SGII vs Built-in MPG gauges?

TimboliahPantsOnFiyah · #1 04-21-2008, 10:57 PM

I know from reading the posts that we LOVE the Scan Gauge II and that it helps us achieve ever higher MPG numbers by providing feedback as we hone our hypermiling techniques. My car has built in instantaneous mpg display, trip mpg, average speed, and estimated miles until empty. Now I like gadgets as much as the next guy... and please don't drum me out of the group for asking, but is the added expense of a SGII going to pay for itself through additional gas savings over and above what my built-in gauges will help me achieve??

There... I said it. I hope this won't forever mark me as the kid who said the emperor wasn't wearing any clothes!

I am currently about 3/4 of my way through my very first tank of gas on my 2009 Toyota Corolla. I discovered and began implementing Hypermiling techniques approx 1/2 way through the tank, but it is already clear that I will beat the EPA estimated FE numbers on my first tank, so I guess I will OFFICIALLY be a Hypermiler in the near future when I log my data for my first tank.

Hypermiling is in my genes... in fact, I have a hyper kid to prove it!

JusBringIt · #2 04-21-2008, 11:19 PM

Hello Tim, if you are satisfied with what you currently have and it can log miles in all states (ice off) then i dont see any problem with that. If i had that, I wouldnt purchase the sgii. however the majority of cars here don't come with them, so if I were you, I wouldnt worry about getting the sgii.

mpgdad · #3 04-21-2008, 11:31 PM

your corolla has these gauges? what are your mpg numbers looking like on that first tank?

TimboliahPantsOnFiyah · #4 04-22-2008, 07:54 AM

Yes, this is standard on the 2009 Corolla LE. Pretty much a base model without alot of fancy extras. Currently, on my first tank it says I am averaging 35.8 MPG, I have driven 318 miles and it estimates that I will have a "range" of 114 additional miles on this tank.
The EPA estimates on the 09 Corolla (w/1.8 L 4-Cyl engine) are 27 city /35 hwy.
So, since I didn't start employing Hypermiling techniques until halfway thru the first tank, I am hoping for 40 MPG tanks to be very easily attainable for me... dare I dream for 50mpg?

Techniques currently in use: Tires inflated to Max PSI of 51, Turn off ICE at all but the shortest stop lights. Pulse and Glide with ICE-on, shifting into Neutral whenever going down any grade at reasonable speed.

Except for the first 60 miles of highway driving home from the dealer, the miles have been entirely city in moderately hilly terrain.

PaleMelanesian · #5 04-22-2008, 08:44 AM

I'd say your built-in gauge should be enough. You won't make up the price difference in increased mileage. You can get most of the way there just using what you have. If your goal is financial, you'd have a hard time justifying the Scangauge. However, if you're looking for the bleeding edge (as I am), you might consider the Scangauge. The extra gauges will help you fine-tune that last 5% or so.

Lit'l Cat · #6 05-14-2008, 11:57 AM

hello everyone:

What is ICE?

PaleMelanesian · #7 05-14-2008, 12:04 PM

internal combustion engine

kwj · #8 05-14-2008, 07:28 PM

Tim, the SG2 was a discretionary purchase for me. I put my "Christmas" money towards it as well as the money I was saving for my son's college.

I really like the instaneous MPG and the trip MPG. And since I run with a radiator block, I also pull up the cooant temperature (my car's gauge does not show as fine an increment). For the 4th parameter I like the TPS, because it gives me an idea when I'm modulating the gas pedal for no good reason.

I think your gauges are fine. They will serve your purposes well. But, later on, when you plateau, maybe you could borrow one to see if it helps you. Then decide.