Do you run Regular, Mid Grade or Supreme?

[Weatherman]

I think a new set of batteries is something like $4,000-$5,000. Again, it doesn't seem to be something to be concerned about unless you like to keep your car for a very, very long time.


I've already got almost 4,000 miles on my 2007 Prius. The tires still look new. I can't imagine how one could wear them out in 10,000 miles, but I suppose it's possible. For my other cars, 40-50K seems to be the limit. I was working on my third set when my Mitsubishi crossed 100,000.


The current EPA numbers are very generous, since they assume flat terrain, moderate speeds and mild temperatures. The new EPA numbers will be more realistic, for all cars. I get 50 mpg with a combination of highway and city miles, but the terrain down here is dead flat and the temperature rarely drops below 60. It's perfect conditions for any car to get good gas milage. Upper 40s seem to be a more reasonable expectation everywhere else.


By the way... What gasoline-only-powered car, in production today, gets anywhere near 50 mpg (or even in the upper 40s for a city/highway average)? I can't think of one.

[tashier]

The latest Honda civic sedan with autotrans is rated at 40hwy. Not far off from the Prius. There were cars in the past such as the Honda CRX and the Geo Metro (yes a pile of junk) that did get in the 40-50 range.
It would really take you a long time to recuperate your initial expense on the car and by that time your almost ready for a new set of batteries.
I can't really compare Prius since there is no gas only version of it but the civic:

Gas Only $15k starting price (40mpg)
Hybrid $22k starting price (51mpg)

It would take you a lot of driving to save $7k and by then you may need a new set of batteries. Not to mention the reduced lifespan of tires.

[Weatherman]

The small savings on gasoline should never be the primary reason to buy a hybrid. You are fooling yourself if you think you are buying a less expensive car in the long run. Might just as well get a Corolla, if you want an inexpensive, reliable little car.

Way back in the 80s, I owned a Honda CRX HF. It got over 50 mpg, but had something like a 68 hp engine. What was really sad was I was living in Reno, NV at the time. It sure did struggle to climb up I-80.

[Fly Guy]

Premium here in my Tundra. I drive lots, tow fairly light trailers often......have a leadfoot, and it when i step on it it efinitely runs better.

It doesnt hurt that i can write off the majority of my gas expense.

[nu2reef-n]

I run super in all my dirtbikes and quads, and I feed premium to my Toyota mud runner. But anything that stays on the roadway gets good old regular gasoline. Why waste money on fuel, when you can spend it on frags.=)
On a side note I drive a mid '90's Geo metro for around town driving. It gets 45 MPG on average.

[tashier]

Originally Posted by Weatherman

The small savings on gasoline should never be the primary reason to buy a hybrid. You are fooling yourself if you think you are buying a less expensive car in the long run. Might just as well get a Corolla, if you want an inexpensive, reliable little car.

Way back in the 80s, I owned a Honda CRX HF. It got over 50 mpg, but had something like a 68 hp engine. What was really sad was I was living in Reno, NV at the time. It sure did struggle to climb up I-80.

What I hear most about the Prius is it's 'gadget' appeal. It sounds like some neat stuff.

68hp? LOL, you could have probably gotten out and ran faster up I-80.

[tashier]

Originally Posted by nu2reef-n

On a side note I drive a mid '90's Geo metro for around town driving. It gets 45 MPG on average.

Sorry, I hope you weren't offended by my Geo Metro comment.

My bro-in-law's father swears by his Metro and drives it everyday. He has two of them, one he drives and one he keeps in tall grass in his backyard for parts.

[Weatherman]

Originally Posted by tashier

68hp? LOL, you could have probably gotten out and ran faster up I-80.

With the pedal to the floor I think I could go about 40 mph.

[dobejazz]

Hmm I voted mid since the car I driving now says thats what it should have. My Husbands Van gets regular and my Celica gets super

[Doug1]

Originally Posted by Weatherman

I think a new set of batteries is something like $4,000-$5,000. Again, it doesn't seem to be something to be concerned about unless you like to keep your car for a very, very long time.


I've already got almost 4,000 miles on my 2007 Prius. The tires still look new. I can't imagine how one could wear them out in 10,000 miles, but I suppose it's possible. For my other cars, 40-50K seems to be the limit. I was working on my third set when my Mitsubishi crossed 100,000.


The current EPA numbers are very generous, since they assume flat terrain, moderate speeds and mild temperatures. The new EPA numbers will be more realistic, for all cars. I get 50 mpg with a combination of highway and city miles, but the terrain down here is dead flat and the temperature rarely drops below 60. It's perfect conditions for any car to get good gas milage. Upper 40s seem to be a more reasonable expectation everywhere else.


By the way... What gasoline-only-powered car, in production today, gets anywhere near 50 mpg (or even in the upper 40s for a city/highway average)? I can't think of one.

I have a 94 Grand Am coupe, SOHC Quad 4 engine with 5 sp manual, with stock aircleaner replaced with foam filter( no even a hi tech aftermarket K&N with cold air setup) no change to exhaust, I have nailed 41 mpg between Grants Pass and Missoula Montana, The car consistantly gets in the hi 30s with my rural/city commute. And on last summers Montana trip it hit 160K, Regular gas, no tweaks or puter mods

[Loverotties]

I use reg gas in my SUVs they only need that and doesn't change if I waste my money on mid or super.
Doug I use to have the same car but a 86 with same engine and a 5 speed and got a couple times 48 MpgIt was a good car,No problem going up a steep hill with 5 adults and they can be tall people with a lot of room.

[tsoperator]

Premium in the '06 WRX(Turbo)
Regular on the Sienna minivan

[Jflip2002]

I run 91. If you can find 92 around here, I will run that. With Jim confortis Mod chip in BMWs it utilizes the added octane found in 91 octane gas. So you get about an extra 15 HP on an M20B25 engine. So I think it actually does benefit. And also on my E36 when I blew my head gasket, the top end was beautiful, the valves and springs (which come from the oil I also use, castrol) were immaculate.

I dont think its really a waste at all..

[tdwyatt]

M3's require 91 minimal andf will ping if pushed, but run MUCH better on 93 octane, which is what I use. If I keep my foot off the floorboard, I can get about 28 MPG

F-150 runs best on 91 octane, pings on 89 or less, but I am lucky to get 20 MPG unloaded on any gas.

The turbo TDI Bug uses diesel, gets about 44 to 45 mpg.

[Doug1]

I really hope Toyota sends us some of their diesels, esp if they incorporate it into the hybrids, i would really love an FJ with a nice 4 cyl turbo diesel esp with synergistic drive
The upcharge for diesel compared to gas is a pi$$er but i expect to see a lot more biodoesel or veg oil powered engines in the near future