Why You Shouldn’t Trust Fuel Cost Estimates on New Car Window Stickers
Buying a new car has always been a big investment, and at a time when everyone is feeling inflation, it’s especially important to consider the cost now and the costs associated with using and maintaining it over time. And since gasoline costs about $5 a gallon, a car’s fuel economy can be a deciding factor when making a purchase.
Until recently, fuel cost estimates on car window stickers at dealerships provided buyers with fairly accurate and useful information. But according to Consumer Reports , that’s no longer the case.
What car window stickers tell consumers about fuel economy
Officially known as ” Monroni labels “, new car window decals at dealerships provide several basic fuel-related characteristics of the vehicle. These include emissions and smog figures, the average number of miles it can drive on a gallon of gasoline, and projected fuel costs over one and five years. These projections are based on data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Why fuel cost estimates on window stickers aren’t accurate
As it turns out, the data the EPA and EIA provide to car manufacturers to calculate one and five year fuel cost estimates was two years old, according to Consumer Reports . For example, fuel cost projections for the 2023 model were calculated in November 2021.
Previously, a two-year delay in the calculation was not so far away, but after the sharp rise in gas prices over the past few months, outdated estimates are no longer accurate. In fact, when the experts at Consumer Reports did the math , they found that some of the five-year fuel cost projections were off by more than $10,000.
Another factor to consider is that all fuel cost calculations are made using the price of regular gasoline, even if the manufacturer recommends premium fuel for the vehicle.
Where to Find Accurate Fuel Cost Predictions
Instead of relying on outdated forecasts printed on a window sticker, scan its QR code to open fueleconomy.gov , which provides weekly updated gas price information. The site also has an interactive calculator that you can use to calculate your own (more accurate) fuel cost estimates.