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Is the Prius Right For Me?

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by keNbo, Jun 5, 2009.

  1. keNbo

    keNbo New Member

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    Hello everyone! I am shopping around for a new car and the 2010 Prius is at the top of my list. I don't know much about hybrids and the technology yet. I've only test driven an 09 once and I liked it. It was pretty zippy! Looks like there are a lot of knowledgeable folks around so I'd like to know whether or not I can step right into a Prius and start achieving some great MPG numbers, or if I'll have to make some changes. Based on what I've read so far, sounds like I might be ok.

    Here's a little rundown:

    I'm currently driving a non-hybrid and averaging somewhere between 27-29 MPG at fill up. According to fueleconomy.gov, the car is estimated to get 19/28/23. This car is mainly for my commute to work. It's only about 18 miles one way, with about 14 of it being highway. There's generally light traffic on my way to work but there is a fair amount of stop and go on the way home.

    I always accelerate smoothly out of a stop. I scan ahead for traffic lights and coast as much as possible to avoid idling. When it's time to brake, I do it gently so it's a gradual deceleration. I'm not the type to keep my foot on the pedal and then have to mash on the brakes.

    Those are the main things. There are undoubtedly other things that I forgot to mention. Anyway, what do you think? I'm really excited about getting a new car. It'll be the first one I purchase for myself. Thanks in advance for any insight, tips and recommendations! :)
     
    #1 keNbo, Jun 5, 2009
  2. Blauer Glimmer

    Blauer Glimmer Active Member

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    I think you are the perfect Prius owner - you already drive like one. Go for it!
     
    #2 Blauer Glimmer, Jun 5, 2009
  3. keNbo

    keNbo New Member

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    Awesome! It is kind of scary reading about all the techniques and terminology that I see on the boards. What is MFD and TKS (or something)? Is there a post on here that explains all the acronyms?

    I admit, not knowing and understanding a lot of how hybrids work and all the techniques can be a little overwhelming. At times I felt like maybe I shouldn't get the car. But something kept telling me that it's probably a lot easier than it sounds.
     
    #3 keNbo, Jun 5, 2009
  4. cthindi

    cthindi Member

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    #4 cthindi, Jun 5, 2009
  5. timwalsh300

    timwalsh300 Member

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    The Prius doesn't require that you drive it differently from any other car. The stuff you describe - scanning ahead, letting off the gas, etc. - is the most efficient way to operate any car.

    Your question, "Is the Prius Right For Me?" is best answered by looking at other things... For example, how big of a car do you need? If you don't need a mid-size car, then the smaller Honda Insight or a sub-compact non-hybrid could cost you less over the long term. Other people really "need" to have a lot of power/speed. :rolleyes: For them, it's probably not a good choice.

    But its size and low cost of ownership make the Prius a very practical option for the typical person. I almost got something smaller, but I'm glad I didn't. I like being able to carry passengers comfortably, as well as put the rear seats down and fit a lot of cargo. And, of course, the 55+ mpg for $21,000...

    Tim
     
    #5 timwalsh300, Jun 5, 2009
  6. keNbo

    keNbo New Member

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    Thanks for the glossary! Apparently I got my terminology wrong in my original post. I coast. I cannot glide. ;)
     
    #6 keNbo, Jun 5, 2009
  7. keNbo

    keNbo New Member

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    Thanks, Tim! I guess my question is worded wrong. My main concern is that I don't want to buy a Prius and then get non-hybrid mileage and wonder what the heck is going on. I just want to be sure that the way I drive will translate really well when in a hybrid. :)

    I sat in an Insight. Can't say I was too impressed. Like you, I was considering something smaller but with the Prius being only slightly more expensive, it just doesn't seem worth it. Plus, I am a mid-size car kinda guy. All I've ever driven are mid-size so I'm definitely accustomed to all that they offer! The extra MPG from the Prius will be icing on the cake.
     
    #7 keNbo, Jun 5, 2009
  8. ksstathead

    ksstathead Active Member

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    What speed is the 14 miles of highway when not congested? If you drive it 75+, you will not see 50mpg on that portion. Other than that issue not mentioned, you are very well positioned to exceed EPA from the beginning (in any car). If you wish at any point to improve mpg even further, then come back and study and ask questions.

    Your question is a good one. I have a 1.5 mile commute, so my mpg stinks in any car short of a EV or PHEV. You are a perfect Prius candidate.
     
    #8 ksstathead, Jun 5, 2009
  9. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    I am a new 09 owner, since late march. I love the room inside. I carry 3 18 gallon tubs of computer gear and a Werner MT17 ladder inside with room for two passengers.

    On flat level two lane road with stop signs, cruising at 62 MPH to a town 50 miles away, I get 42 MPG average tank after tank. Driving 1000 miles to Dallas, 45 MPG at 74 MPH. This is driving as I normally drove before owning a Prius, no Pulse and Glide oddities.

    I see reduced MPG in the first 20 minutes of my commute, after the Prius warms it really does get better MPG. You may well find you are about to get great mileage when you arrive. If so, try to combine trips, shop THEN commute home or run errand THEN commute to work. That will put more of your best gas mileage time in an already warmed up state.
     
    #9 JimboPalmer, Jun 5, 2009
  10. keNbo

    keNbo New Member

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    Thank you!

    To answer your question, the 14 miles of highway in the morning is generally around 50-65 MPH. Nothing too crazy. There are plenty of on ramps with incoming traffic and plenty of pockets of slowing. So even 50 MPH is not sustainable for for more than a couple of miles without having to do some braking.
     
    #10 keNbo, Jun 5, 2009
  11. keNbo

    keNbo New Member

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    Would I be correct in saying that the "high" speeds + gear contributes to the lower MPG? That is still pretty decent MPG though.
     
    #11 keNbo, Jun 5, 2009
  12. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    More like high speed increases air resistance and the required amount of HP needed to maintain the higher speeds. :)
     
    #12 F8L, Jun 5, 2009
  13. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Between me and the gear, my Prius weighs quite a lot more than stock, so it is working harder to change speed. With the gear unloaded, I get about 3 MPG more.

    (I thought I would need an SUV to carry all this, I am retiring a Subaru Forester. 42 MPG is better than 24 MPG)
     
    #13 JimboPalmer, Jul 2, 2009
  14. SATCOM

    SATCOM New Member

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    I am in the initial stages of researching the Prius/Insight. Took my first Prius test drive today and was impressed. About a month ago took a Insight for a spin, and for me....the Prius won hands down. I may be commuting 65 miles one-way soon, so daily highway drives at 65 MPH will be the norm. Currently driving a Tacoma four banger, and it gets 22-24 on the highway.
     
    #14 SATCOM, Jul 4, 2009
  15. Verde

    Verde New Member

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    It's really hard to say for whom the Prius is not the perfect car. I'm a car nut (have a small sports car collection and an SUV) but I still view the Prius as an outstanding car and is my most frequent daily driver. Features:
    Obviously great efficiency
    Amazing amount of usable space (the SUV is no longer used for Costco runs!)
    Excellent ability to cruise at high speeds (I'm not a speeder, but constant 72mph)
    Remarkable reliability and high-quality construction
    OTOH, it may not be for you if:
    You like a high rate of acceleration
    A very quiet cabin (it has near-zero wind noise but significant road noise)
    Frequently carry more than two adults (handling is very weight sensitive)
    Want sports car-like handling. It is the second worst handling car I've ever experienced. (The worst is my old EV-1. The greatest car I've ever driven though).
    Most people who have never experience a Prius, when riding in mine for the first time are stunned at how large and refined a car it is. It is a brilliant piece of engineering.
     
    #15 Verde, Jul 7, 2009
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