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25ish mpg?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Fuel Economy' started by Ryan Romaine, May 19, 2019.

  1. Ryan Romaine

    Ryan Romaine Junior Member

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    Recently got a 08 Prius used, and that one screen is saying I'm only getting 20s in the city. Even after reset. Sometimes it'll be high, but it average down to 20s??? I break and coast often to generate but no idea if this is inaccurate
     
    #1 Ryan Romaine, May 19, 2019
  2. srellim234

    srellim234 Senior Member

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    1. Make sure you reset the screen to get fresh readings. The reset is on the lower right corner of the touchscreen showing those average mpgs.
    2. Don't depend on that screen. Make sure you are actually calculating your gas mileage at the pump. Miles driven divided by gallons put in. Get a real number.
    3. Calculate over multiple tanks. Our cars have a rubber bladder gas tank that is notorious for holding various amounts of fuel depending on temperature, age and other factors. Only an average over time will really give you your true average.

    In the 20s would indicate something is wrong depending on how the car is driven, tires, tire pressure, condition of batteries, etc., etc., etc. A lot more information is needed for people here to be able to provide real help and advice. If you come back with the answers to the questions at this link

    Fuel economy complaints/queries? Please copy, paste & answer these questions, esp. if you're new | PriusChat

    you'll get a lot of really good help
     
    #2 srellim234, May 20, 2019
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  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    how far are your trips?
     
    #3 bisco, May 21, 2019
  4. srellim234

    srellim234 Senior Member

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    That's question #5 of the questionnaire I linked to above. That one question is pretty pointless without the rest of the information. It doesn't matter how long the trip is if it's on non-LRR tires with only 25 lbs of air pressure in them.
     
    #4 srellim234, May 21, 2019
  5. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    For an older car, and the biggest item missing on that questionnaire, check also for excessive brake drag.
     
    #5 fuzzy1, May 21, 2019
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  6. Ryan Romaine

    Ryan Romaine Junior Member

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    I'll be sure to keep my eye on those points

    My trips vary. I go to school which is less than a block, and then work which is about 2 miles down a long street with lots of stop lights to brake and coast on
     
    #6 Ryan Romaine, May 21, 2019
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  7. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    The 2 mile trip will really drag down MPG, it won't warm up enough to get close to the EPA ratings. The CAFE/EPA test cycle is much longer than that.

    If you actually drive that <1 block as a separate trip leg, MPG will be horrid. Fully able-bodied folks should try walking that segment instead. But for those who don't really have that as a reasonable option, the MPG you are seeing seems reasonable.
     
    #7 fuzzy1, May 22, 2019
  8. egg_salad

    egg_salad Active Member

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    More than reasonable! I would expect 17-20 MPG in this use case.
     
    #8 egg_salad, May 22, 2019
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    unfortunately, a corolla will do about as well in those conditions.
     
    #9 bisco, May 22, 2019
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    reset your trip meter and go for a 20 mile drive under varied conditions to see what she returns
     
    #10 bisco, May 22, 2019
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