Really bad fuel economy

[xyphod]

My wife has a 10 year old beetle.
2.0l (8v) engine (old gti unit I think) witha 4 speed auto box.
Now her driving is about 10miles a day max, to school and back twice a day
around the A205 (south circular).

Obviously this is not ideal conditions and fuel economy is always going to be low,
but she's getting 12mpg?????

Now we've never had a problem at MOT with emmisions, etc.

So what the hell could be wrong? It's costing £200 a month?????

[stevieturbo]

have you considered having it checked over by a competent mechanic ?


Fuel consumption does sound high, but obviously its impossible to diagnose over the internet

[Pumaracing]

Most likely the engine coolant sensor leading the ecu to think the engine is stone cold and running it on a start up setting.

[EugeneFromDublin]

Thermostat - Is the car warming up properly and sufficiently quickly?

[Norfolkinchance]

She's playing away with someone who knows how to 'correct' the mileage.

Could also be the O2 sensor. A truly filthy air filter would also do it.