I have two of the above cars, one I have had for five years and hs covered 246,000 miles and it generally returns between 50-60 mpg, over 60 mpg on a long run. I have just bought another one with 181k on it, in excellent condition and very welll maintained but its only doing about 45 mpg on the same journeys, they are both 2001 GLX estates.

I have confirmed thes figures with brim to brim fill ups and they are pretty well correct. The new one drives perfectly with no smoke, hesitiation or any other hints of a problem and sounds sweet as a nut.

I live in a rural area and generally only drive at a steady 60 mph avoiding hard acceleration, my son went to Cornwall in it on Saturday and it returned 45 mpg, I have done the same journey in the old one and always get 60+, my son has a heavier foot and doesnt do as well but he still gets mid '50s.

I bought the new car because of its condition and service history but I am very dissapointed with the fuel consumption. Any suggestions?

Thanks.