2009 Prius Base - $19k

[PA Prius]

Pretty much left the cruise take care of it, although some times I would drop it down 1 or 2 mph as I crested a hill and then bump it up again on the way down. The route was Lancaster, PA to Harrisonburg, VA, Rte's 283 and 81. The only other things that could effect my mileage are my Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max that I have at 56/54 and 0/20 (or is it 0/30?) Amsoil.

64.5 is what was showing on the MFG, so my actual would be 1. less than that. I do have a ScanGuage but was not using it to adjust my driving.

PA P

[Matt Herring]

Originally Posted by PA Prius

Pretty much left the cruise take care of it, although some times I would drop it down 1 or 2 mph as I crested a hill and then bump it up again on the way down. The route was Lancaster, PA to Harrisonburg, VA, Rte's 283 and 81. The only other things that could effect my mileage are my Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max that I have at 56/54 and 0/20 (or is it 0/30?) Amsoil.

64.5 is what was showing on the MFG, so my actual would be 1. less than that. I do have a ScanGuage but was not using it to adjust my driving.

PA P

Interesting. I have a stripped down, bare bones 2009 Prius so I don't even have cruise. How do you like those Fuel Max tires...I'm in no hurry to replace my stock tires until they are worn out but have been reading alot about them. High psi on those have seen some great results at priuschat.

Was the 64.5 mpg all highway or is there some city mixed in there? How many miles highway and city on that trip? Not debating your results just using you as a reference to guage my own performance.

[PA Prius]

I do like the Fuel Max.

All highway except for about 15 miles around Harrisonburg (city/rural) and then on the way home I did take Rte. 30 from Chambersburg to Lancaster, which would include about an hours worth of rural driving. What I think balanced that out was the hour+ of driving my daughter did-- she was driving 60-65 mph with the ac on.

PA P

[Matt Herring]

Did you run the stock Integrities before getting the Fuel Max? If so, any noticeable difference in mpg (how much would you estimate)?

I'm not a big fan of the Integrities although I haven't had any trouble with them over the first 5k miles. The seem to roll well but I'm just looking for any better tires that will produce better results while also providing enough traction for the MA winters.

[PA Prius]

Yes, was running the Integrities. I am guessing the Fuel Max may be minutely better when it comes to rolling resistance. Our driving varies so much so it is hard to compare. The bald Integrities were better than the new Fuel Max, but the Fuel Max will improve with age as well. I'm also running the Fuel Max at higher psi.

PA P

[Matt Herring]

The bald Integrities were better than the Fuel Max for mpg or grip or both? That's kind of shocking considering the Integrities are fairly low on the list of quality tires from what I have heard and read.

Have you run the Fuel Max in snow yet? How did the Integrities perform in snow for you?

Thanks for all the info PA...appreciate it!

[PA Prius]

Bald Integrities were good for rolling resistance, as are almost all tires. The did get a little scary in the rain.

No, I haven't ran the Fuel Max in the snow. I'm anxious to try them. I have always switched to snows, but the ones I have had have given me a rather harsh hit on mpg, so I'd be glad to stay with the Fuel Max if they are decent.

PA P

[Matt Herring]

I understand your point...thanks! I'll be taking my Integrities into the winter...and hopefully well past that too but appreciate any feedback you have on the fuel max tires. Maybe next spring we can revisit this and find out how they did in the snow.

Thanks again PA!

[Matt Herring]

Oil change update...

I had my oil and filter change this morning at my Toyota dealer. Overall, I have to say I'm pleased with the service and the attention I was given with my specific instructions for the car. Total cost was $42.

Pros:
* At reception the girl asked me if I was there for my "5k Service" and I told her no I was there for an oil and filter change. 5k service includes about $60 of work that is not necessary including a tire rotation which I prefer to do at 10k. The girl didn't give me a hard time and we just scheduled the oil and filter change.
* I gave her specific instructions for my Prius including to leave the tire psi where it is, don't start and stop the ICE more than necessary, don't idle the ICE, etc. I went in with 63.4 on my MFD and left with 63.3 (can't complain about that). Also, my tire pressure was the same when I checked it after.
* I told her I wanted talk to the tech about the oil level so they didn't overfill it. When I told him that 3.9 quarts is the max level for the oil he was very knowledgable and told me that they fill 3.6 quarts which is 100% accurate as quoted in the user manual. Also, after the service today he came out and showed me the dipstick was just below the full dimple.
* Free Exterior Car wash was unexpected but a nice touch and a free drink at the snack bar was included too.

Cons:
* When I parked the car in the service bay I left the key in the ignition and the car running. Before I told the girl to not stop and start the car she had already turned the car off. Not a huge deal but an extra start the car didn't need to get it into the location for the oil change. Also, when they pulled that car out of the bay they powered it down again. So, 2 unnecessary starts...but not the end of the world.

Road trip update:
I had about 150 miles of highway driving scheduled yesterday. I went into the drive with 63.9 mpg on my MFD and came out of it at 63.2 mpg. Over the 150 total miles I was able to get 59.2 mpg which is an improvement over the 58 mpg I saw on my last highway trip.

I'm sitting at 63.4 mpg with 375 miles driven right now. Have 5 pips left on my guage and driving towards my all-time record of 63.2 mpg.

[Daox]

Wooo, sounds like you're doing pretty good now Matt. 60+ for highway driving I'm finding out is not easy.