Prius MPG

[vskid3]

I actually had a tank that was below 30MPG in my Prius. 2 bikes on a rear rack, doing ~80MPH with hills and I think a decent headwind. That was also the only time it wasn't able to maintain the speed I wanted while going up a particularly long and steep hill. Battery was drained from going up previous hills and even though I had the cruise set at ~80MPH, the speed slowly started to drop. I wonder how other cars would fare when pushed to their equivalent limit. I've had it at or near redline for minutes at a time going up hills, never any problems.

[Gasoline Fumes]

Originally Posted by Magician

61.5 mpg seems like a good run assuming no mods on that Prius.

Just increased tire pressure and an upper grill block.

[broski499]

Originally Posted by vskid3

I actually had a tank that was below 30MPG in my Prius. 2 bikes on a rear rack, doing ~80MPH with hills and I think a decent headwind. That was also the only time it wasn't able to maintain the speed I wanted while going up a particularly long and steep hill. Battery was drained from going up previous hills and even though I had the cruise set at ~80MPH, the speed slowly started to drop. I wonder how other cars would fare when pushed to their equivalent limit. I've had it at or near redline for minutes at a time going up hills, never any problems.

I've experienced the uphill on a drained battery going up to Big Bear. All these bros with their lifted trucks were not pleased, " I'm trying guys!

[Magician]

Out of curiosity, who has used a warm air intake on their Prius? I would assume they got a 2-5 mpg lift. Anyone?

It's my wife's car and she likely won't be fond of me modifying it like I have on our Honda's... but if others here have gotten a worthwhile lift, then I'd doubt she will care if I add it.

[redpoint5]

I've done a full grill block, and normally run 3/4 block which raises the intake temps a bit.

Not sure how much improvement it makes considering the Prius has a CVT of sorts that can keep RPMs low and engine load high.

[Magician]

Ok... well I'm looking at buying another Prius and not sure which Gen to buy... I'm considering either a 2005-2009 version... or 2012ish version...I hear 2010 and 2011 are oil burners.... maybe poor quality materials in those engines? Lots of complaints...
I'm just not sure which gen to go with as I wonder which you can hypermile for best results...

[Gasoline Fumes]

I like the Prius C. But I've never driven one.
I've driven 2nd and 3rd generation Priuses. I'm not sure which I like better. I haven't had much seat time in a 3rd gen. The 3rd gen officially gets better MPG. I haven't driven/hypermiled one enough to compare my MPG to the 2nd gen.

[Daox]

From a friend who has done a lot of work on Pri, he says the 2nd gen is the way to go. Its more reliable and doesn't sacrifice much in the way of MPG. It is smaller though I believe. The 3rd gen got a good cost reduction done to it and has seen some issues. So, if you're looking for reliable I'd stick with the 2nd gen and find one with low miles. My 04 is right around 140k and still going strong with only a burned out LED tail light (which did require replacing the whole assembly). I wouldn't be too hesitant to find a 3rd gen though. I doubt they have THAT many issues.

[redpoint5]

I wouldn't go any older than 2007. That year was a mid model refresh and they included more options as standard features. I've heard of people complain of squeaks and rattles in the 2010-2011 years. I've got a 2012 and no issues, though the interior feels very cheap and the door armrest is not located properly. Love the car though. Marvel of engineering.

[Daox]

I agree on the 07+. My in laws have one, and it does have a couple nice features that mine doesn't despite being a lower trim level.