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n00b with a used '10 pkg 5 w/ adv tech pkg - 39mpg (and other assorted issues)

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by atwistinourfates, Aug 21, 2014.

  1. atwistinourfates

    atwistinourfates New Member

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    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Hi there fellow Prius driver

    I purchased a used 2010 Prius Five with the Advanced Tech Package, 50K miles. Clean carfax, all service records on file with Toyota.

    Few issues I have so far:
    1. On my first fill, I reset Trip A so that I could track MPG. I used the AC for 90% of the miles I've driven on this tank so far, and 50% of my driving on this tank has been on the highway (~78 mph). Most of those miles have been with dynamic radar cruise control. The rest has been around town. My last car was a hybrid (04 Honda Insight), so I'm familiar with the P&G methods and a few hypermiling techniques, yet cannot seem to break 40 mpg. Am I doing something wrong? Some things I should check out?

    2. Unrelated to the MPG, but the windshield has been replaced. I just noticed it yesterday, and it wasn't listed on the CarFax. Thoughts?

    3. Siri does not work with bluetooth, correct?

    4. iPod plugged into the center console and then starting the vehicle with my phones BT on leads the BT audio to connect to my iphone, but then my iPod is not recognized, even if I unplug it and plug it back in. Only way to get it to recognize is I turn the BT off on my phone, then restart the car. Then the iPod works. It also works if I turn the car on with BT off, let the iPod read, then turn BT on after that. Then I can swap between BT audio and my iPod just fine. Thoughts?

    5. I've never owned a car with leather interior, and boy is it hot! Car doesn't come with remote A/C, however I've noticed some fobs floating around with the A/C button on them. Is it as simple as installing a module and programming a new FOB? (looks like they're around 300 bucks). Really didn't want to get a Viper alarm system just to get the two-way comm. Remote Start to start the A/C a few minutes before leaving work cause I didn't really care to get a car alarm; I really like the passive entry system, and if I have to deactivate an alarm system from a fob before unlocking the car, what's the point of keyless entry? :p Is the module available and easy to use, or is there a better alternative with more range?

    Other than that, the build quality of this vehicle is phenomenal. Coming from a very small Honda Insight with no suspension, plenty of road noise, and no power, this is a treat to drive. Hopefully there are easy fixes or workarounds to my questions/concerns.

    Thanks in advance to anyone who participates in this thread!
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome to priuschat!(y) check your 12 volt battery with a voltmeter in the morning before starting the car. look up your tyres to see if they are low rolling resistance, and inflate them to 42/40 f/r.
     
    #2 bisco, Aug 21, 2014
    Last edited: Aug 22, 2014
  3. atwistinourfates

    atwistinourfates New Member

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    Five
    Okay. Will do first thing after work and post the results.
     
  4. atwistinourfates

    atwistinourfates New Member

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    Five
    Okay, it has michelin P215/45/R17 87V primacy MXM4 tires. I think they are LRR.
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    excellent, how many miles on them, and what are the cold pressures?
     
  6. atwistinourfates

    atwistinourfates New Member

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    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    They're rated at 55K, not sure what the prev owner had on them or when they replaced the original ones with these, however the car only had 50K miles on it when I purchased it earlier this week, so my guess is these are fairly new with less than 10-15K miles driven on them so far.

    I'll get cold pressures to you when I get a chance to check them (get out in two hours). I think they're running air and not nitro cause I didn't see a nitro-fill card in the glove compartment.

    Anything else I can do to improve fuel economy? Know anything about the iPod or Siri situation? Remote start?
     
  7. RRxing

    RRxing Senior Member

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    If 50% of your driving is >75 mph, 39 mpg is not totally unreasonable.
     
  8. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Having 17" wheels will definitely reduce your mpg. You can look at Dorunron's fuelly average on his new 2013 with 17" tires, avg 49mpg.....and he really knows how to drive his car to get the maximum mpg.

    My 2010 V is similar in not getting great mpg. I do lots of driving around town and get about 42mpg on mine.
     
  9. atwistinourfates

    atwistinourfates New Member

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    Five
    They were all about 38 PSI. inflated to 42 f, 40 r. Just filled. I reset the trip and I'll set cruise to 75 on the highway and see what happens.
     
  10. ursle

    ursle Gas miser

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    Err, the speed limit is 75?
    Simply drive the speed limit, don't tail gate, attain speed limits briskly and enjoy the mpg's, or not.
     
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    did you check the 12v yet? i don't know anything about iPod or siri, i think there is a toyota remote start, but no details.
     
  12. jejb

    jejb Member

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    Agreed. My worst mileage has come at speeds in excess of 70. Our best mileage always comes from tanks with little to no highway miles.
     
  13. RRxing

    RRxing Senior Member

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    5. Remote A/C and Remote Start are two separate options. IIRC, Remote A/C was only available with the sunroof option, and the key fob came with the extra button. Remote start (which I have) runs for 10 minutes to help warm up the interior in the winter (not much of an issue in FLA ;)) or cool it down in the summer. In either case, you'd have to set the climate controls as desired before shutting off the car for it to have the intended effect when using the remote start the next time.

    Hope this helps...