---- Jim Arnott <jrasite@eoni.com> wrote:
> Do you have a better suggestion?

Jim, I guess my suggestion is that anyone should take a data base that is made up of self reported data with appropriate skepticism.  I think that most folks do, but it seemed that some were suggesting that if it is on "Fuely," then it is real.  Methinks that a large number of one vehicle reported on there, and a large number of another vehicle also reported on there, then one might come to some reasonable rough comparison.  That's about it.  So far as individual data points, or a consensus median mpg, I would not expect that to stand up to statistical treatment -- that is, statistical treatment, though feasible, would just be a worthless exercise.  The data could not possibly meet the assumptions of statistical tests.  We should just take the data for what they are, that's all.

mcneely

>
> Regarding 30 mpg wasserboxer: if it's unbelievable, don't believe it. I
> would assume either it's really a turbo-diesel or that the reporter made a
> typographical error.  Pretty simple, really.
>
> Yes, it's self-reported. And it's probably reported off the vehicle's
> odometer. Until someone buys me and installs for me more accurate sensors,
> that's what you're going to get. It's much better than anecdotal
> information. ("Karl's friend tells me Karl gets 35 mpg in his TDi Syncro.")
>
> Jim
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dave Mcneely
> Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2011 7:01 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: [VANAGON] Report: gas mileage, in town, 1.9L AT
>
> The problem with Fuelly is that mileage is all self reported -- sort of like
> Consumer Reports reliability reports, which are developed from owner's
> reports.  When there are a large number, something relative may work, but
> there are no controls that would make the data really believable.  What do
> we make of a report of 30 mpg with an unmodified Vanagon waterboxer?
>
> mcneely
>
> ---- Jim Arnott <jrasite@EONI.COM> wrote:
> > Gas mileage questions? Want to know what's 'normal'?
> >
> > http://www.fuelly.com/car/volkswagen/vanagon
> >
> > Create an account and do your bit to determine what's normal for a
> > 20-30 year old vehicle.
> >
> > Jim
> >
> >
> >
> > On Apr 4, 2011, at 3:12 PM, Rocket J Squirrel wrote:
> >
> > > As promised, I'd check my in-town gas mileage when I filled up the
> > > tank
> > > again and report back.
> > >
> > > I don't normally check  fuel consumption except when on camping trips,
> > > those are highway miles. I get about 18 to 21 mpg depending. My in-
> > > town
> > > mileage is considerably worse and I have a light foot. Got 12 mpg on
> > > this last tank.
> > >
> > > --
> > > Rocky J Squirrel
> > > '84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana")
> > > '74 Westrailia: (Ladybug Trailer company, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.)
> > > Bend, OR
> > > KG6RCR
>
> --
> David McNeely
>

--
David McNeely