Fuel Economy

[nhalber]

I live in the Boston area and drive about 900 miles a month. Mostly divided between 1-2 mile trips and 15 mile ones.
I realize that this isn't an exact science, but can I get at least 30 mpg?

Thanks

PS: also any recommednations as to tires?

[Charles Suitt]

You aren't clear.... Do you have your Prius yet or just consdering?

You drive much like my "pattern" and with ~7,500 miles on the odometer, I am averaging about 45 MPG overall. When I drive the Interstate cruising at ~70 MPH, I manage about 50 MPG. YES, I get better fuel economy "on the freeway" contrary to EPA ratings.

If you only achieved 30 MPG , you may need to read up on how to drive a Prius. There are good suggestions on this and other Prius Forums on adjusting your driving habits to maximize your fuel economy.

I still have the stock OEM tires and run them at 38 psi front, 36 psi rear. Some folks run at 44/42 and feel that nets better mileage. I bought a good tire gauge and a 12v small compressor to enable me to keep the tire pressures steady.

Enjoy your PRIUS

[kidtwist]

In cold weather you will get lower mileage but I don't think it would go THAT low. However note that some Prius-bashing journalist in Detroit in the dead of winter was able to get one down below 30 mpg. I suppose he was running it with the windows open, the heater going full blast, driving it pedal to the metal at all times, and probably dragging a ship's anchor.

NOTE: I don't own a Prius yet, I'm basing this on the research I've done.

[nhalber]

Thanks for the info. No, I am almost at the buying stage.

[hdrygas]

What are you driving. Many of us drove low mpg cars before our Prii. I had a Ford Explorer and as I was waiting for my Prius I started to practice some of the techniques described here. Some are Prius only others are applicable for any car. I improved my m.p.g. by about 2 m.p.g. during that period. I have to say the best part of driving my Prius is the calm created by driving for milage. My commute times have not changed and the whole thing is easier. Chill drive green. :mrgreen:

[CitizenjaQ]

I commute 5 miles each way to work, so my Prius is just barely warmed up by the time I shut it off. I live about an hour from Boston, and I might travel there one or two times a tank, and I've never averaged below 40mpg a tank since I got the car in early January. On the highway I get about 50mpg.

I'm about 1,200 miles in. I'm very much looking forward to summer and the end of my break-in period, especially since I'm already getting twice the city mileage of my Mazda Protégé (a sipper itself).

[canuckican]

Kidtwist (just FYI)-
I am getting less than 30 mpg and don't drag an anchor, jack-rabbit, or drive with the windows open. I live in Canada. It is cold here. I have to run the heater. I have to run the defrosters (front and back). I have a short commute. Certain conditions just are not conducive to high mileage. People need to get used to it, DEAL with it, and shut the heck up about low mileage.

In cold weather you will get lower mileage but I don't think it would go THAT low. However note that some Prius-bashing journalist in Detroit in the dead of winter was able to get one down below 30 mpg. I suppose he was running it with the windows open, the heater going full blast, driving it pedal to the metal at all times, and probably dragging a ship's anchor.

[pepper04]

I live in Boston too, and my commutes are 3-10 miles usually, and since I have moved here and it has been cold I have been getting very low mileage 20-25mgp. All my driving is city, and I do use the heat because it's cold and I need to defrost my car but I don't think I'm excessive. It may not be worth your while, I've had my car looked at several times and have been told by the dealerships that my low mileage is a combination of cold and short commutes.

[qbee42]

You do realize that this thread is over three years old. I suspect the OP has made his decision by now.

Tom

[Theodore]

Hi......
My name is Theodore, I live in Athens - GREECE and I am an electronic engineer. I have just bought a Toyota Prius and I would like to ask:
How can I improve the MPG using more the battery???? I would like to inform you, that I have software and hardware for ECU tuning....I have already tuned the ECU of my girlfriend's Citroen SAXO. I did a remapping in the Ignition Timing Advance MAP....and the results are great!
How can I change - tune the electronic control box of the Prius so to use more the battery (not only 40 % of discharge....but deaper like 15 or 10%)????
Where can I find infos about that????

Thank you!!!!