Hello all! First time Prius owner and new to the forums. Recently traded in my moderately modified 2006 Matrix for a 2009 Prius base package 2, gold/tan in color. Still trying to figure out what came on each "package" level. Just got done installing a stiffening brace, OEM rear bumper protector & trailer hitch. I have WeatherTech vent visors, OEM mud guards, nav cap, and some more led lights on the way. I am trying to understand the "instant MPG" readout, if I understand, it can take 3 tank full's to be accurate? I am floating at only 34 mpg at the moment, between two fill-ups. Is this monitor accurate, or is there a better way of gauging MPG's? First fill-up took around 7 gallons, second around 6.5 or so. I do know about the bladder tank and am getting used to that. Past that, I am enjoying being a Prius owner, well besides the yahoos that cant understand a Prius isn't a 4 second 0-60 car... I know I'll get used to the people that tailgate me like crazy right now since I don't floor it or because I coast to a stop. - Justin
explore the many threads in Fuel economy section. I'm a new owner myself, and I've learned alot about mpg readings and driving techniques.
You're in luck. I have the o8/09 brochure and found your post .. There was a basic Prius with 15" wheels and Touring w/ 16" wheels back then. basic pkg 2 was very common back then it had - cc, heated mirrors, CD w aux port, Smart key, backup camera pkg 3 less common, but gained anti-theft system, auto dimming rearview mirror w/ Homelink, JBL 6 disc CD w/ 9 speakers, satellite radio capable, bluetooth handsfree phone pkg 4 same as 3 except gained HID headlights and foglamps Pkg 5 gained voice activated DVD nav system Pkg 6 gained leather seats and steering wheel Touring was pkg'ed the same, but they are pretty rare and I think were usually loaded, package 6's. If you reset the MPG gage, it should settle into an accurate reading after you drive for a while. No need to go thru a few tankfuls. I recall my 2009 mpg running gage was fairly accurate to the mpgs at the pump. More accurate than our 3rd gens which are pretty darn optimistic (over 5%) Most of the time i could fill the bladdered tank ok. Couple times the pump shut off early and didn't want to keep going. Just used another pump. Forgot how much I used to put in but it wasn't much more than 8 gallons.
I live in MS which is much warmer than NorCal, so I could get over 10 gallons in the tank in summer, closer to 8 in winter. No idea where you live but you will need to judge our advice by your location.
Sorry, didn't write in my location. I am in the Chicago suburbs and the temp has been floating in the 30 degree range lately here.
I would expect to have a small tank in Winter. Oddly it will be larger most afternoons than most mornings.
Thanks for posting this. Haven't picked up my new Prius yet, but it is on its way from Louisiana. This guide is AWESOME.
nice guide "Step on the Brake, New owners sometimes fall victim to this, not being able to figure out why the car won’t start." That happened to me, I didn't step on the brakes hard enough the first time I pressed START and got the "Please depress the brakes and push start" Over thinking a simple word and got confused with the "de" prefix, I thought I should not press the brakes so I let go. It took me 3 minutes to get out of the dealer's parking lot That was my retard moment of the day.
