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Something's Wrong

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Fuel Economy' started by Don Felts, Aug 20, 2024 at 5:26 PM.

  1. Don Felts

    Don Felts Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2022
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    Location:
    Mississippi
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    III
    I've never posted much once or twice. When I had a problem. Thanks guys for the support. I have a 2008 Prius base. Has over 315000 miles on it. I've driven it for years. I commute 180 miles 4 days a week. My average has been 42-47. Depending on tires. My tires are pretty worn. Goodyear Fuel Max Radials. Bought them in July 2022. They have over 70000 miles on them. Probably 80000. You know as tires wear mph goes up . I used to use Bridgestone Ecopia EP422. The Bridgestones. Didn't last very long. They could blow out anytime. I pumped all 4 tires to 42#
    Yesterday I filled up at Murphy's. I noticed the fuel smelled very rich and strong. More than usual. I drove 90 miles. I noticed my gas didn't change much. I stopped at Kroger to fill up. Kroger fuel cost less $2.67 a gallon. The tank held $2.00! 3 quarts! I drove a Honda Insight for many years on the same commute and the best MPGs I ever got was 75 MPSs. I was drafting a semi with a 15 mph tail wind. I can't believe it went 90 miles on 3 quarts. That's a little over 100 mph. It had to be the fuel. Nothing else explains it. I'm certain I put low test in it. I've never put anything else in it. I guess there is a chance the the trucker got the fuels mixed up. I've always believed the Prius won't do better on hi test. I've never even tried it. If I'd known I could get over 100 MPGs using premium I would have. What do you guys think? Has there ever been similar experiences?
    Thanks for looking.
    Donald Felts
     
    #1 Don Felts, Aug 20, 2024 at 5:26 PM
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 21, 2024 at 2:27 PM
  2. MAX2

    MAX2 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2024
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    Location:
    Third Rock from the Sun
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Try refilling with higher grade fuel and measure the new consumption during the trip.
    If consumption changes for the better, then switch to new fuel.
     
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Plug-in Base
    that is the vaguest post i have ever read regarding how to determine mpg and its causes
     
  4. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2009
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    Location:
    Western Washington
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
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    My first suspicion is that this fuel pump may have cut out earlier than the previous fuel pump, producing a very inaccurate MPG calculation.

    What MPG was the car showing?