At lunch time, I ran a quick test and the 2003 Prius is 1000 mile tank capable. I ran a series of loops for 30 minutes around my 'laps' loop. I followed my efficient driving protocol and got this is result: My first 1000 mile tank took two weeks and was boring as heck. But if I do this, it will be after I finish my extended, 155,000 mile maintenance. I'll also wait until closer to the fall when I'll have school zones to mask my speed. This is not a commitment, just an observation. But perhaps there are other opinions about whether or not another 1000 mile tank marathon for a 10 year old Prius contributes anything to our knowledge or the Prius knowledge base. Bob Wilson
Knowledge may not be a winner here, although many of us could learn a bit more. Sure, it can be used to show that a 10 yr old Prius can perform very high MPGs...
Not sure what the point is in this. If it's a "because it's there" type of thing...only you can decide if it's worth it. I personally wouldn't waste my time and gasoline on this...but then again it's YOUR time and YOUR gasoline isn't it?
One alternative is to do a 500 mile, mini and add it to the "Top 20" list which takes only half the distance and time, a week. Then all models except the NHW10 would be on the list. Only the NHW11 does not record the average speed. A Garmin nuvi does record the average speed and route with altitude. This will also handle calibration since my particular NHW11 has over-drive sized, front tires. It is a shame I didn't think of it before putting in a 700 mile, 60 MPG last month. Bob Wilson
