2008 Prius EPA Fuel Economy

LOL

EPA changed their testing procedures is all. A search in the "economy" forum will have mor einfo.

Edmunds report

EPA's explaination

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(F8L @ Nov 24 2007, 12:16 AM) [snapback]543476[/snapback]</div>

No more downhill, going 55 mph, with a stiff tailwind. The bogus thing is that the car companies can ignore the new test method for CAFE numbers, which is what really counts

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(swiftyprius @ Nov 24 2007, 02:32 AM) [snapback]543485[/snapback]</div>

Well,

The EPA test never considered hills at all. Its only a dynomometer test. Which is fine for standard cars, as they just burn up brakes down hill. Where the Prius and some other hybrids recover downhill energy. Which is why many people got the original EPA mileage, in the EPA test temperature, driving somewhat over the the 55 mph limit, while driving the Prius. While these same people never achieved EPA mileage in any other car before (like me). When I did my economic estimate, I originally used 45 mpg for mileage, figuring the actual mileage would be about the same percentage worse than the EPA as my previous cars. When I got the car, and learned to drive it, to my suprise the mileage was dead on the old EPA estimate.

The new EPA mileage is a completely wacko underestimate for the Prius in areas where the hills are small enough that the battery can recover the energy down the hill.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(pholson @ Nov 24 2007, 01:10 AM) [snapback]543473[/snapback]</div>

There is nothing for you to be angry about. The mileage estimates dropped, and those estimates do not determine what your actual mileage will be.

I was at the dealership this week to have a new key made (about $280) and noticed the new mpg numbers on the stickers of the '08's. What you are seeing is the result of the federal government changing the formula they use to determine mileage so that they reflect "real world" usage. Mileage estimates dropped across the board for cars sold in the US.

If it makes you feel any better, even with the new mileage estimates you still own the highest mileage automobile available. After a break-in period our '06 comfortably averages around 48 mpg, and 50-51 mpg on a tank of gas is not unusual. I've only seen averages at or near 60 MPG under unusual driving conditions (lots of stop and go, lots of downhill.) We don't drive with any special efforts to improve the mpg. If you would rather have an '06 we could trade......just kidding.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(obtuseangler @ Nov 24 2007, 04:15 PM) [snapback]543696[/snapback]</div>

You are kidding? So, let me get this straight: You would rather have an '06 than an '08?

HMmmmm... you must really like the '06 mileage figures....

:lol:

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(pholson @ Nov 24 2007, 12:10 AM) [snapback]543473[/snapback]</div>

I picked up my 2008 Prius on 24th November, 2007.

I guess the window sticker's information is showing the actual and practical mpg because the 60/50 is not realistic at all. Even you bought the 2007 model, you still get 48 city/45 highway, so do not regret at all.

Lots of people complaint about 60/50 was not right for years

from Prius2008

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(pholson @ Nov 24 2007, 12:10 AM) [snapback]543473[/snapback]</div>

And, FWIW, I consistently beat the EPA ratings on the highway. I run high 48-51 consistently. I expect that to fall with colder weather.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(pholson @ Nov 24 2007, 12:10 AM) [snapback]543473[/snapback]</div>

No reason for anger! Take a look at GreenHybrid.com and see what drivers of hybrid cars are reporting for their actual mileage. I suspect the people who report their mileage are the ones who drive their cars with an eye toward keeping their MPGs high. Still, you are getting the real numbers from many drivers. Of the 1,424 reporting mileage from their Prius II models (HSD, such as yours), 50% have MPG in the range of 45.0 to 50.5. The overall average is 47.7. These numbers appear to be better than the revised EPA numbers. Can you think of any other car where that is the case?

You'll notice that many posters on PC show their MPGs. Many also exceed not only the average reported on GreenHybrid.com, but also exceed to upper boundary of the central 50% of the sample.

Enjoy your new Prius!!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(obtuseangler @ Nov 24 2007, 06:15 PM) [snapback]543696[/snapback]</div>

Sorry, a little off-topic since most relevant info on the topic has been shared already...

Is your key different from the '02 Prius key? I had a quote from my dealership for a spare key come at $60 for the key (including cutting it) + $40 for programming. About $100 + tax total. I thought this was ridiculously expensive, especially the programming part that takes all of one minite to do with no tools needed... But you beat me with your $280 cost...

In my case, needless to say I bought a replacement key off eBay for $14 delivered in 2 days, had it cut at Sears for $2, programmed myself and - it works perfect! I'd pay $30 at the dealership if they would do it on the spot for me but more than that I think is a robbery...

 

"Truth" in marketing happened. Big picture: The auto manufacturer's lobby was getting pummeled with low numbers on their beastly 8 cylinder power plants. The good news is that MY '08 now EXCEEDS the EPA mileage routinely 'cause I have just had my third tank over 50 MPG (52.4, 51.3, 53.6) without doing anything spectacular.... Although my driving habits changed almost overnight.

 

dont worry about the EPA sticker, they just caved in from pressure from guilt-ridden SUV drivers.

if you drive 60 mph, you will get 50-55 mpg depending on the 3 T's...(traffic, terrain, temperature)

in the city, that is much tougher so you will get 35-60 mpg. depending on the 3 L's (lights, lanes, lead time) keep in mind, timing lights, driving on multi lane roads which allows you to employ a larger following distance which allows you to react to changing traffic conditions faster.

in suburban and rural areas you will get your best results, less lights, slightly lower speeds, here you can get 50-65 mpg... these are the roads typical speed limits 35-45... lights or stop signs every mile or more, straight roads, easy to anticipate traffic, etc...

with a little discipline, you can get over 50 mpg in nearly all conditions

 

I bought a 2008 Prius last April. The onboard mileage ran consistently about 45mpg. We have had cold weather & snow & my computed mileage has dropped to 33-35. Help! We drive mainly around town with short trips of 30 min. or less. I have a package 6.

 

Cold weather will do that. Short trips around town are bad for mileage too.

When you say "computed mileage", do you mean the mileage displayed on the MFD or mileage that you compute with a calculator? Mileage done by hand is notoriously inaccurate unless calculated over a very large number of tanks. The transition to cold weather will make it even harder to do good manual calculations due to the contraction of the fuel bladder.

Tom