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Old 06-28-2008, 10:26 AM   #6 (permalink)
SuperTrooper
Master EcoModder
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Auburn, NH
Posts: 451

Wicked Wanda - '99 VW Beetle GLS
90 day: 29.59 mpg (US)

Green Monster - '99 Ford Explorer Sport
90 day: 16.73 mpg (US)

Dad's Taxi - '99 Honda Odyssey EX
90 day: 24.23 mpg (US)
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Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by stumped View Post
I have a 2005 Prius. We were getting over 50mpg. I bought new tire (37,500) and the millage dropped to maybe 48 but started to come back up as the tires wore in. Just recently (last couple of months) the millage is around 47. No matter how hard I try I can't get back to 50. Also within the last couple of months I have noticed that all of the gas pumps in town say "contains less than 10% ethanol". I know ethanol has less energy per gallon than gasoline, but do you think the ethanol could be hurting my millage that much? Is it possible that maybe the battery is not working as well with age and millage (75,000)?

Thanks for the input ... Michael
Mike, you hit the nail right on the head. Florida started phasing in ethanol mixed gas in February. Your mileage loss is right on target for the lower energy contained in the new mix.
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