This car doesn't like me - and the feeling is mutual!!

Your first problem is that you think of the car as feminine. So right off the bat, you're jealous that she has some kind of deeper understanding with your hubby. Instead, think of the car as masculine, and I think your outlook will improve.

 

Just keep your eye on the gear shift "knob." Everything will be OK.

 

Trying too hard will hurt your mpg, for sure.
Just drive it. Really. Let your DH feel smug over getting better mileage... you and I will both know that you could do as well, if you drove as much!

 

I'd have to agree. The only real reason to push the mileage higher is if you get enjoyment out of doing so. The amount of extra gas you use at 48 mpg vs. 52mpg is 24 gallons per year if you drive 15,000 miles. If you just get frustrated by the car and end up driving your RX300, you'll waste a whole lot more gas than that. You'd be doing well to get 22-23mpg, the EPA combined is 18mpg. At 22mpg you'd use 370 more gallons than "only" getting 48mpg in the Prius.

I say just drive it and learn to love it. Then worry about learning to drive it better if you want to. I give my wife kind of a hard time too, but its mostly all in fun. We just like the car for different reasons. She likes that its roomy and efficient with little effort. I like the technology and like to try and optimize everything. Just tell him to be quiet and let you drive, quote the numbers above back to him if you gives you any lip

Rob

 

That is sensible. Enjoy!