I get what you're saying, but the problem is more likely that he simply lives in Northern Virginia. Traffic here blows, and if you are using an LGT / OBXT as a commuter car around here you are going to see about 18mpg, even on a dialed in protune. I've owned 3 of these cars, 2 MTs and a 5EAT, stock and modified, and they all get about the same when running around town and commuting. If you get out on the highway for a long trip, sure you start to see 25+ mpg, but not as a commuter in this area.