Anyone notice increased MPG's from non c vehicles?

This happened when we purchased our first hybrid. I was explaining all the techniques to my husband and his MPG went up significantly in his civic coupe.

 

I got our 2010 Ram 1500 to 25mpg just by driving 55 in the slow lane...rpm's sat right around 1100 the entire time vs. 1600 at 65.

 

I think you're right. The immediate feedback makes a huge difference. But....might be some other manufacturers or cars where that kind of information could be too depressing

 

I am actually an owner of a toyota matrix and by following this forum and using some tricks and driving slower, I am actually getting 38-39 MPG my last few tanks, which is improved from 33MPG to 35MPG. I also shared some tricks with my brother who owns a 08 camry hybrid and we just got back from a roadtrip and averaged 40.5 MPG with it on the way back. Way down drove 80 MPH, AC on getting there and got 35.5. I always drove eco minded but by following a few tricks, I was even able to get better. Something I think contributed majorly is by getting off the accelerator and coasting 1/2 mile or more up to lights, depending on traffic. Sure, it annoys some, but a lot of times, I am able to take off without ever stopping, and not having to go from 0-10+MPH or higher really helps gas mileage.

 

By the way, when my matrix goes, I plan on getting a C as my matrix has 253,000 miles. So saving up while I can before biting the bullet!

 

My non-hybrid MPG jumped 20-25%, a year before buying a hybrid.

The household's youngest non-hybrid had always disappointed me at the pump. In 2008, a news story about the surging fuel prices mentioned the existence of aftermarket MPG displays for cars lacking such readouts. Within a few hours, I discovered and ordered a ScanGauge-II, then discovered CleanMPG.com and Wayne Gerdes. MPG jumped immediately, and continued rising through the rest of the summer and fall.

We had recently experienced great MPG in a rental Prius. The household's oldest car was several years overdue for retirement, but no suitable replacement had been identified. The upcoming release of the GenIII Prius (May 2009) produced an obvious answer.

 

When I first became interested in Prius and Hybrids, and read about hybrid driving techniques, I consciously and sometimes I think unconsciously began applying some of them to my vehicle at the time which was a 92 Honda Accord. I was impressed with how much I was able to improve my gas mileage by just doing some very basic Hybrid techniques that can be applied to any vehicle. I easily got a 3-5 MPG increase by simply doing some real basics.

Is this a testament to hypermiling driving techniques or a revelation of how wastefully I used to drive? Probably a little of both.

I now own a Honda Fit, which is more efficient than the 92 Accord by default. I don't seem to be able to get as much "difference" in MPG. However, some of the things I have learned in Prius Chat I apply anyway.

A big one.....is I now sit with my engine turned OFF in drive-thru take out lines. I don't have the convenience of HSD, or electric motors to aide in this endevour, but the knowledge I've gained here and with Hybrid Consciousness, makes it almost impossible for me to sit unmoving with my engine running.

 

I would caution you against shutting off the engine for short waits, maybe if its going to be a long wait, that might be a good idea. Your car probably consumes probably .2 GPH and shutting it off and restarting it could wear the starter motor faster. Granted on my toyota matrix 03, that didn't happen till last year with 240K, some cars might not last that long. Something to consider anyway!

 

In some areas, it is a requirement:

My 2.5L Subaru consumes 0.3 GPH during warm idle, with AC off. When the AC compressor kicks in, it jumps to 0.5 GPH.

 

I guess I'm lucky, my matrix consumes .2 idle no ac and .3 with AC on. Like Frugaldriver, I'm saving up as well as my matrix has been paid for years ago and with very little maintenance issues, waiting till it dies to buy one. I was planning on getting rid of the matrix at 200K but at 250K and maybe spent $600 into repair issues, waiting to save up for a C since the matrix is worth only 3K or so anyway if I'm lucky.

 

I would get 30ish in my old fit. Then about a year befor I got the C, I started reading about hypermiling. Started trying it. Was shocked to learn that the car could give me 50mpg if I tryed hard enough. It was a huge reason I got the C. My thought was if I can get 45-50 in the Fit what could I get in a hybrid. The Prius C looks so much like the Fit most people didn't know I got a new car until I talk about it.

 

I guess I'm lucky, AC, pwr windows, but MT which I don't mind and will miss when I get my C sometimes. This morning driving in, left the house early and on my 36.5 mile commute 1 way, I got the best ever, 53.5 MPG on the way in, max speed was 55MPH and oftentimes kept it at 50MPH and no AC on. I am sure if I had the C, I could probably get 70+ MPG this morning, who knows maybe even higher.

Yes, thanks to my great running corolla/matrix at 250K, I still don't HAVE to get a new car yet, you gotta love toyotas!

 

No. My wife's AWD Suzuki XL-7 gets 17 MPG around town and 21 MPG highway. It hasn't improved. It has a 252 HP V-6, and is frankly, a relief to drive after putting around in the Prius all week. I actually forget what it feels like to have available torque! Nice to just turn a key and drive without worrying about MPGs. Until I have to fill it.

 

When I got my matrix 8 years ago, I used to have a supercharged grand prix GTP and thought I would really miss the HP. Usually I got about 24 if I babied it. I realized though I loved driving my matrix normally, with AC on most all the time and still got 33+ MPG and it was still exciting to drive and seems to almost have all the get up and go my previous car had. Saying that, if I need to get around someone, either A, I can step on the accelerator or B, I can let off the accelerator and merge in after them. Usually I just pick the latter and my MPG thanks me.