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First impressions from a Prius Newbie.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by johnmaso, Sep 15, 2011.

  1. johnmaso

    johnmaso New Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    First off, Thank you once again to everyone. I have lurked here for weeks prior to deciding to buy a Prius. A lot of the info here led to my decision to buy a Prius.

    As a background, I bought a certified pre-owned 2007 prius from a toyota dealership. I felt it was an ok deal. I got it for 17k with 2.9 financing, powertrain warranty for 7 years / 100k, hybrid battery warranty for 150k, and bumper to bumper for 12 months. I also got 1 year of free maintenance c/o Toyota care.

    In any case, I have read a lot about driving techniques and I tried to apply them to a Prius. This was not easy and the change of driving habits took a while (My previous cars were a 94 MR2 NA, 92 Prelude with H22 swap, and a 2004 Corolla XRS). Also, I drive almost 50 miles one way to work through the hilly / mountains from LA county to the Inland Empire in SoCal. The terrain was a bit difficult to try getting as much mileage as possible.

    Through my first three days (roughly 300 miles) I am very pleased with my MPG! I want from 52.2 MPG to 53.6 to 54.5! Conditions remain the same, but I feel I am finally adjusting to the Prius driving style!

    In any case, I just wanted to share my story and hope that new Prius drivers can have hope that it is not that difficult to change driving habits!

    attached is a log of my first three days!

    Happy Driving!

    Regards,

    Doni
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 johnmaso, Sep 15, 2011
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    glad you're enjoying, welcome! :)
     
    #2 bisco, Sep 15, 2011
  3. pauln119

    pauln119 Junior Member

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    Me too! I just bought a used 2006 prius today in mint condition and it is so nice to drive. I've always wanted one but could not afford one new. I previously drove an 89 Accord and a 2000 forester. I have a total of only 40 miles and my mpg is a bit disappointing at 38mpg, but i hope to improve on that as I drive more.
     
    #3 pauln119, Sep 16, 2011
  4. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    Cool. BTW, to the OP, if your Prius was purchased and registered in CA or other CARB states, it already has a 10 year/150K mile HV battery warranty. It's in the warranty booklet.
     
    #4 cwerdna, Sep 16, 2011
  5. NYPrius1

    NYPrius1 Active Member

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    Nice Job on The MPG's Good Luck with your new baby.
    Welcome to PC
     
    #5 NYPrius1, Sep 16, 2011
  6. uart

    uart Senior Member

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    Welcome aboard Paul (and John) :)

    If you hang around Paul you'll find really good info and tips in these forums to help increase your MPG's. You'll find good tips on driving practices that help with MPG. Knowledge of the "4 stages of hybrid operation" can help a lot here as well.

    Regarding the condition and maintenance of the car itself, here's a shortlist of things to look at to make sure everything in top shape for getting good MPG.

    - Check that your tires are LRR (low rolling resistance) and are correctly inflated. (If you post the exact brand/model/size of your tires people here will probably be able to let you know if they're ok).

    - Check that your oil is good quality of the the correct grade (5W30), and that it's NOT overfilled.

    - Check that your 12V battery is in good condition.

    - If you're using A/C at full blast then consider raising the temperature set-point to something higher but still comfortable.

    - It also wouldn't hurt to test that you're getting good circulation in the inverter coolant reservoir.

    If you do a bit of searching you should find guides here to check most of that stuff. Or ask for help and someone will point you in the right direction.
     
    #6 uart, Sep 16, 2011
  7. johnmaso

    johnmaso New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Thank you! I am enjoying both the car and the community! :rockon:
     
    #7 johnmaso, Sep 17, 2011
    1 person likes this.
  8. johnmaso

    johnmaso New Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
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    Hi Paul!

    Yeah, driving the prius does have its learning curve. I just lurked in this forum and there are tons of information on how to safely hypermile/improve your MPG!

    Good luck! Update us if when you improve your MPG! It is a fun car and has a lot of potential! (I plan to drive this car till it dies!)
     
    #8 johnmaso, Sep 17, 2011
  9. johnmaso

    johnmaso New Member

    Joined:
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    2007 Prius
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    N/A

    Thank you! I just took a screen shot of my MPG at week's end. It has improved each day. My current one is upto 55.6 MPG. I have changed nothing on the car. Pressure remains the same. Could the weight of the gas affect MPG that much? I started the week with a full tank and was at about 2 bars on Friday after 450+ miles.

    I also turned of the AC at the latter part of the week (it was a nice 65-70 here in SoCal).
     
    #9 johnmaso, Sep 17, 2011
  10. johnmaso

    johnmaso New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Southern California
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
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    Great tips! Thank you! I check most of the above mentioned stuff, but I need to learn how to check the circulation in the inverter coolant reservoir and the 12 V battery.

    Thanks again!
     
    #10 johnmaso, Sep 17, 2011
  11. uart

    uart Senior Member

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    Take a look at the pictures I posted in reply #10 here : http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...95561-maintenance-repair-in-anchorage-ak.html

    It's very easy, but try to do it when the engine not running so as not to confuse the "flow turbulence" with engine vibrations.
     
    #11 uart, Sep 17, 2011
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