New owner? Want MPG help? Read this first.

Well, this explains why my in town errands don’t add up to high MPG. When I purchased my 05 I was told it got better mileage on local roads, as opposed to highway. Who told me this? Don’t remember. But I’ve been living a lie for 14 years LOL!

 

The Prius gets better mpg in city according to testing. Short trips get very poor mpg because the engine runs through its warmup cycle to get to optimum temperature as quickly as possible. Trips of 3 miles or less get terrible mpg.
Actually the Prius is primarily a low polluting car that happens to get good mpg. The car software focuses on minimizing pollution even if it hurts mpg.

 

So, what you need is a PiP or a Prime. Use EV for those short trips and gas for the longer ones. Best of both worlds. They made these cars specifically for those in your situation.

Also, even a regular 4th generation Prius would be an improvement over your Gen 2 since they warm up at least twice as fast.

 

*Lowly 4th Gen owner hangs his head...*

 

That did sound a little condescending, didn't it? I'm sure you know I didn't mean it that way. As a matter of fact, the decision between hatchback and Prime was a tough one for me.

 

kate,
you're conflating short trips with driving speed. they are two completely different things.

i used to get 65 mpg around town in my gen 2

 

OK ... My last fill-up (last Friday) gave me ... 62.8 MPG.

I asked a very old mechanic friend of mine how in the why I could be getting such mileage. His answer was kinda interesting. I knew this man from when I first started driving when he gave me help with my muscle-cars that really drank gas. He said that back in those days (40-ish years ago) that I trained myself and learned to drive as economically as I could. Over time my driving habits have just continued to evolve into me being an economical driver. Now that I'm driving my '05 Gen-2 Prius w/ 146,000 miles, there is a nice match of my habits and a vehicle that can best use them, and show it's wonderful engineering.

Or ... maybe he was just BS'ing me while we enjoyed some tasty cold malted beverages.

*** (edit inclusion) ... I don't now nor have I ever driven like anyone's grandmother.​

 

You could improve that number with a Gen 4 Prius or a Prime.
I easily get that and my wife says I am not a hybrid driver.

 

Thank You for that idea ... however, my budget only allows me for the car that I have now.

This car ...


For these five(5) stacks ...


I've been the happiest owner since the day I got this car. Here's an example. ... My two(2) biggest (and only) complaints are: a) NO sunroof ... and b) the radio speakers suck with the windows down. That's it.

 

What’s a Pip?

 

PiP. Plug in Prius. Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015 | PriusChat

 

Almost like learning a whole new language here.

PriusChat Glossary | PriusChat

@Tideland Prius neglected to add PiP in there though

 

My frequent drive is 5 miles across town. Option of taking freeway at 65 mph or local roads at 25-40 mph.

Which should I choose?

 

PiP. Hands down. This would be a perfect commute, assuming you can plug in. The PiP has about a 10-14 mile range on electric. You might never have to burn gas. A Prime would be even better but a bigger initial outlay.

 

Thanks Jerry. Let me rephrase:
Driving my current 2005 (Gen 2) should I take local roads or freeway to arrive at a destination which is 5 miles away?

 

Just a guess. Taking the slower route takes longer so the engine may have time to warm up so you can get a little bit of Hybrid benefit. Too many stoplights early on could hurt a lot though.

Engine running + car stopped == decreasing mpg.

If the car was not paid for, I would say get a Corolla.

 

Interesting. Maybe I will buy a Corolla next purchase!

 

You GO Kate!!!

[<< "Driving my current 2005 (Gen 2) ...". >>]

 

That’s super mpg!
My commute used to be 15 miles with a lot of freeway. Now I travel once a week. And occasional road trips. And yes, the mileage is better.

 

And what are you driving now?