calculating gas savings

finman · 11-05-2004, 12:14 PM

So I've hit the 15K mile mark and decided to calculate my gas savings over the past 8 months (yes, I just LOVE to drive this car!). 15,500 miles using 330 gallons of gas (46 MPG) X $2.00/gal = $660.
Seems kinda high until I compare to my old vehicle, a 1989 Nissan Pathfinder. I will admit I didn't track mileage as closely as my Prius but 15 MPG is a fair guesstimate.
15500 miles at 15 MPG = 1,033 gallons. That's about a 700 gallon savings, which = $1400.
Your results may vary, but I for one see my 'investment' being justified in another 15K miles (roughly $2800 saved in gas). That should occur within 2 years of purchasing my Prius, well ahead of the 10 year time frame claimed by 'experts'. I use the $2800 figure with all the 'experts' claiming hybrids cost $3000 more than a comparable gas-only car, even though the Prius has no equal when you factor in the tech, the extras, the roominess, the fun-to-drive-factor, and lest not forget the partial zero emissions! Nice! I can't wait for the next 15,000 miles.

**TonyPSchaefer** · 11-06-2004, 01:08 AM

I used to track my '98 Buick Regal. Every week I put about 11 gallons in the tank. At $2.00 per gallon, that's (11 x 52 x $2.00) = $1,144.

I had a 22.5 MPG average over the summer from Feb. to Aug. (while I was waiting for Priapus). I can only assume the mileage would be worse in the winter, but won't go ino that much detail. I will simply say that at 22.5 MPG, every tank gave me around (22.5 x 11) = 247 miles. In one year, that's an average of (247 x 52) = 12,844 miles per year.

Priapus is currently giving me an average of 47.5 MPG. To drive the same 12,844 miles, I will have to use around (12,844 / 47.5 ) = 270.4 gallons. At the same $2.00 per gallon, that's around $541.

A savings of ($1,144 - $541) = $482.

DaveinOlyWA · 11-06-2004, 12:50 PM

Tony...

how come you don t use a calculator?

**TonyPSchaefer** · 11-06-2004, 01:48 PM

Dammit, Dave!
Is my math all screwed up? I was using a calcualtor and referencing my old records at the same time. I might have crossed realized experience with calcualted results. Now I have to redo everything.

DaveinOlyWA · 11-06-2004, 03:47 PM

well Tony...

i didnt use a calculator but when going from a car (22.5 mpg) that gets less than half the mileage of your Prius (47.5) then the savings will be more than double the amount of gas spent in the Prius correct?

well that is not what you have reflected when you stated the Prius uses $541 and saved $482.

personally i think the numbers ultimately will be correct simply because the Prius is a much more pleasant driving experience which in turn result in more miles driven in the Prius than with your other vehicle making the savings about right.

**TonyPSchaefer** · 11-06-2004, 04:33 PM

Quote:

well Tony...
well that is not what you have reflected when you stated the Prius uses $541 and saved $482.

First of all, I have a degree in Language and Linguistics, not Math. Ok, also one in Computer Science, but that's different! :-)

I'm stumped. I must really be looking at this whole problem from the wrong angle. I've recrunched the numbers but keep coming up with the same results. I've tried a few other approaches, but haven't gotten anything to work out.

From now on I'm just going to say that I get more than twice as much in MPG so I pay less than half in gas.
My brain's shot; I need coffee. :goodmorning:

bruceha_2000 · 11-06-2004, 09:23 PM

Quote:

A savings of ($1,144 - $541) = $482.

We'll give you this one Tony, but you have to earn the next one. Remember, ALWAYS check your answer to see if it is reasonable. If it isn't, start over. At least that is what we tell the girls regarding their math. :-)

I don't know how you did it, I can't even get close by transposing the digits in the numbers, but the answer is: $1144-$541 = $603

Let's see, is it reasonable? We expect the amount saved to be more than the amount spent on gas for the Prius since it gets better than twice the mileage. Yep, it is reasonable. :-)

DaveinOlyWA · 11-06-2004, 10:21 PM

hmmm... i still think that he will enjoy driving the Prius so much more that he will only save $482 like he said.

bruceha_2000 · 11-06-2004, 10:33 PM

Hmmm, a new article: The REAL reason people don't think the Prius gets the mileage they expect

"Prius drivers so enjoy their cars they are spending almost as much on gas as they did when they drove an SUV. In fact, most drive at least 3 times as many miles in their Prius. Thus, while they expected to fill up only once or twice a month, they have to get gas nearly as often. "

**TonyPSchaefer** · 11-06-2004, 10:47 PM

I realize that we've gone in a direction other than that in which finman had in mind. And here I thought I was adding to the conversation when it seems I only mucked it up. And Bruce, I'm not sure how I did it either, but I SWEAR that's the number I got a couple times over. Oh well.

Though this has gotten me thinking. Someone mentioned that there's a savings calculator either on the Prius site or on the Ford Escape or Accord Hybrid site. I will try to whip something up for the Files section of PriusChat. An Excel spreadsheet that will allow the user to enter their current car's MPG and show gallons and dollars savings per year.

I think what finman started will turn into something everyone can use to calculate savings already realized - as in his case - or potential savings for those considering or waiting.

But of course, if someone who is better at math than I would want to do this, be my guest. I've already proven my skills. :?

11-05-2004, 12:14 PM	#1
finman Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Harrisburg, PA Posts: 931 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #7 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	calculating gas savings So I've hit the 15K mile mark and decided to calculate my gas savings over the past 8 months (yes, I just LOVE to drive this car!). 15,500 miles using 330 gallons of gas (46 MPG) X $2.00/gal = $660. Seems kinda high until I compare to my old vehicle, a 1989 Nissan Pathfinder. I will admit I didn't track mileage as closely as my Prius but 15 MPG is a fair guesstimate. 15500 miles at 15 MPG = 1,033 gallons. That's about a 700 gallon savings, which = $1400. Your results may vary, but I for one see my 'investment' being justified in another 15K miles (roughly $2800 saved in gas). That should occur within 2 years of purchasing my Prius, well ahead of the 10 year time frame claimed by 'experts'. I use the $2800 figure with all the 'experts' claiming hybrids cost $3000 more than a comparable gas-only car, even though the Prius has no equal when you factor in the tech, the extras, the roominess, the fun-to-drive-factor, and lest not forget the partial zero emissions! Nice! I can't wait for the next 15,000 miles. __________________ 04' Seaside Pearl #7. Fumoto oil drain, add-on mudflaps, rear bumper scuff protector & rear sensor warn, compass mirror, EV mode, synthetic oil, 8" custom sub in right rear cubby, 6" subs under front seats, power lumbar in front seats, Coastaletech hitch with Aspen bike/snowboard rack, iPod2car, DVD video, 2 amps, Alpine component speakers, solid 47 MPG @70000 miles, best tank 56 MPG.

11-06-2004, 01:08 AM	#2
TonyPSchaefer Ruler of Omicron Persei 8 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Far-North Chicagoland Posts: 7,612 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 4 Times in 2 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 13	I used to track my '98 Buick Regal. Every week I put about 11 gallons in the tank. At $2.00 per gallon, that's (11 x 52 x $2.00) = $1,144. I had a 22.5 MPG average over the summer from Feb. to Aug. (while I was waiting for Priapus). I can only assume the mileage would be worse in the winter, but won't go ino that much detail. I will simply say that at 22.5 MPG, every tank gave me around (22.5 x 11) = 247 miles. In one year, that's an average of (247 x 52) = 12,844 miles per year. Priapus is currently giving me an average of 47.5 MPG. To drive the same 12,844 miles, I will have to use around (12,844 / 47.5 ) = 270.4 gallons. At the same $2.00 per gallon, that's around $541. A savings of ($1,144 - $541) = $482. __________________ Proud father of Priapus: the '04 Tideland BC9 with an OEM EV button and sense of self-righteousness >>Current Mileage<< Spreading information and passing gas in the Greater Chicagoland area

11-06-2004, 03:47 PM	#5
DaveinOlyWA Opps !! I Did it Again!! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: South Puget Sound, WA Posts: 9,239 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #4 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 4	well Tony... i didnt use a calculator but when going from a car (22.5 mpg) that gets less than half the mileage of your Prius (47.5) then the savings will be more than double the amount of gas spent in the Prius correct? well that is not what you have reflected when you stated the Prius uses $541 and saved $482. personally i think the numbers ultimately will be correct simply because the Prius is a much more pleasant driving experience which in turn result in more miles driven in the Prius than with your other vehicle making the savings about right. __________________ My 2006: Last tank 457.6 miles @54.2 pump (54.3 computer) 7.12 cpm winter mpg 50.78 summer mpg 55.25 lifetime: 30,151.4 miles 53.13 mpg pump (54.37 mpg computer) 5.70 cpm My 2007 Zenn Driven 4474 miles, 2.08 cpm/ 178 mpg (at $3.71/gal), 3.75 miles/ Kwh Savings over my Prius $244.71 The Corolla...447.12 The REAL SAVINGS from not driving Corolla 544.07 +Prius=788.78 (excludes maintenance costs...would be unfair to ICE vehicles) My Plate: DUALPWR (Dual Power)

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11-06-2004, 12:50 PM	#3
DaveinOlyWA Opps !! I Did it Again!! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: South Puget Sound, WA Posts: 9,239 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #4 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 4	Tony... how come you don t use a calculator?

11-06-2004, 01:48 PM	#4
TonyPSchaefer Ruler of Omicron Persei 8 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Far-North Chicagoland Posts: 7,612 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 4 Times in 2 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 13	Dammit, Dave! Is my math all screwed up? I was using a calcualtor and referencing my old records at the same time. I might have crossed realized experience with calcualted results. Now I have to redo everything.

11-06-2004, 10:21 PM	#8
DaveinOlyWA Opps !! I Did it Again!! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: South Puget Sound, WA Posts: 9,239 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #4 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 4	hmmm... i still think that he will enjoy driving the Prius so much more that he will only save $482 like he said.

11-06-2004, 10:33 PM	#9
bruceha_2000 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: South Burlington, VT Posts: 2,127 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #8 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Hmmm, a new article: The REAL reason people don't think the Prius gets the mileage they expect "Prius drivers so enjoy their cars they are spending almost as much on gas as they did when they drove an SUV. In fact, most drive at least 3 times as many miles in their Prius. Thus, while they expected to fill up only once or twice a month, they have to get gas nearly as often. "

11-06-2004, 10:47 PM	#10
TonyPSchaefer Ruler of Omicron Persei 8 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Far-North Chicagoland Posts: 7,612 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 4 Times in 2 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 13	I realize that we've gone in a direction other than that in which finman had in mind. And here I thought I was adding to the conversation when it seems I only mucked it up. And Bruce, I'm not sure how I did it either, but I SWEAR that's the number I got a couple times over. Oh well. Though this has gotten me thinking. Someone mentioned that there's a savings calculator either on the Prius site or on the Ford Escape or Accord Hybrid site. I will try to whip something up for the Files section of PriusChat. An Excel spreadsheet that will allow the user to enter their current car's MPG and show gallons and dollars savings per year. I think what finman started will turn into something everyone can use to calculate savings already realized - as in his case - or potential savings for those considering or waiting. But of course, if someone who is better at math than I would want to do this, be my guest. I've already proven my skills. :?