Woman wins small claims suit over Civic hybrid mpg claim
Woman wins small claims suit over Civic hybrid mpg claim
Just sharing this in case you're interested:
Woman wins small-claims suit over Honda Civic Hybrid - Yahoo! Autos
Woman wins small-claims suit over Honda Civic Hybrid - Yahoo! Autos
Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 4,295
From: Wandering around.
Honestly, I think her victory is a load of bullshit.
First of all, the mileage is an EPA rating... which was then changed in 2008. The new rating for the Civic Hybrid is a combined 42 MPG. So, at the very least, her claim should be against the EPA and that 42 MPG.
Secondly, no where was it indicated that she showed her driving habits. Did she take the judge or any representive on a drive to show them? Was the car driven by an independent to measure? Anyone to verify or dispute her claim?
Finally, as everyone knows, you don't always get EPA numbers... sometimes more, sometimes less. But because she is in California, I'm willing to bet she one of the millions that speed everywhere they go. Speedlimit is 65 on the highway, but they almost always go 80. Hell, even here, I see twits with Prius, driving it around like they're on a race track.
First of all, the mileage is an EPA rating... which was then changed in 2008. The new rating for the Civic Hybrid is a combined 42 MPG. So, at the very least, her claim should be against the EPA and that 42 MPG.
Secondly, no where was it indicated that she showed her driving habits. Did she take the judge or any representive on a drive to show them? Was the car driven by an independent to measure? Anyone to verify or dispute her claim?
Finally, as everyone knows, you don't always get EPA numbers... sometimes more, sometimes less. But because she is in California, I'm willing to bet she one of the millions that speed everywhere they go. Speedlimit is 65 on the highway, but they almost always go 80. Hell, even here, I see twits with Prius, driving it around like they're on a race track.
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 152
From: NH
Wow I never thought this lady had a chance in hell. There's so many variables at play and how can they prove it wasn't her just driving like a maniac. I think the system failed and it gives people a reason to sue for just about anything. I plan on starting a class action against Burger King because they said their fries are better than ever when in fact they taste worse than ever. Who's with me?
Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 4,295
From: Wandering around.
In the end, this lawsuit is only hurting the consumers. Like SilverBullet said... cheaper cars with higher price tags.
dumbass people suing over dumbass stuff is the american way.
the figures of EPA mpg is in optimal conditions. the claimed 33mpg of the fit is conservative in comparison of what i got out of it driving slow and steady on the freeway.
this is a big blow to car manufacturers because of idiots dont know how to drive slow and steady.
i see people do it all day... accelerator hammer starts and wheel locking stops. these are the same people who whine and complain they only get 20mpg in their civic hf.
the figures of EPA mpg is in optimal conditions. the claimed 33mpg of the fit is conservative in comparison of what i got out of it driving slow and steady on the freeway.
this is a big blow to car manufacturers because of idiots dont know how to drive slow and steady.
i see people do it all day... accelerator hammer starts and wheel locking stops. these are the same people who whine and complain they only get 20mpg in their civic hf.
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,304
From: Illinois
Honestly, I think her victory is a load of bullshit.
First of all, the mileage is an EPA rating... which was then changed in 2008. The new rating for the Civic Hybrid is a combined 42 MPG. So, at the very least, her claim should be against the EPA and that 42 MPG.
Secondly, no where was it indicated that she showed her driving habits. Did she take the judge or any representive on a drive to show them? Was the car driven by an independent to measure? Anyone to verify or dispute her claim?
Finally, as everyone knows, you don't always get EPA numbers... sometimes more, sometimes less. But because she is in California, I'm willing to bet she one of the millions that speed everywhere they go. Speedlimit is 65 on the highway, but they almost always go 80. Hell, even here, I see twits with Prius, driving it around like they're on a race track.
First of all, the mileage is an EPA rating... which was then changed in 2008. The new rating for the Civic Hybrid is a combined 42 MPG. So, at the very least, her claim should be against the EPA and that 42 MPG.
Secondly, no where was it indicated that she showed her driving habits. Did she take the judge or any representive on a drive to show them? Was the car driven by an independent to measure? Anyone to verify or dispute her claim?
Finally, as everyone knows, you don't always get EPA numbers... sometimes more, sometimes less. But because she is in California, I'm willing to bet she one of the millions that speed everywhere they go. Speedlimit is 65 on the highway, but they almost always go 80. Hell, even here, I see twits with Prius, driving it around like they're on a race track.
I agree the EPA should also be blamed because they raised the mpg quota and lowered the BTUs of the gas for cleaner air. If they go back to 1990 gas with MTBE mpg would go up 20 percent.
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,329
From: Cleveland, GA
I completely agree with this lawsuit and results, however, the fault and claim should reside in the EPA. They and our government are lying to consumers to get them to buy hybrids and other, less than promised, fuel efficient cars.
this lawsuit was aired i believe 4 months ago on NBC?
and on the final commentary this is what they are saying is going to happen.
its too bad
Last edited by phenoyz; Feb 3, 2012 at 12:46 PM.
Yeah, this is an interesting case.
It's bad in one way, because, do you really have to be able to say your car will get X mpg no matter how you drive it?
On the other hand, there has been a whole lot of people getting less than they expected.
It will probably boil down to the automakers being careful what they claim. Maybe a disclaimer like 'in ideal circumstances with careful driving X mpg is possible'. Then have another number where "average" drivers get Y mpg. And they actually lend the cars out to a large number of drivers to get real world numbers.
It's bad in one way, because, do you really have to be able to say your car will get X mpg no matter how you drive it?
On the other hand, there has been a whole lot of people getting less than they expected.
It will probably boil down to the automakers being careful what they claim. Maybe a disclaimer like 'in ideal circumstances with careful driving X mpg is possible'. Then have another number where "average" drivers get Y mpg. And they actually lend the cars out to a large number of drivers to get real world numbers.
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