Help me decide!

I took 2 500 mile trips a couple weeks ago...got about 46-48 on 98% highway.

 

I drive 26 miles one way, and I generally get about 48-50 mpg on my drive. When I drive to Olympia, that's 52 miles, and I generally get about 49-52 on that trip.

I drive the speed limit (60 mph), I am careful about gliding to stops, anticipating traffic, not accelerating harshly, etc.

Oh, and the Prius is easier to park than a pickup.

 

usually it gets better mpg than the EPA mpg, city and highway. ditch the pickup! you'll love the prius.

 

146,000 miles over three years. Mostly from Vegas to LA, average speed 80. Lifetime average 41.5 MPG.

 

I was very lucky to get the prius i got 2 weeks ago. I traded in a 4 wheel drive truck that i really liked for the same reason you talk about 12 MPG. The prius is giving me 46 right now and I think i can get more after the 600 mile mark. I did go out to the lake once and got 62 miles per gallon. I swear it must have been down hill both directions. I no longer cringe at every gas station i pass. The car is fun to drive and I would not give it back if gas was 2 dollars a gallon. The problem you will have is actually getting one. They told me when i got mine it was now a 4-6 month wait.
If it helps I would not give my prius back for my truck. I do not think you will regret the move.

 

$4.00/GALLON.


There, did that help you decide?

What more could you possibly want to know about a vehicle that can cut your gas consumption to were that sign looks like $1/GALLON. Yes, your gas bill would be 1/4 of what you are paying today.

 

I drive mostly city... granted. But I am averaging right now 58mpg.

 

Many people here report around the 50 mpg mark. As DA pointed out If you are driving 80 on the interstate you won't get that but it will still be much better than your truck. Go for it if you can find one.

G

 

I don't drive that distance on a daily basis, but every month or so I make a 300 mile round trip to visit family. It is straight interstate all the way with little to no traffic issues. I have been getting 44 to 48. It is close to 48MPG when I am not using my headlights or A/C. Plus, I am not having to climb any steep grades. And run around 75 MPH. So, your MPG is going to depend on your driving habits & the topography along the way. Oh, & keep in mind your cargo. The extra weight can diminish you MPG.
But I will tell you, I have had my Prius since Nov 07. I love it! I don't want another car without the SmartKey or Bluetooth phone!

 

And if you want one, get with a Toyota dealer asap. Here in Macon, GA they have the next 9 or so they receive sold in advance. And the customers aren't picky. They will take pretty much whatever is available. My husband works for a Toyota dealer and it would be good if you can find out about the next allocation. In the Southeast, that tells the dealer what is being shipped to them that wasn't a direct customer order. I have been told that if you order a Prius through Southeast Toyota dealer, you can get it in probably 6 weeks or so. But do it now!!!!!

 

Glad you pointed out that driving habits are important with a Prius. Not doing a jack rabbit with a green light and getting off the accelerator when you see the red light coming up. I like to think I have mastered the fine art of coasting. I can take my foot off the pedal about a half a mile from my house and coast down hill, make a left, make a right and then right into my driveway. If I hit the garage door button right, I coast right into the garage!

 

My daily commute is 55 miles each way with 35% freeway (65 - 70 MPH), 60% rural roads (55 - 60 MPH) & 5% in town (25 - 40 MPH). It is mostly flat with some rolling hills and a couple small valleys (max. 100' vertical drop / rise). Driving it like I drove my 4Runner, I get 45 MPG. With a little caution, I get 48 MPG and If I'm real careful I can get 50+ MPG. If I were driving 65 - 70 MPH all the time, I'd be hard pressed to get better than 45 MPG. IF you aree driving in traffic, it gets better. I drove 250 miles non-stop in moderate to heavy traffic at 55 - 75 MPH a week ago and got 51 MPG since I wasn't having to push the air all by myself. Your #s may be a bit better with your warmer weather.

 

I have a similar commute, 60 miles each way, on a back road where I set the cruise at 60. I have had my car for two and a half weeks and have 2500 miles. No, I do not get the EPA estimated milage - I get better. I am averaging 49mpg. I am saving $250 a month in gas and love the car.

 

I also do a lot of highway driving and I normally get around 45 mpg on average in my new Prius. I traded in a SUV and really enjoy driving the prius. It is really nice not having to stop for gas fill ups as often. I used to have to worry about finding a gas station along the highway when my tank was low, but now I drive much longer between fill-ups. I save so much time each week not stopping for gas! I just bought my Prius in late April. I wish you luck!

 

50 mile roundtrip (1/2 interstate). I have averaged 58 summer and 54 winter. Today a co-worker told me that this weekend she went to a dealer to look at the Prius - Not only did they not have one, but she couldn't even get on a list for 6 months.
So...if you have the ability to get one, then get it. At worst it would be easy to sell.

 

44 mpg should be easily attained, assuming you aren't going 75 mph+

120/day
5 days/week
50 weeks/year

30,000 miles per year @ 12 miles/gallon = 2500 gallons of gas (@$4/gallon) = $10,000 per year.

30,000 miles per year @ 48 miles/gallon = 625 gallons of gas at $4/gallon = $2500 per year.

$7,500/year in fuel savings alone.....assuming gas prices stay at $4. Increase it by nearly $2000 per $1 gallon increase in petroleum prices.

That's $625 per month you aren't spending. Now that's a car payment!

 

I also drive one hour to work, 56 miles or so. I have owned my Prius since March 31st and at first, in the colder weather, got 47-48.
Now that it is consistently warmer and the car has a few more miles on it, I am getting 50-52 mpg. This is all highway driving.
I have learned how to drive the car to maximize the mileage.

I love this little blue car, from a person that has not really cared for four door sedans, this car is very utilitarian. It can do most anything you need 'and' give you great mileage.

Do it....I don't think you will regret it.
(if you have not driven it yet, that should sell you!!)

Enjoy!!