08 Touring Model

[eclipse3g]

Finally did it, just got an 08 Touring Model, except for the dealer attempting to sell all kinds of protection plans (which I declined to purchase). Now the fun begins on learning what type of driving gets the best mileage.

I've heard 2 options, (1) briskly up to speed then back off, or (2) crawl up to speed attempting attempting to stay on battery mode. Vehicle will have a mix of freeway and city driving, also a lot of 2 lane country roads.

[charansr]

Welcome to the Touring Club! I bet you are going to love your new ride!

[richard schumacher]

You want to minimize use of the battery. Energy conversions (electrical <-> kinetic <-> chemical <-> thermal) always have losses, and batteries are especially bad.

[SureValla]

indeed congrats and enjoy knowing your touring is superior to all those who drive a prius

[Austin50mpg]

I have tried both ways on two different tanks of gas. I noted a 0.5 MPG difference favoring the slow crawl. The 0.5 MPG could have been from less wind that week or a butterfly flapping his wings in China.

The only thing the slow crawl does is piss off the people behind you. If there is no one behind me I sometimes still do the slow crawl just see the MFD bar on 100 MPG.

I think after my next fill up I am going to drive the Prius like I stole it (or what they consider normal in my area). Afterwards I am going to post the MPG's to a new thread. I think others have done similar things on PC, but I would like to see my MPG average after "normal" driving.

[SureValla]

I suggest turning off the mpg screen while driving normal to make the study unbiased

[wchardin]

Originally Posted by eclipse3g

Finally did it, just got an 08 Touring Model, except for the dealer attempting to sell all kinds of protection plans (which I declined to purchase). Now the fun begins on learning what type of driving gets the best mileage.

I've heard 2 options, (1) briskly up to speed then back off, or (2) crawl up to speed attempting attempting to stay on battery mode. Vehicle will have a mix of freeway and city driving, also a lot of 2 lane country roads.

What color did you get? Plan on posting any pictures?

[Austin50mpg]

Originally Posted by SureValla

I suggest turning off the mpg screen while driving normal to make the study unbiased

Good idea. I will turn off the MFD so I won't cheat.

[ginadee]

Originally Posted by eclipse3g

Finally did it, just got an 08 Touring Model, except for the dealer attempting to sell all kinds of protection plans (which I declined to purchase). Now the fun begins on learning what type of driving gets the best mileage.

I've heard 2 options, (1) briskly up to speed then back off, or (2) crawl up to speed attempting attempting to stay on battery mode. Vehicle will have a mix of freeway and city driving, also a lot of 2 lane country roads.

I was qouted 27000.00 for a 08 124c prius sedan #6 plus 2225.00 0 deductable 7yr/100ml ex-war
it turns out not to have my fav choice leather inside and I am considering the touring which I was not told about--suppose to go sign friday 1000 on cr card to hold only current pruis have in stock but time is not my concern I could wait the 3 to six weeks to get fav's on everything.

Could use all the advise
thanks ginadee

[rwhoyle]

ginadee,

I would spec out the color and package trim you want, place a deposit with the Dealer and wait for the car you want instead of buying one with the wrong color or trim or interior. You don't want to spend $27k for a new car and not have it the way you want it!!!! I would also recommend the Touring model as it will give you a firmer ride, better handling and feel for the road. The standard Prii has a softer suspension and not as much handling response as the Touring. If you can, test drive both and decide which you prefer, then go for it !!!