Drove the new car around doing errands yesterday and averaged 53.8mpg, being careful and not stomping on the accelerator. Spend last evening reading the quick start guide and delving into the manual. Don't really understand how the 'B' shift works and when to use it. Also, OK to drive around in EC mode around town and on the 60 speedlimit roads near by. Ended up purchasing the Platinum level service plan with the 7 year/125k mile option. Picked it up at a large discount. I normally don't buy extended service contracts on almost anything, but given the complexity of the car and its components do others do so as well? Thanks
Right on! Could have got the extented service as you got closer to 36K, but that is OK. B mode is generally used for going down long, steap hills to reduce brake usage. ECO mode is OK all the time.
B stands for (Engine) Braking. Think of it as downshifting to a lower gear in a regular transmission car. It's good for going down long grades. You won't hurt the engine (cause it will rev hard as you go down the hill/mountain). It can save you from riding the brake pads (esp. once the battery is fully charge coming down the mountain).
B have as result that ECO come OFF in the hybrid system indicator. I use it only in long sloping streets or in the mountains in order to limit the use of the brakes.
I'm a hiker and often driving through the mountains every week. The 'B' function should be very useful, making up for the extra gasoline used going uphill.
We have had our Gen III a little over 3 months and have not had a need for the B shifter setting yet. Enjoy your baby; with break-in, practice and patience, the mileage will get a little better. I've been told to expect a couple of MPG boost when summer gas is available.
Eco works fine all the time. It will slow your heater or ac during a stop to preserve battery, but usually no big deal. I used it my 1st 800 miles, then switched to Normal (Eco, EV or Power not on) since the pedal response is so much better these past 2000 miles. You will get better milage after the break in of tires & engine. But, your computer is about 5% or 2.5mpg high. Blame it on the EPA who test cars indoors on rollers. You can get actual if you wish by calculating all your fill-ups. But, -2.5mpg is easier. Still great #'s - the best in the land and why Prius is #1 car in Japan (split with Honda Fit) - it's waiting list there is 3 months! Enjoy Bart in SoCAL
Mine is 5 weeks old with 1500 miles. I just did an oil change (for break-in- see other posts). Mileage averages about 51 mixed commute/highway (short)/around town- no rattles no problems... I love it so far. I teach design and my students (some going into transportation design) are curious/hopeful about the technology- its complexity and longevity. College students are very interested in hybrid technology and all see this kind of car in their future. Congratulations on the new car.
Do many people put in synthetic oil? I'm unused to long intervals between oil changes so I'll either change oil more frequently than the owners manual suggests or go with something like Mobil 1. Thoughts?
