My parents-in-law drive a Prius, and my sister-in-law as well. They like to visit and have conversations and cr@p like that, while I, on the other hand, like to avoid them and not talk to them. I feared a Prius purchase would encourage them to talk to me and might make them think I was trying to somehow bond with them, so I got the Civic instead.

 

Is that your sense of humor or are you for real! Might be easer to get along?H

 

I believe all good humor should be seasoned with reality!

 

Yes that is true! Cheers, H

 

There is no need for insults and things of that sort. It may be due to the Las Vegas Wether? its 115 today. My average is currentlly 48.7. I did'nt turn the air on, windows rolled up, swetting like a pig. I came to work about 12 mile drive, mostly level grade. Tires properly inflated, battery at mid. Even got into the EV mode with FE at 100% 2 bars on the assist for a mile or 2 here and there. When I left it was ay 48.6 I gained .2mpg. Could it be that the average was very low to begin with? SHould I wait till the car is "broken in?"

My camry is getting about 42-45 depending on who is driving it. Very easy to get into the EV only even at 40MPH.

 

I don't think anyone insulted you--I was just pointing out your implication that we are lying about our mileage because you don't believe 60+ numbers. I don't mean to get off on the wrong foot or anything.

Read Tarabell's article. You will find that driving an IMA car is different than the Aisin system that your Camry uses. You mentioned using the assist which is actually a no-no with the HCH--you will get your best mileage without it. Also, read MSanto's article on using the air conditioning system which sounds like "must use" for your temperatures. Without the AC, you risk the car going into a mode that will restrict your regen because it's worried about overheating the batteries. Not to point to another website, but both of these articles can be found on cleanmpg.com.

Other than that, it sounds like you're doing the right things. If the car is brand new, fill it up so you know you're starting with a full tank. Also, I would suggest resetting your trip B every time you get behind the wheel--this will help you see what things work and what doesn't work for your commute. Good luck!

 

Good grief, turn on your A/C before you die of heat exhaustion. A single mpg or 2 is just not worth that.

I do admire the dedication, but you have to have limits.

 

Only one other person so far has brought up the main deciding factor I had: Superior crash stats.

Secondary: considerably lower price than Prius.

I'm really happy with my purchase. I just ended a job that involved stop & go driving on a highway for 25 miles each way, typically approaching 49 mpg with a/c on. We're on vacation now, driving along the Oregon coast at 50-55 mpg. Next week, I start my new job situation: a one mile walk each way to work 3 days a week, bus and light rail 1 day a week, and _maybe_ the HCHII to light rail station one day weekly.

Oh, well, I like the car enough it'll be good for maybe 15 miles per week instead of 215. And I think an iPod may provide better sound than the stock stereo system.

 

It is feasible but it is a lot of trouble.
One thing that helps me is the four + years of hypermiling practice and our Southern California weather which rarely requires AC or heat.
Also fairly flat driving conditions.
I drive 50 to 53 miles per hour in the right lane of the freeways.
I almost never use my brakes so once I've used the gas to get up to speed I work to go as far as possible on that momentum.
I also leave a ton of room in front of me.
I don't care if people pull in or pull around me.

 

I take photos to prove my high mpg runs. I'm working on a 64mpg tank right now, and I'll be replacing that "I'm gonna beat that kenny!" pic with a more impressive one later this week.