to the 2008 mpg estimates, making them lower, probably more realistic -- and not much different that what I'm getting with my 84 automatic 1.9L (I get 15.5 mpg on the highway). While they don't list the 1984 model, they do list the 1985, which is probably close enough: 1985 Vanagon 2WD, 1.9L, auto: 15 mpg city, 17 mpg highway. 1985 Vanagon 2WD, 1.9L, manual: 16 mpg city, 18 mpg highway. or (depending one which ratings you read) 1985 Vanagon 2WD, 1.9L, auto: 14 mpg city, 17 mpg highway. 1985 Vanagon 2WD, 1.9L, manual: 15 mpg city, 18 mpg highway. In response to my inquiry yesterday, others have reported mileage better than this -- maybe even higher than the original EPA numbers!
-- Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott 71 Type 2: the Wonderbus 84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana") 74 Utility Trailer. Ladybug Trailer, Inc., San Juan Capistrano KG6RCR |
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