Better late than never!

[HappilyUnstable]

Hey guys!
I guess I lurked so long I thought I had introduced myself! I'm 27 and a computer programmer in Odessa, MO and I traded in 2 vehicles for my 2007 Prius last April, a 1994 Honda Del Sol Si, and a 2003 Ram 2500 4x4. I wanted something with equal or better fuel economy than my Del Sol, with the practicality of my Ram as far as seating goes. I'd like to have a family someday, so the seats will be nice! But I kept my 2003 Triumph Speed Four! Darn car get's better gas mileage though...

For the first 6 months I had a 2 mile commute so I only drove when the weather wasn't conducive to riding my bicycle. (I kept it too!) With that short of a commute I was happy getting 44-46mpg because the poor thing never warmed up. Now I have moved and I have a 34mile commute. About 10 of those miles are 2 lane 55mph county highways and the remainder is 4 lane divided. I usually average over 50mpg on the back roads, but when I get out on the highway I feel like I almost get ran over sometimes so my mileage only comes out at 48-53mpg depending on weather.

I know I have a lot of room for improvement, but it's been slow going practicing with the crappy weather, and breaking my habit of driving my Del Sol like I stole it! I dropped back down to 44 during all the ice and snow. I aired my tires up to 42/40 and since I have only 2 stops between my driveway and my work parking lot most of what i've been practicing has been p&g.

Anyway, you guys are great and it's been nice to meet everyone. Any advice is well appreciated!
Alex

Oh! I just convinced my girl friends parents to buy an 08 Prius when their Taurus died. (burned an exhaust valve) They bought a touring and now I'm so jealous of their headlights! Wonder if they'll notice if theirs looks yellower than usual tomorrow... muahahah

[ILAveo]

Welcome to the group.

I grew up about half an hour from you (Warrensburg), but only get back there about once a year. It sounds like you're having fun with the Prius (maybe too much. ) if you convinced your sort of, maybe, but aren't in-laws to get one too.


All the best

Rich

[HappilyUnstable]

Hey Rich! It's good to meet another Missourian here! I have friends who live just minutes down 50 highway from Warrensburg so I go there quite a bit. I have also taken a few classes at CMSU. It's a neat town, they have some of the coolest historic houses outside of Lexington or St. Joe.

I've been having a blast with the Prius. Sometimes I miss the sportiness of my Del Sol though, but I don't know how I ever lived without the hatchback! I can fit my bass, amp, trombone, dog kennel, everything back there! If I had one complain it would be a mysterious rattle somewhere around the glove compartment or passenger door tweeter, other than that nothing. The funny thing is, only my girlfriend misses the Ram... heh

Right after I bought my Prius I was given a book by a friend at work called, "The Long Emergency." It was really an eye opener for me. Since then I've started tryhing to reduce my energy uses everywhere. I replaced all my lightbulbs with cfl bulbs and started closing off rooms we don't use all the time for heating and cooling. I'm not sure how much more I can do though until I buy my own place. I have lots of ideas about insulation and stuff, but I don't want to sink too much money into a rental property. It's a neat place but it's so old (100+ years) the insulation is horrible and i'ts very drafty.

Anyway, nice to meet you!
Alex

[CoasterToasterXB]

Welcome and good luck!!

[rmcmast]

Alex,

Sounds like your current commute is similar to mine. I have about 35 miles each way. I'm north of KC not to far from Kearney. There's about 12 miles of 2 lane country roads before I get to I35. It's pretty hilly up here and DWL can help a lot when traffic permits. I've got some flexibility on hours, so I try to wait until the tail end of rush hour. I can usually do around 60mph on I35 and just get passed a lot.

We traded for a 2005 Escape V6 for a 2007 FEH in October 2006 and really like it! It usually gets between 35-37mph when the weather's good (not bad for and SUV). With the weather the last week or so, it's been really hard keeping in the lower 30's though!

-- Rick

[xcel]

Hi Alex:

___Welcome from me too

___Pulling 44 + on a 2 mile commute is telling me you are not screwing around but even more important, bicycling it in better weather and temps is something you can sure be proud of! Using less then 1/10th of a gallon round trip even if it is not optimal is something amazing knowing how hard the Prius’ warm up hit is!

___You are setting the real example and we are all proud of not only your vehicle choice but your habits when not driving to begin with!

___Good Luck

___Wayne