Unsure of the correct forum this would fit under, so I'm posting it here and over in general...

Currently, my type of "service" consists of:

1-2 mi trips, 70%
5-10 mi trips, city/hwy mix, 30%

Under my type of "service," is it true that there shouldn't be any significant fuel economy differences between the Prius and the HCH II? I ask as the HCH II will offer a $2k price advantage if, and when I come time to purchase.

In addition, under my type of service, is a 35-40 mpg average on a regular basis (and throughout the life of the vehicle) a realistic or unrealistic expectation? Over a 150k period, if I can average 35 mpg...I should be able to reduce fuel costs by about $3k compared to a gas-only Civic, which I'd assume obtains 25-27 mpg under my type of service.

Thanks in advance!

 

The Prius has a significant advantage everywhere but pure highway.Hy might be a wash most of the time. Now with commited drivers-forum members-the advantage is just 2%(1mpg). You would never make up $2000 gallons at 1 mpg $3/gal.
With less committed drivers (Consumer Reports) the city loop was 26 vs 35 mpg-or very close to that). It would take a very long time to make up $2000 dollars-about 71,000 miles.
Go with the one you like the most-$$ it is close with the Honda having an advantage for a long-or very long time. Luck,Charlie
PS -The Prius can carry a lot more" stuff" and the front seats are easier to get in and out of for "oldsters.

 

I think the CR tested "overall" mileage is 44 for the Prius II and 36 for the HCHII, quite a huge difference, but perhaps the differences between the two may be minimal under my type of service.

Here are my figures:


Vehicle price (before TTL):

Civic EX, Automatic- $19k

Prius, $24k (after tax credit)

HCHII, $21k (after tax credit)

(Apparently, my earlier math was off...the difference was much more than that. )


Projected Fuel Economy:

Civic EX, 27 mpg

Prius, 38 mpg

HCHII, 38 mpg


Projected Fuel Costs @ $3.00/gal, over 150k miles:

Civic EX- $16,666.67

Prius- $11,842.11

HCH II- $11,842.11


Fuel Savings vs. Additional cost of vehicle:

Prius- $4824.56 vs. $5k

HCHII- $4824.56 vs. $3k

So, I'll questionably, barely break even with the Prius, but for sure with the HCHII with my "optimistic" fuel economy predictions.

 

From what I have read; I would say in general that the Prius would be best suited for slower city traffic such that it can really take advantage of the HSD. The Civic appears to be a great freeway cruiser (I have never driven the Civic).

However, your short commute times will greatly affect your MPG values (with any car). If you did the 1-2 miles at 800 am and 1-2 miles at 5 pm every day, you might see 30 mpg or less for that tank.

As a data point, I have a 20 mile surburban type commute and I routinely see 70-75 mpg for each commute to and from work. Pulse and Glide; pumpt your tires up, and anticipate traffic.

 

MODERATOR - Delete this thread it is a duplicate in the general section.

 

You can buy a really fancy-PK6 Prius for $24400 at Miller Toyota, so the cost after Tax credit would be closer. I would certainly give the Prius some MPG advantage.At 1 mpg it would take about 500,000 miles to overtake a $2000 cheaper HCH 2. Of course, it would accelerate harder and have a more comfortable front seat, and have more carrying capacity all 500,000 miles.
Get the one you like the most. They are soooo close in cost $2000-that it is hard to make a choice on just initial cost. Make it on comfort/utility/style etc.
Luck,Charlie

 

1 to 2 mile trips sound like perfect bikie range to me.

 

I dont know how anybody can get 27 mpg out of a 1.8L 8th Gen Civic. The worst Ive ever gotten was 29 mpg in my 06 5MT Civic. That was running the dog poo out of it. AC on, also did some 0 to 60 runs in it. I really beat on it hard that weekend. And it was no were close to being broken in. I tried to break it and still got 29 mpg. At $19,128 w/Navi OTD not including TT&L. Its a great car. One would have to abuse it to no end to not get epa.