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New owner confused as hell

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Fuel Economy' started by mattleerocks, Jan 4, 2011.

  1. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    12v battery is same as any other car. Probably $100?

    The tank technically holds 11.9 gallons, although I never reach even 9 gallons even when my last pip is blinking.
     
  2. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    My local dealer quoted me $240.

    11.9 gallons, but it can vary significantly, due to the bladder. See 2004 Toyota Prius FAQ. The most I've ever put in my Prius was 9.975 gallons. To prevent from running out of gas, I would get gas soon at 2 pips and would REALLY get gas ASAP at 1 pip.

    Don't run out as a lot of newbies do by multiplying mileage on MFD * 11.9 thinking there should be enough and then suddenly running out. You have no idea how much is really in there. Also, don't keep trying to force more gas into the tank once the pump has clicked off. I'd almost never top off, but if I did, I'd add no more than 1-2 more clicks.

    Habitual topping off can cause damage, a CEL light and an expensive repair.
     
  3. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    Unfortunately not. :(

    There's been lots of chatter on the subject of the 12V in threads like:
    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...installation-yellowtop-12v-aux-battery-2.html
    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...ternative-v-power-better-than-optima-oem.html.
    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...2v-battery-replacement-preemptive-strike.html

    I even asked a question on this and got an interesting reply at http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...ry-why-elearnaid-seattle-area-installers.html.
     
  4. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    Ok. $240 still isn't bad.
     
  5. don_chuwish

    don_chuwish Well Seasoned Member

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    If you have any DIY skills at all I'd suggest going with the eLearnAid kit linked earlier by JimboPalmer (post #18 of this thread).

    - D
     
  6. That_Prius_Car

    That_Prius_Car Austin Kinser

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    Hm, also, if your car isn't aligned, it can make your MPG drop by 2 to 3mpg.
    Cold weather can cause it too.
    Wind.
    Hills?
     
  7. mattleerocks

    mattleerocks New Member

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    Just a little update. So I inflated the tires to the specified PSI and now I'm getting 42 mpg. I've been working to find the sweet spot on my gas pedal that allows me to maintain speed and good mpg. I'm going to have to give the dealer a call to schedule a 12v battery replacement too. Overall its a good car. I'll have to get used to how slow it is but I didn't buy it for speed so its okay.

    Thanks for the advice everyone!

    Pics of my car:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  8. mattleerocks

    mattleerocks New Member

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    Lots of hills where I drive. They are pretty much what kill me right now. Gonna drive my car to Mission Viejo this weekend so I'll see what kind of mpg I can average on that trip
     
  9. Rae Vynn

    Rae Vynn Artist In Residence

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    Drive as though you don't have brakes.

    That means anticipate. Watch for traffic patterns, and stoplights. If you can slowly roll through a signal change (watch how semi drivers do it) rather than stop, wait, start, you will keep momentum working for you. Watch traffic -- are people speeding up, then slamming on the brakes for another slowdown? Just drive slower, steadier, and watch how you flow through the traffic this way. It improves MPG, and it improves your mood! :)
     
  10. donee

    donee New Member

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    Hi Mattleerocks,

    Do not confuse accelleration with power. That is a common mistake. The Prius achieves accelleration by avoiding shifting time, and having a transmission with a large ratio range. This allows the engine to get to full horsepower, at a much slower speed than other cars.
     
  11. mattleerocks

    mattleerocks New Member

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    Battery died on me this morning. Car is at the dealer getting it replaced. Lets see if a new battery improves my MPG
     
  12. darelldd

    darelldd Prius is our Gas Guzzler

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    It surely can't hurt!

    So refreshing to have somebody come on here - from a performance car perspective - and respectfully want to understand the Prius for what it can do instead of what it can't do. Hat off to you! As far as the Prius not being "fast" I guess you mean it doesn't accelerate as hard as you're used to. It'll go plenty "fast" enough, though it has been awhile since I've been over 100 mph (well at least in a gas car). As I spend most transportation miles on my bicycle, I'm typically astonished at how much power the Prius has. Way more than any mortal human ever needs, certainly! It is all about perspective.

    Oh, and it has already been said - don't fret the gas mileage until you get used to the car and have a couple of tanks burned. It'll all makes sense before you know it. And you WILL start driving it without thinking about it very soon. It just happens. Then you'll glace at your average mileage at some point and notice that it's pretty good!

    Welcome to the Prius club!
     
  13. mattleerocks

    mattleerocks New Member

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    Well thats not true. I am guilty of mentioning the negative aspects of the car. Its a slow car that understeers quite a bit (and I have the touring model) and its not a fun car to drive either because of this. But I didn't buy this car as a fun car. If I wanted a fun car, I would have bought the 6.2L V8 Chevy Camaro. But I'd be burning through gas like a maniac. This is a great point A to point B car and its got a lot of practicality in it. Compact car footprint with mid-size interior and lots of trunk space and out of this world mileage. Its a great practical car with a lot of great features. Overall, I like it :)
     
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  14. zonie911

    zonie911 Member

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    Keep in mind this gen II has a bladder/type gas tank- and if you let it get too low on gas--it will take a few fill ups to expand the bladder.
    I know the Audi was absolutely fab... but you will grow to love the Prius.
     
  15. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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  16. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    Suspension upgrades are always worth it.
     
  17. mattleerocks

    mattleerocks New Member

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    Don't get me wrong. The Audi was a blast to drive but every few months there was something wrong with it. My Prius has navigation, JBL sound system, push button start, and more importantly, Reliability. The reliability by itself makes it more than worth having.

    I hated the Audi because of how unreliable it is. I still got it though :)
     
  18. darelldd

    darelldd Prius is our Gas Guzzler

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    I'm still trying to figure out which part of what I said isn't true?
    That the Prius doesn't accelerate as quickly as more powerful cars?
    That you want to understand the car for what it can do?
    That I usually ride a bike?
    That you'll get used to driving it?

    Maybe you aren't giving yourself enough credit for wanting to get the most out of the car vs. only complaining about the lack of power and handling? I get that you enjoy powerful performance cars. But you realize that this isn't that. I'm trying to compliment you... just stand there and take it like a man! ;)
     
  19. mattleerocks

    mattleerocks New Member

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    I was referring to this statement:

    "So refreshing to have somebody come on here - from a performance car perspective - and respectfully want to understand the Prius for what it can do instead of what it can't do."

    I really can't complain about how slow it is any more so I might as well try to get good mpg lol
     
  20. mattleerocks

    mattleerocks New Member

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    Just a little update on whats going on. I've driven a almost 300 miles on my next tank of gas. I'm up to 43 MPG now. Tire pressure is above the 42/40 limit, new 12v battery, warmer weather, etc

    I think the only problem is that my oil level is above the max. I think the fact that I take a lot of short trips around town doesn't help either. Either way, I'm pretty satisfied with my purchase :)