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Poor mileage on 2010 Salvage Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Fuel Economy' started by chronart, Apr 4, 2014.

  1. chronart

    chronart Junior Member

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    I just bought a 2010 salvage Prius. I have another 2010 I have been driving for 3 years so I am pretty used to the mileage I can expect under different conditions. When the car is totally warm and I measure the mileage for 15 miles or so I get normal readings of mpg. But with a lot of 2-3 mile trips during the week I am getting about 10 mpg less than usual. I have been too busy to look into it in the last week, but now I am ready for help. Suggestions wanted.

    Thank you, Barry
     
    #1 chronart, Apr 4, 2014
  2. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    #2 HTMLSpinnr, Apr 6, 2014
  3. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Make sure your engine auto-stops:
    • 40C with heater off - autostop
    • 55C with heater on - autostop
    Just run it in the driveway and monitor the engine coolant.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #3 bwilson4web, Apr 7, 2014
  4. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

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    I'd be curious on what oil is in it and what tyres are on.

    Then I'd be curious on why the car was salvage. Is the 12v knackered? Is the chassis bent causing the car to crab down the road? Are brakes binding? How old is the fuel? Is the car just relearning the parameters?

    But at the end of the day, why did the insurance company not think it viable to repair?
     
    #4 GrumpyCabbie, Apr 7, 2014
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i'm curious as to why the short trips differ, but the longer ones are similar. could it be that it is taking longer to warm up? there was a very similar problem a few days ago, iirc.
     
    #5 bisco, Apr 7, 2014
  6. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

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    5w30 oil? Slightly thicker.
     
    #6 GrumpyCabbie, Apr 7, 2014
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