something wrong??? low mpg

Way too early to judge, the sstandard recommendation here is "Just drive it, don't baby it, don't try to outguess the hybrid system computers". and if the actual mileage is less than 44 after 3 tanks, you may have a problem.

 

Please state the vehicle mileage.

 

The AC is electric and runs off of the HV battery. Put the car in P but leave it in ready mode and the engine will run enough to keep the battery charged. It won't hurt the car and will keep the battery from over-discharging.
There are lots of threads here on how to increase mileage...just do some searches. Remember that 42mpg in almost any other car would be unobtainable.

 

Well, just for kicks, go to the top of the local hill and reset your meter, 99 mpg for a few miles will be nice to watch, now simply drive the speed limit, it(the hill) will be more fun in terms of getting high mileage for your eyes... after three tanks of gas your actual mileage will be evident.

Yes, in "ready", sitting, ac draws down the traction rapidly,ntw

 

Yes, you are being too quick. Drive the car 'normally' for a few tanks to learn how it works, without trying to play the MPG game. Once you have established a baseline number, then start trying to improve. It is too easy for neophytes to outsmart themselves and actually cause lower mpg than the car can achieve when making its own decisions.

After buying the car, did you reset the Trip meters to clear out previous drivers' mpg history that would be averaged in with yours? If not, do so now.

Do you reset one trip meter every morning? This will help provide rapid feedback about what works and what does not. It also highlights the awful mpg as the car starts warming up, and the improving mpg with trip distance. The end-of-day mpg is the only number that really counts.

Then read and answer this questionnaire, posting the results to this thread. Your answers will help us tease out additional likely problems. Fuel economy complaints/queries? Please copy, paste & answer these questions, esp. if you're new

 

i agree with everyone.. just drive like you would in any other car and you will be fine.. i drive 125 miles a day and do about 75-80mph and look at the mpg i am getting. after a few more tanks i will kick back a little (70-75mph) and see if i can squeeze a few more MPG

 

There are routes, terrains, and speeds that are exceptionally hard on not just Prius but all car mileage. For example, West Virginia and some of Rocky Mountain areas spring to mind. Where are you located?

Warm-up is an important aspect of Prius operation. You might try this trick I'd learned from our Japanese friends. When you get in the car, start it up immediately but leave it in "P" and then get ready to drive. Within 15-20 seconds, the engine will start and run for about a minute. During this time the engine will warm-up the oxygen sensors so it can go into 'closed loop' operation . . . a very fuel efficient mode.

Use this time to lower all the windows and 'let the heat out.' Set the radio, adjust mirrors, get the cabin temperatures right, and settle down. This is different from folks who are used to leaving the engine off until the last moment and then 'driving off' right after turning on the ignition. This little pause to let the engine warm-up just enough go into 'closed loop' mode where it keeps the fuel-air mixture at the best ratio even under early, high power loads.

Many newly bought Prius are sold with tires set to the door jam pressure or even lower. This has a bad effect on mileage and makes the steering less precise. Increasing the tire pressure to 40 psi or even higher (check the maximum sidewall pressure embossed in the rubber near the hub rim) reduces rolling drag and slightly improves stopping in wet conditions but can make the ride seem a little harder.

There are other tricks and techniques but one of the things Ken@Japan recommended was trying to keep the power bar out of the "red" region. It is not always possible so don't make a fetish of it. Just a good habit to get into.

GOOD LUCK!
Bob Wilson

 

Great idea to have the 12v checked and I'd have the dealer replace the tires with at least a set of Goodyear Assurant Fuel Max, if not a set of Michelins. My used Prius came with a set of new Goodyears and the mileage was 51-52 calculated so LRRs will improve your mileage.

 

If it isn't too late, did you get a sample?

A clean, dry water bottle is perfect. It does not have to be analyzed but seeing the condition gives a clue.

Bob Wilson

 

You know, out of context, this is funny

Anywho, I don't think this might be tire related. The car has been around for a while and it could be a couple things.

Things I can think of:
1. The tire alignment may be off causing the tires to drag if they have excess toe.
2. The brakes could be sticking or rubbing
3. The engine could have gunk build up in it causing decreased power.
4. The air filter could be dirty as heck.

My money is on the air filter. If the previous owner never replaced it, your car could be acting like it has asthma. I would also check your cabin filter too just in case. I would check the other items on my list before changing and buying new tires.

 

My bet is on the tires, have you checked with the dealer about switching tires, they might just want to please you.