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Are people really getting 40+ MPG in Gen 2?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Fuel Economy' started by timmyjane, Apr 12, 2017.

  1. K4S2

    K4S2 Junior Member

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    From K4S2:
    To the question of mpg....and the one on using Cruise. I got my 2009 Prius on Christmas Eve, 2008. :) I basically get 39.8, varying a tad from time to time -improving if all Cruise driving, like on Hiway or Freeway.... or a good stretch on a main street. I think it also seems to improve if I coast lots. But if my husband drives a good stretch with Cruise....it goes up to 40 to 44. After 4-5 days back with "me alone at the wheel" it drops back to around 39, again. I THINK I drive as he does in his 2018 Prius Gen 4.....but the proof is in the pudding....and he's just better at it. He says it makes him dizzy when I drive my '09....as when not on Cruise, I keep taking my foot off the accelerator to Coast, even for short distances. Um...methinks (& Hethinks) this helps little. ALSO: I do a faster accel to my desired speed....& he says that likely hurts. On either my '09 or his '18 (and previously on his '05, which he traded for his '18), he takes his time "up to speed." So.....give "Slow takeoff" and "Cruise whenever possible" strategies a try...& maybe add "Coast when can". We even use Cruise in residential zones (like a steady 35 mph) & that helps me slowly gain....or at least maintain. :)
     
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  2. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    I don't do this slow take-off thing, but I'm not mashing the pedal to the floor either and I get good MPG. If I had to quantify it I accelerate on average at 17 - 20 instantaneous MPG. If you want to get an idea of what to aim for, use the cruise control to accelerate from 40 MPH to 60 MPH and watch the instantaneous MPG while you're doing it. BUT, do not get distracted, though.
     
  3. Another

    Another Senior Member

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    The reason cruise control typically results in higher mpg is that humans can’t resist the temptation to touch the accelerator, while the cruise only does so when needed. Have you ever noticed how people in the next lane invariably speed up as you approach them at a constant speed? It’s like they’re in a race or something.
    There is a sweet spot in the off the line acceleration, too slow on a hybrid is nearly as bad as flooring it. Some people just never master it.
    Low to Mid 40’s mpg is low. 39 is atrocious. Maybe check you plugs, have they ever been changed?
     
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  4. Q*bertZ

    Q*bertZ Member

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    I took this picture in my 2005 Toyota Prius. Driving 58 mph for 98 miles. 55.8mpg 20211201_101231.jpg
     
  5. Q*bertZ

    Q*bertZ Member

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    This is what I usually get driving 70+mph or more though. Same trip. 44.3mpg 20211201_082401.jpg
     
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  6. ydpplqbd

    ydpplqbd Active Member

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    I just filled up today. And, I calculated my mileage was 39.6mpg for the last tank. For which I was grateful. As I got this mileage while towing a 5x8 foot trailer almost 300 miles. Without trailer I usually get 50mpg.
     
  7. Another

    Another Senior Member

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    And you lived to tell about it!
     
  8. lexidium

    lexidium Active Member

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    prius.jpg
    Dip and glide
     
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  9. Q*bertZ

    Q*bertZ Member

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    Are you driving down hill all the time? Or, do you have a new hybrid battery? That looks like a 2007 or newer screen.
     
  10. lexidium

    lexidium Active Member

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    2008. Original hybrid.
    Don't forget that UK miles are slightly different to US miles.
    I just drive with dip and glide without thinking about it now. It's ridiculous when I drive another car with a gearbox. :D:D
     
  11. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    Miles are just miles, thank goodness. It's the gallons that are different.
     
  12. lexidium

    lexidium Active Member

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    (y)(y) Ha Ha. Of course you're right. What were those chains and furlongs again. :LOL:
     
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  13. Q*bertZ

    Q*bertZ Member

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    Not like statue miles and nautical miles when flying.
     
  14. Cordell

    Cordell Junior Member

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    09, 220k, original battery. Consistently 48-52 mpg on the MFD
     
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  15. Aegean

    Aegean Active Member

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    Yes I am getting over 41 mpg for about 172k miles and 16 years now. It dropped to 38 once when I went for a trip to a mountain in the middle of the winter. When it was new I was getting 44-45 but I am happy at 41 mpg for a 16 year old car.
     
  16. tracy ing

    tracy ing Active Member

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    My 2005 almost 300k gets 52 when im driving 43 when my wife is driving
     
  17. NORMAL POPS

    NORMAL POPS New Member

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    I have an 09 with 139k miles, I never run the tank bone dry, always leave the last bar on the guage, I run about 341miles a fill up on 8 gallons, which works out to nearly 43 mpg. I did just buy it at 137.8k miles, I did just clean the fan and change transmission fluid. I'm doing all my own preventative maintenance, this is a learning car for me and I gotta say I love the gen 2 Prius!
     
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  18. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    Do remember that on a Prius (or at least of this era), the last bar never goes completely off the gauge even when the tank is bone dry. It will blink or flash, yes, but unlike my Subaru, it never goes dark.
     
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  19. lexidium

    lexidium Active Member

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    Also, there's been lots of speculation in numerous threads about how much petrol is used in one bar's-worth so it's not easy to tell how much your usual fill up amount will bring you in miles. Certainly, an exact figure like 341 miles may be quite a bit out either way.
     
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  20. srellim234

    srellim234 Senior Member

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    A great reason why our standard practice has always been to fill up when convenient after the gauge hits two bars. No stress, no mess.
     
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