On my way to work this morning, I was on the Dulles Toll Road and just for fun I decided to draft the Exxon tanker truck (not too closely) instead of passing him (ok, so I didn't pass gas ). During the 4-5 minutes of drafting I got darn close to 75mpg on my 2003 base model with 154K+ on the clock. In the 400+ miles I have done since buying the car last Friday, I have a 51.7mpg average. Not as much fun as the '72 MGB GT but much more fuel effecient. So it's not just enough to pass the station but I got to use the tanker to help me do it...
Welcome to PriusChat and Prius-dom! Noticed you're from Taneytown. I've been through there a few times on my way to and from Emmitsburg (National Emergency Training Center). I'll honk next time I'm passing by. Assuming you haven't gotten a little too close to one of those tankers.
And what a great initial post!! Hey, that's about the best their good for. :lol: Welcome to PriusChat, Bob. 145k on the ODO, huh? That's pretty impressive. Certainly a blow to CNW and the others who believe that the Prius will simply stop functioning at 110k miles.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JimboK @ Aug 1 2007, 09:10 PM) [snapback]488981[/snapback]</div> For as quiet as it is out here (especially compared to northern NJ!) I have no doubt I'll hear you. FWIW I was following at a safe distance and I could still see the drivers mirror. Of course with a tanker truck it's easier since the trailer is not square. <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TonyPSchaefer @ Aug 1 2007, 10:27 PM) [snapback]489021[/snapback]</div> I was a little concerned about buying one with 154k but everything I've read about real cars with that kind of mileage says they're still going. And for what I paid (about 1/2 of NADA) I figured even if I have to replace the battery, I'm still ahead. So far so good but still working on my skills to squeeze every gallon out.
Never thought about safely following an oil tanker. Wow, what a point of view. Now, that's making a statement with Prius!
