On 20 Nov 2007 19:35:03 GMT, James Robinson wrote:

(Scott) wrote:

James Robinson wrote:

My wife has a Prius which is a bit over a year old. I remember the
sticker EPA estimate was 50 mpg in town. I don't remember what it was
for highway but it was something like 5 % or so less.

The car actually does get 47point something on average around town.
Highway is a bit less and on the order of 5 or 6%. Surprisingly the
mileage computer in the car is just about dead on for integrated
mileage per tank. We always end up with in a couple tenths of what the
computer says.
That and the 120 to 175 mile trip every couple of weeks is small
compared to the rest of the tank so it has only about a MPG difference
if that on the overall mileage for a tank full.

However the computer does have the advantage in you can see what you
are doing and become conscious of getting good mileage. IF traffic
conditions let me drive to get the best mileage (they don't) from what
I've seen so far I could do better than 60 MPG easily, BUT I'd need
body guards and have to put armor plating on the Prius as driving for
mileage would make me one of the most unpopular drivers on the road.

Knowing we should accelerate easily and like flying, think ahead so we
don't have to brake hard or barely at all is one thing, but when you
can see it in action you quickly learn what to do when, IF you can.
Taking the off ramp from the expressway when traffic is light is an
example. If you have your foot completely off the gas prior to
entering the off ramp AND it's a long ramp you still need to use the
brakes coming up to the stop sign at the cross road. Letting the car
slow going up hills and accelerate going down also makes a big
difference.

My only complaint is the car is built like a beer can, or airplane if
you will :-)) It's also susceptible to winds. The effect of a 25 MPH
wind off the nose on the express way is immediately shown on the
computer and it's not trivial. OTOH if you can arrange for a tail
wind...:-))

Roger (K8RI)