10K MPG Check: Not impressed

[Coastie]

Passed the 10k point a few days ago. So far, the MPG is essentially the same as what my Gen II Prius gets (2004 with 103k miles).
Here's the data:
1. The trip ODO average MPG for the 10,000 miles= 46.4
2. Actual computation of MPG for the 10,000 miles= 44.4
3. Fuel costs= $623.33.

Conclusions:
1. Apparently, the reports that the trip ODO MPG is off to the high side are true.
2. The advertised improved mileage for the Gen III is exaggerated (though 44.4 is still impressive).

I realize the engine in the Gen III is larger than the Gen II's, so achieving the same mileage with a larger engine is an improvement.
Regarding my driving style: I don't go to extremes to eke out extra miles per tank. I drive the Prius like a car. I live in a hilly region which often requires a lot of time in the red zone.

I still love the Gen III, but I've shelved my dreams of 50 MPG.

[Salsawonder]

I live in a hilly area with a short commute. It is not reasonable to think the car is going to deal with these areas in the same manner it does flatter areas. I easily get low to mid fifties on road trips with varied terrain and at speeds from town 25mph to 75+.

[Paradox]

We have Prius v's as well, so the 17" rims and their tires are hurting us as well. If you had a Prius II-IV you would see an improvement over the GenII.

My dad has a Prius III and when I drive it, I can easily get better MPG's than I did in my 2006...

[codybigdog123]

Originally Posted by Coastie

Passed the 10k point a few days ago. So far, the MPG is essentially the same as what my Gen II Prius gets (2004 with 103k miles).
Here's the data:
1. The trip ODO average MPG for the 10,000 miles= 46.4
2. Actual computation of MPG for the 10,000 miles= 44.4
3. Fuel costs= $623.33.

Conclusions:
1. Apparently, the reports that the trip ODO MPG is off to the high side are true.
2. The advertised improved mileage for the Gen III is exaggerated (though 44.4 is still impressive).

I realize the engine in the Gen III is larger than the Gen II's, so achieving the same mileage with a larger engine is an improvement.
Regarding my driving style: I don't go to extremes to eke out extra miles per tank. I drive the Prius like a car. I live in a hilly region which often requires a lot of time in the red zone.

I still love the Gen III, but I've shelved my dreams of 50 MPG.

There's an entire thread devoted to measured versus the computer version of MPG on the Prius. Based on all the people who have posted their data, there seems to be between a 2%-5% difference, with the computer reading higher (better) mgas mileage, than what's actually measured when you fill up your tank. So that's nominally a 2 to 3 mpg higher reading.

That said...many of us easily get over 55mpg on their comutes. My comute is 28 miles each way, and my computer shows that i've been averaging about 32 miles/hour during my comute (because of traffic). I went an entire week, with my mpg over 60. This week, as I tried to increase my speed, I avergaed 58mpg. Still well above the EPA numbers.

Different strokes, for different folks. Personally, if i drove conservatively (to get better gas mileage), and I did not get at least the EPA number of 50mpg, I would have things checked out. Good luck.

[adamace1]

i get and average of 53 for the last 8,000 miles, the computer on the car says 56.5. i drive mostly highway going 65-96mph I flow with traffic.

[Manolo1]

Originally Posted by Coastie

Regarding my driving style: I don't go to extremes to eke out extra miles per tank. I drive the Prius like a car. I live in a hilly region which often requires a lot of time in the red zone.
I still love the Gen III, but I've shelved my dreams of 50 MPG.

Your dreams were unrealistic based on your driving habits.
I bought my Prius planning to continue driving exactly as I have been doing all along and was originally happy to get 40 mpg. I am averaging 42 so I am very happy.
(exactly double what I was getting before...)

[nineinchnail1024]

I think it has more to do with your most common driving routes than habits. I average 53mpg on the computer and I don't even attempt to hypermile, ever. But my routes to work, local shopping, and my family's houses are all very mpg friendly.

[bps]

I'm sorry to hear that. I have 2,850 miles on my Gen III with a 59.2 avg (computer, not actual).

Bryan

[tekgirl]

I am only averaging 42 mpg and am wondering if something is wrong. My driving is a mix of highway/local and a friend who travels the same route is getting over 50 with her Gen 2.

I have a Gen V, which is loaded but I was getting better gas mileage when it was new. It now has a little over 3000 miles. Can anyone shed some light on this?

Thanks

[john1701a]

Warm season is clearly better for me... 53.8 verses 51.3

Cold season is what I'm expecting to really see a difference with. This morning was the first frost. That hinted at good things to come.
.