Today I filled the Prius. Milege: 2,300. Weekly temp range: 55-85 degrees. No heat needed. A/C used every day in the afternoons. Nothing unusual. Computer says: 51.2 MPG. Manual calculation: 51.1 MPG. I'd say it's a safe bet to assume that after some initial miles on the car, and driver getting more proficient at driving a Prius the milege is very accurate. One question. If it's 85 degrees most every day and FL is flat where does the 55-60 MPG come into play? Will I achieve those numbers? I generally drive 1-5 MPH over the local speed limits.
Your Prius will take about 10,000 miles to break in. Your mileage will increase during this time. Also, the 50+ mpg is achieved only at moderate speeds (30-45 mph). Higher speeds, in the Prius as in all cars, drops mpg quickly, especially above 60 mph.
OK, Do you know if changing the factory oil at 5K to Mobil 1 syn. oil will make a noticeable difference in MPG? I know it's very slippery which results in less friction on the pistons, etc.
51.1 mpg (US gallon) is the same as 61 mpg (UK gallon), which is what I'm getting after 1500 miles in temperatures 31-50 F.(Prius calculation) Good to know that Prius calculation = manual calculation!
I switched to Mobile 1 at the first oil change. Personally, you've got a long way to go (mileage/experience-wise) before you attain Prius Zen and crack the magic 55MPG/600+ Mile tank goal. see for yourself... http://prius.w8kc.com
