Is this mpg typical?

[newblue07]

Hi everyone, I'm a new 07 owner, I've had it for just under a week. I've been driving it on long, slightly rolling hills, suburban-type roads with a fair amount of stops for traffic lights, and have been getting about 37-42 mpg for 10-12 mile trips. I'm a pretty mellow driver and am starting to figure out how to drive it to maximize fuel economy, but for now, I'm wondering if this is about average, or lower or higher than what others experience?

[derkraut]

Sounds a little low--but then, I don't know what part of the country you live in. In colder weather, MPG for all vehicles takes a hit, especially on short trips. You should get significantly better MPG as you get more miles on the car, in warmer weather, and on trips longer than 5-10 miles.

Edited to add: Make sure your cold tire pressure is about 40psi on rears and 42psi on fronts. It will ride a little stiffer, but should increase MPG be at least 3-5 MPG

[Stev0]

You've pretty much got everything going against you:

1. The first tank is usually lower-than-average MPG
2. Short trips (which it sounds like what you're mostly doing) are a killer on your MPG
3. Cold weather brings the MPG down

90% of my trips are about five miles or less, and I'm currently getting 38 - 40 MPG (I was getting 42 - 45 in October).

[DaveinOlyWA]

tire pressure is key. higher tire pressures do improve handling when carrying heavier loads and will increase your gas mileage. and keep in mind, the Prius does take a bit of getting used to simply because it does drive differently than other cars. no gears makes judging speeds an art that will need to be developed.

considering the time of year (albeit, it will never be extremely cold very long in your area although i did see snow in San Diego and temps in the 30's and 40's this past week), the newness of your Prius, you are pretty much right on track.

remember, due to terrain, gas types, traffic, etc, some will never get much above 45-48 mpg.

[newblue07]

Well I'm in California so unless it's at night (40-45F) it's pretty warm out (65-75F, 80F yesterday!). But it is definitely the first tank of gas, and mostly short trips. But I thought the mpg was supposed to be better in city than on highway driving?

[TonyPSchaefer]

Hi, NewBlue and welcome to PriusChat!

Like Stev0 said, there are a few things working against you. However, it's early. You just got the car. Give it time. For examples of mileage and how you will get better over time, check the "current mileage" link in my signature.

Also, check out this thread designed exclusively for the new Prius owner: http://priuschat.com/New-owner-Want-MPG-he...rst-t15311.html

[auricchio]

Your mileage takes a hit from the hills (as does mine for short trips here in hilly Cambria.) You will also become better at driving lightly and anticipating stops. Very slow traffic jams are great for MPG: the car runs on electricity much of the time. But the quick surface streets don't do much good, because you need the engine to accelerate. Once you get above 42mph, the engine stays on (using little fuel, but some.)

My lifetime MPG at 10500mi is about 43.

Remember that the important MPG figure is lifetime, averaged over all of your fillups. I've had tanks vary from 30s to 50s, but much of that is due to inaccurate fillups. You can't get every gas pump to fill to the same level. In an 11-gallon tank, even a quart makes a difference in the calculation. That's why "lifetime MPG" makes more sense.

[gplm2007]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(newblue07 @ Dec 26 2006, 12:10 PM) [snapback]366716[/snapback]</div>

Hi everyone, I'm a new 07 owner, I've had it for just under a week. I've been driving it on long, slightly rolling hills, suburban-type roads with a fair amount of stops for traffic lights, and have been getting about 37-42 mpg for 10-12 mile trips. I'm a pretty mellow driver and am starting to figure out how to drive it to maximize fuel economy, but for now, I'm wondering if this is about average, or lower or higher than what others experience?
[/b]

Yes about average. Despite the sticker 60/50 and the claims of others, your average mileage range will be 37-42 regardless of intown or highway. For the most part using two 2007 Touring Models, we get 37-41 intown and maybe 40-43 on the highway. The original 60/50 must have been done on the Bonneville Salt Flats with no wind. The Prius is a wonderful car but the mileage is not even close to the claims. No one on this forum is doing any better with a stock dealer supplied Prius.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DaveinOlyWA @ Dec 26 2006, 12:43 PM) [snapback]366738[/snapback]</div>

tire pressure is key. higher tire pressures do improve handling when carrying heavier loads and will increase your gas mileage. and keep in mind, the Prius does take a bit of getting used to simply because it does drive differently than other cars. no gears makes judging speeds an art that will need to be developed.

considering the time of year (albeit, it will never be extremely cold very long in your area although i did see snow in San Diego and temps in the 30's and 40's this past week), the newness of your Prius, you are pretty much right on track.

remember, due to terrain, gas types, traffic, etc, some will never get much above 45-48 mpg.
[/b]

Sorry Dave but I do not believe you. Your mpg claims just are not substantiated by other posters.

[Walker1]

[quote=newblue07 @ Dec 26 2006, 12:10 PM) [snapback]366716[/snapback]</div>

Hi everyone, I'm a new 07 owner, I've had it for just under a week. I've been driving it on long, slightly rolling hills, suburban-type roads with a fair amount of stops for traffic lights, and have been getting about 37-42 mpg for 10-12 mile trips. I'm a pretty mellow driver and am starting to figure out how to drive it to maximize fuel economy, but for now, I'm wondering if this is about average, or lower or higher than what others experience?
[/b]

I think many of us felt the same at first. 1) The engine has to break in- around 10,000 miles. 2) The key here is 10-12 mile trips. Your gas engine runs when it's cold until it warms up. then it will shut down at lights, etc. 3) You're doing OK on MPG. I think when I got my "06 my MPG was around 35 at first. Now] 12,800 miles my Prius is averaging about 53.5 MPG overall. You're doing fine. Keep it up.

[Prakash]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DaveinOlyWA @ Dec 26 2006, 12:43 PM) [snapback]366738[/snapback]</div>

tire pressure is key. higher tire pressures do improve handling when carrying heavier loads and will increase your gas mileage. and keep in mind, the Prius does take a bit of getting used to simply because it does drive differently than other cars. no gears makes judging speeds an art that will need to be developed.

considering the time of year (albeit, it will never be extremely cold very long in your area although i did see snow in San Diego and temps in the 30's and 40's this past week), the newness of your Prius, you are pretty much right on track.

remember, due to terrain, gas types, traffic, etc, some will never get much above 45-48 mpg.
[/b]

Have you seen a significant increase in MPG and Handling with higher PSI in in the tires. 40 PSI on the rears, and 42 PSI on the front tires?

I have been considering doing this, but wanted further reinforcements before doing so...