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Gov't forgot to change Gas Guzzler tax

Posted Apr 18th 2007 5:03PM by Frank Filipponio
Filed under: Government/Legal



Back in December, we told you about the new method the government would be using to calculate fuel mileage. For the first time in twenty years, they decided to make changes to better reflect real-world driving conditions and driver behaviors. The changes went into effect starting with 2008 model year cars, and are evident in the newly styled window stickers on those vehicles (shown above). We correctly surmised that most estimates would go down by some degree using this new formula. In our comments, many of you immediately noticed that this would unfairly bump some vehicles into the gas guzzler tax bracket. Apparently, you had reason to be concerned.

Revealed after some sleuthing by the boys at Dubspeed Driven, the EPA is still using the 1991 tax schedule and gas guzzler calculation method. That essentially means that the exact same car that skirted the gas guzzler surcharge last year, could be a scofflaw in 2008. Cars like a Nissan 350Z, for instance. It's combined 23.15 last year kept it out of the gas guzzler bracket, but under the new formula, it's a $1,300 offender at 21.15 mpg.

There's no mention anywhere on the EPA website about the new testing procedures or the fact that 2008 vehicles will likely be reporting lower mpg compared to 2007 Monroneys. Scared at the possible backlash when their vehicles appear to be getting poorer mileage, major carmakers have banded together to create a website to help educate consumers about the apparent drop in fuel economy, but nothing seems to be in place at the EPA to account for the change. Trucks, some sport utilities and minivans are all still exempt from gas guzzler tax, however.

 

I think using the term "forgot" is being a little naive.

They don't want to 'better inform' you, they want to move the goal-posts to gather more taxes. Just like all the other ECO/BIO rip-off/subsidies, it's just another tax grab.

S

 

opps.... the new ratings http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/calcu...umn=1&id=23138 will put us squarely into the 'guzzler tax' with a 21.47 rating and a $1000 tax, just like the Z.

 

That's what I thought, without even looking. Buy that '07 now! Seems to me while they made the city mileage more accurate for the car, they are undershooting on the highway mileage. From what I see here, most owners get higher than 22 on the highway.

 

Who the hell gets 22mpg here!? The best I ever got was 18.5 on a road trip to Austin

 

I get that on highway trips esp if I stay around 70-80.

 

I dont know but everytime I drive fast.......I get more milage, IDK why, maybe we can use that as an excuse to the officers?

"sir, I'm sorry I HAVE to go 80 constant, if not, my car gets carbon build-up and drinks gas like a ****........"

if that does work say "it's mazda's fault!!!"
^but we already do say that :0

 

I've gotten 27 mpg on long highway trips. for normal driving I get 21-22 mpg no matter my driving style. jackrabbit or granny. I'm at 61000 miles now, got 22.7 mpg on my last tank. the tank before that I did a roadtrip and though my gas gauge broke because it was the second time I broke 400 miles to a tank. I usually only get 300-320.