Is MPG the ultimate barometer for a car's health?

[e55amgbenz007]

Like the title says: Is the miles per gallon that is achieved the ultimate sign of how clean and healthy an engine is? Since saving $ is the ultimate underlying factor in most of what is done to a car, the more MPG, the more $ is saved and the more efficient a car is.....Does this seem logical?

 

[Dominic]

Not necessarily. Usually its a good barometer for things like proper working O2 sensors and MAF sensor, but not overall health of the engine.

 

[glenncof]

Dominic, right.

Tune has lots to do with MPG health. Gasoline also seems to vary and driving habits play a huge role. Of course MPG hits the $$$ right away.

Rate of change of oil consumption (long term) is the what I use for mechanical wear trend. My experience is dirty oil/engines consume oil faster. They probably wear out faster and that $$$ you pay later.

 

[ARB1977]

UOA's would determine that.