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Why am I getting 30-40 mpg?

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by MPGHokage, Oct 30, 2017.

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  1. MPGHokage

    MPGHokage Junior Member

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    Been driving a 2001 Prius for about 2 years now, and I was consistently getting between 30-35 mpg until I changed the Oil to Synthetic, where I've been getting on average 38mpg. From what i've heard I should be getting 45-50 mpg right?

    What can I do to increase my mpg? The battery was replaced when I got it, and i've put 40,000 miles on it, so It's now at around 125,000 miles.

    Thanks!
     
    #1 MPGHokage, Oct 30, 2017
  2. Rmay635703

    Rmay635703 Senior Member

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    Usually speed and acceleration affect this.

    What speeds do you typically drive?
     
    #2 Rmay635703, Oct 30, 2017
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  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome!

    it's likely due to the age of your vehicle. so many things affect mpg's. it's worth checking the easy stuff before delving into fuel injectors, throttle body's, and spark plugs, etc.
    what model tyre?
    what pressure?
    air filter?
    cabin filter?
    oil level?
    12v measurement?
     
    #3 bisco, Oct 30, 2017
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  4. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

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    replaced with new or rebuilt with old cells?
    as your traction battery ages it takes longer for the gas motor to recharge it so you burn more gas and drop your MPG.. don't waste a dime on the car being 17 years old its pretty much worthless..
     
    #4 Beachbummm, Oct 30, 2017
  5. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    Which battery was replaced? The 12 volt battery or the larger traction battery? If the larger battery was replaced, was it replaced with new, refurbished, or just module swap?
    The Prius has two batteries.
     
    #5 Prodigyplace, Oct 30, 2017
  6. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    50 MPG is for a Gen3 Liftback, 2010-2015.

    46 MPG is for a Gen2, 2004-2009.

    You have a Gen1, 2000-2003, which should be closer to 41 MPG.

    For some ideas about what to look at, and practices to consider changing, read here:
    Fuel economy complaints/queries? Please copy, paste & answer these questions, esp. if you're new | PriusChat
     
    #6 fuzzy1, Oct 31, 2017
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  7. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    Fretting over mileage in a 16 year old vehicle is just a waste of time.
    There are a LOT of factors that combine to prevent it from being what it was when new.
     
    #7 Sam Spade, Oct 31, 2017
  8. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    Don't be so pessimistic. There is no fundamental reason that cars must get significantly lower MPG with age. When CU tested a decade old Prius, it did essentially the same as the original tests. The two most recent non-hybrids I got rid off, produced their best MPG near the end of their economic life -- 23 years for the Honda, 17 years for the Subaru. Granted, I learned how to drive for better MPG over that time, so the comparison is not apples-to-apples.
     
    #8 fuzzy1, Oct 31, 2017
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  9. MelonPrius

    MelonPrius Senior Member

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    Based on fuelly here, there are 37 '01 Prius owners logging their mileage. The average is ~40 mpg. You're well within the average range, IMO. Based on this starting point, most of your mpg improvements will be from changes in driving habits and driving conditions.
     
    #9 MelonPrius, Oct 31, 2017
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  10. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    Check. (y)
     
    #10 Sam Spade, Oct 31, 2017
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