New owner? Want MPG help? Read this first.

[Betelgeuse]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(flybynightprius @ Apr 22 2006, 01:52 AM) [snapback]243552[/snapback]</div>

One last thing-- Prius owners don't need the car to run for a while to warm up the heater-- it's all electric anyway.
[/b]

Actually, this is not true. The Prius' heater works, basically, just like a conventional car. Supposedly, there are some ceramic heating elements that supply heat before the ICE is completely warmed up, but they are incredibly wimpy. Basically, you don't get any (meaningful) heat in the winter until the ICE has warmed up.

Unless this has been changed on the '06, of course. . .

[berylrb]

Hi everybody ... Thanks, thanks, thanks!

This thread summed up every thing I needed to know with the reminder about the optimum performance after 5-10 minutes. I've been wondering why our San Francisco mileage basically sucks, see my stats below, the 5-10 minutes analysis, yep, pretty much said it all! (BTW in 2004 i was commuting 110 miles one way about twice a month, out of town business, that has steadily dropped to the point where now I've only gone on the freeway for a road trip once this year. The high of 67 was actually to San Diego from SF.)

However, as someone eluded to the reality is that my neighbor with her Honda Civic has the same issue, the nature of living in a city that is only 6 miles on each side, LOL.

Well, I hope to become a regular on this forum, I'll check out the SF group too.

Thanks again, it's like a burden has been lifted.

[tadyergey]

I just filled up my first tank and hit 47.8 mpg via the calculator and 48.1 via the MFD. Thanks for the hints and better understanding of how to maximize the mileage. I've already doubled my mileage from my old RAV and am looking forward to the first jump in efficiency!

I have received several 100 mpg bars on the MFD during one stretch of my commute, however I received a bar of "0" during the same stretch a few days ago (5-10 mph battery only). Has anyone seen this and can anyone explain this?

Thanks,
Tad

[efusco]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tad @ May 9 2006, 08:49 AM) [snapback]252090[/snapback]</div>

I just filled up my first tank and hit 47.8 mpg via the calculator and 48.1 via the MFD. Thanks for the hints and better understanding of how to maximize the mileage. I've already doubled my mileage from my old RAV and am looking forward to the first jump in efficiency!

I have received several 100 mpg bars on the MFD during one stretch of my commute, however I received a bar of "0" during the same stretch a few days ago (5-10 mph battery only). Has anyone seen this and can anyone explain this?

Thanks,
Tad [/b]

If the ICE started up at all (you may not have even noticed) and burned a little gas during that 5 minute block it will calculate your mileage out to 0 if you don't travel very far. OTOH, if the ICE doesn't start...no gas burned, then it'll show 100mpg.

There's an active thread about interpretting the Consumption screen...it's problematic to try to read much into it in any kind of non-steady speed conditions as it incorporates a time factor into mpg.

For instance....Let's say you got 50mpg for the first minute of driving in a 5 minute period. Then you stopped to get a Taco at "The Bell" during the next 4 minutes. Even though distance over gallons you should show 50mpg the Consumption screen will divide that 50mpg by 5 (for the 5 minutes) and show an average mpg for that 5 minute block of 10mpg. A little odd.

[larkinmj]

I'm probably in the category of folks who will never get the maximum MPG possible with a hybrid. I have a 7.5 mile commute to work, and the remainder of my driving is mostly short (under 10 mile) trips. Occasionally I drive longer trips, but so far (since 1/31/06) the longest trip I've riven has been about 40 miles. If I take the family on a long trip, we would most likely take my wife's car. I consistently average 1000 miles/month.
My first tank, I only got 35 MPG. But it has been improving ever since. My last few tanks have been around 45 MPG, and I'm currently almost through a tank and I'm getting 47-48 MPG. So I'm happy.

[spattek]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(galaxee @ Jan 24 2006, 08:01 PM) [snapback]196627[/snapback]</div>

This is buried back in the old PC archives and I just did some searching for it to link to it in another post... and since we have so many new owners coming on to PC right now looking for MPG solutions I thought I'd link this article here too.

So please, before freaking out and posting how there's something wrong with your car or whatever other frustration is on your mind, read through this article and take these tips to heart. If this doesn't work, THEN go ahead and post a "please help me" thread and we'll all jump up and offer suggestions

"Why don't I get the EPA Mileage?" by efusco
[/b]

This was a terrific article and very helpful. We just picked up our new 2006 bright red PRIUS last night. Trying to figure out how to best drive it to get great MPG is a lot harder than I thought. Today, I watched 12 and 15 MPG and thought what am I doing?

So, now I know if will get better, but never great since we drive short distances to work and school.

Also, it was good to hear that a more rapid acceleration to standard speed rather than a slow acceleartion would help.

any other suggestions, please let me know.

I just LOVE this car! Coming from a Lexus GS400 that is very fast and smooth, I wasn't sure what I would think, but I LOVE it!!!

Sheryl1

[Dr Ed]

I'm averaging in the high 40's mpg too. That's with the A/C on. Hey, it's hot in south Texas!

[Scott_R]

Brand new Prius owner here--bought the car on the 19th. Actually, there was no wait time. I'd spoken with pne dealer who promised one by end-of-month, went there, took a Prius for a test drive (overnight rental), went back to sign, and was told, "whoops, turns out minimum of two months."

Mindful of the fed. tax credit, I walked out, called up another dealer, and asked if they could do better. Drove over there, was told they had one on the lot (story told: ordered, but buyer's credit fell through), so I ended up driving off the lot with an '06 Driftwood Pearl with Option package 8.

Three days later, about 160 miles on the car, averaging about 50mpg

[MechaJohn]

I just ordered my Prius. I am hoping to get decent mileage, but only have a 3.5 mile commute. It's barely enough to warm up the engine from what I have been reading. I have to admit, reading about the issue of short trips gave me pause, but in the end, I decided Prius is the right choice for me (lower gasoline consumption, low emissions, space age features, roomy interior, etc.). Even at the low end of the scale, I should get about 3X what I get now in my 4Runner (14MPG). Of course, I plan to implement all the other suggestions.

I can't wait for my Prius to arrive! Silver Pine Mica, Beige/Taupe Interior, Package 4

BTW, this is a great forum, full of helpful info. This article is great. Also, I would like to give a shout out to John1701, for your terrific website. I learned a great deal about the Prius from your site and it helped me make the decision.

Thanks to all!

[ivfarmboy]

I don't know about everyone else but some of the main reasons I bought the Prius was the Safety features and roominess. I love the fact that it gets great mileage but for what I paid for my slightly used one I could not get a similar equipped competitor for anywhere near the price. I live in a very very hot California desert and so run the AC all the time. I also have to travel over very long steep grades on the freeway and I get around 43 or so, I am tickled pink...

I guess I just think it is an awesome car and that it is not just a High MPG car, that is underselling it. I am 6'4" large guy and I fit nicely into it. I think the console adds some awesome functionality and is not just a gadget. Oh well I just think that if you are only buying a car because of MPG than your missing the Prius point. The Prius is a heck of a car that gets awesome MPG, not the other way around. Way to go Toyota, just sad that one of the big three didn't go with it...

I also want to thank this website and contributors. This is a very helpful website so keep up the great work....

Thanks