Does it get any better?!

That's great milage for your 1st tank! I didn't begin getting over 50MPG untill I hit 20,000 miles and then BOOM, my average jumped to about 52MPG (up from about 47MPG) Congrats on your new car. The grin doesn't go away for a long time.

 

Believe it or not it gets even better. I'm also am still on my first tank, 423 miles with on block left not yet blinking. Right now my average is 48.3MPG but at least the first have of my total mileage was with 5 people in the car which was very close to max weight. The prius does have a max weight of around 850lbs, thats people and luggage combined. So if it's just me, my wife or even with the two kids we will get even better results. I can't wait to take it on a long trip. I'm so excited about this car I could pee down one leg. (haha)

 

I have taken the average temperatures for each month as published by the meteorological institute (KNMI in the Netherlands) and plotted the miles per gallon against it. At the highest temperatures it bends downward again because of the airco, I presume.

 

I am so jealous of you guys. I've had my Prius for almost a month now. I only got about 38.9 mpg on the first tank and I'm averaging about the same amount on my second tank. My other Prius-owning friends in Los Angeles average about 48 to 50mpg. I do live in the Hollywood Hills so I'm thinking going up and down the hills every day is killing my gas mileage. Do you think my mileage will get better as my car gets broken in a little more?

 

Hi All,

Yes, Herbielb, I do think that your mileage will improve not only when your car gets more broken in but also when you are more adept at optimal driving.

My car is going to be two months old on Tuesday and I have seen my mileage vary from 43.6 MPG to 50 MPG average per tank depending on when, where and how I drive. I agree that the hills are probably giving your mileage a hit.

Having lived in the Hollywood hills myself, I know how they tend to climb and drop. Also, the stop signs don't tend to help. You might be able to improve your mileage by practicing coasting more, it really will make a difference.

You might also experiment with different routes in and out of the hills. Some may be longer than others but might offer more optimal terrain for your MPG.

The energy screen on your MFD (multi-function-display) can help you to learn how to best operate your car for fuel efficiency.

I would recommend practicing at times when you can pay attention just to that info and the road and little else. So, a drive into the Valley for a pitch meeting, while talking on your cell and trying not to spill your starbucks on that Mullholland curve above Barham might not be the best time to practice.

I know for me, I make the mileage thing kind of a game and drive my hubby nuts as I won't get gas until I hit whatever magic number I have set for myself. I have even been known to take a couple of laps around my block in stealth mode just to raise my average a tenth of a point or two before I finally pull into my drive. Of course, I am a bit obsessed but...

Anyway, one of the best things about this car that I have found is that everytime you get a chance to drive it, the car brings some of the magic and enjoyment of driving back.

I find this especially amazing after having spent 10+ years cursing and spitting whilst driving between the Valley and the city. I love the fact that now when I get caught in that bumper-to-bumper nonsense that afflicts L.A. like a disease, I am at least able to look down at my MFD, smile and say "Well, traffic suck's but it sure does wonders for my mileage".

Take care all and enjoy your wonderful rides!

Tisza