2009 Prius Base - $19k

[MetroMPG]

FYI: Got a ride with Dr Willie Yee in his shuttle craft Prius at the Green Grand Prix.



He was demonstrating low speed P&G. In a car that wasn't fully warmed up (in terms of tires/drivetrain - not engine temp), he was able to pull low 80's mpg with an ~18 to ~30 mph spread.

[Matt Herring]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

FYI: Got a ride with Dr Willie Yee in his shuttle craft Prius at the Green Grand Prix.



He was demonstrating low speed P&G. In a car that wasn't fully warmed up (in terms of tires/drivetrain - not engine temp), he was able to pull low 80's mpg with an ~18 to ~30 mph spread.

I talked to the Doctor over at priuschat.com and got some sound advice before my highway trip (but I wasn't able to replicate his results). I tried P&G from 67 mph down to 55 mph but my glides weren't able to keep up with my pulses. I'm just not used to doing P&G (above 60 mph) without neutral coast yet. Under 55 mph I use it on my commute to work and it produces great results but staying away from neutral coast at higher speeds to not overspin the motor is the only way you can do it in the Prius...work in progress. On the way home my girlfriend even said "how come you don't use neutral in this car" and I explained the engine overspin at 62 mph+.

I'm doing well with my work commute (not 80 mpg well...but numbers I'm comfortable with). I'm around 60-62 mpg and climbing with city driving...but my highway technique leaves alot to be desired.

[Matt Herring]

I've been keeping a miles driven/gallons used/cost/mpg comparison log since I got my Prius to see what it looks like vs. my former 4 runner...I've only had the car since the end of March and the numbers are pretty nice (the cost numbers are skewed a bit since I'm comparing tank vs. tank and gas prices were high last summer when I had my 4runner).

So far, after 5 tanks in the Prius, here's the comparison:
* 34.6 more miles driven in Prius vs. 4runner (keep in mind the 4runner was a 22 gallon tank and the Prius is 7-9 gallons depending on the bladder size...so I typically got 450 miles a tank on the 4runner and get roughly the same with the Prius)

* 54.26 less gallons of fuel used in Prius vs. 4runner (this is something I'm really happy about...in less than 2 months I've already consumed 50+ less gallons of gas...over a year it could be over 400 less gallons of fuel used...who says hybrids can't reduce our dependence on foreign oil???)

* $276.36 less paid with Prius vs. 4runner (inflated due to higher gas prices last fall but savings are probably about $125 so far if 4runner tanks were at current prices)

* 33.94 higher mpg with Prius vs. 4runner (love seeing 60+ mpg on the SGII and in-car guage)

My Prius really makes me want to drive more...but that would defeat the purpose...so I stare out my window and watch it sitting in my parking lot!

[Daox]

Great numbers Matt. I've been keeping an eye on this thread. I have my eye on craigslist to see if I can't nab myself a Prius to replace my Matrix for the right price. Keep it up.

[SVOboy]

Originally Posted by Matt Herring

I've been keeping a miles driven/gallons used/cost/mpg comparison log since I got my Prius to see what it looks like vs. my former 4 runner...I've only had the car since the end of March and the numbers are pretty nice (the cost numbers are skewed a bit since I'm comparing tank vs. tank and gas prices were high last summer when I had my 4runner).

So far, after 5 tanks in the Prius, here's the comparison:
* 34.6 more miles driven in Prius vs. 4runner (keep in mind the 4runner was a 22 gallon tank and the Prius is 7-9 gallons depending on the bladder size...so I typically got 450 miles a tank on the 4runner and get roughly the same with the Prius)

* 54.26 less gallons of fuel used in Prius vs. 4runner (this is something I'm really happy about...in less than 2 months I've already consumed 50+ less gallons of gas...over a year it could be over 400 less gallons of fuel used...who says hybrids can't reduce our dependence on foreign oil???)

* $276.36 less paid with Prius vs. 4runner (inflated due to higher gas prices last fall but savings are probably about $125 so far if 4runner tanks were at current prices)

* 33.94 higher mpg with Prius vs. 4runner (love seeing 60+ mpg on the SGII and in-car guage)

My Prius really makes me want to drive more...but that would defeat the purpose...so I stare out my window and watch it sitting in my parking lot!

Nice

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi Matt,

The other thing I thought of is that since your Prius is so new, that the engine is not broken in yet -- despite what they all say, I like changing the oil at ~1K miles. You may see improvements in FE somewhere around 10K miles.

[Matt Herring]

Originally Posted by Daox

Great numbers Matt. I've been keeping an eye on this thread. I have my eye on craigslist to see if I can't nab myself a Prius to replace my Matrix for the right price. Keep it up.

You won't be disappointed if you can find one that fits what you are looking for. I'm not planning to get too much into modding the physical appearance of my Prius but if you're willing to go there you'll see numbers well above mine for sure.

There might be alot of Prius' for sale in your area soon as the 2010's are coming out in late May/June and people might be testing the market to see if they can get more on a private sale than on a trade.

Good luck...would love to see another Prius on ecomodder!

[Matt Herring]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

Hi Matt,

The other thing I thought of is that since your Prius is so new, that the engine is not broken in yet -- despite what they all say, I like changing the oil at ~1K miles. You may see improvements in FE somewhere around 10K miles.

Neil,

I planned to switch out the oil prior to the initial 5k standard oil change service but I blew right past it and didn't have a chance. I'm already in the 2k+ range and approaching 3k so I'm just going to wait until 5k service.

I'm a little nervous about that first oil change...I actually don't know alot about the Prius in regards to recommended oil (will read up on it prior to 5k) but at priuschat.com they are all going with synthetic and, of course, debating which brand/weight is the best to go with. I'll ask my Toyota dealer what they use and work off that to decide if I want to bring in my own. Most on priuschat.com have recommended Mobil 1.

[Matt Herring]

Originally Posted by Daox

Great numbers Matt. I've been keeping an eye on this thread. I have my eye on craigslist to see if I can't nab myself a Prius to replace my Matrix for the right price. Keep it up.

Daox,

What year, miles, price, package, color, etc. are you looking for? I can keep an eye on priuschat.com for you. Alot of people post their used Prius on there...especially right now with the 2010's coming out...good time to buy private or off the lot.

[Daox]

I'm fairly open. It would have to be an 04+ model. Ideally in black and near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I don't really care what package. Thanks.