Hello Everyone

[Gimpster]

Just wanted to say hi, new to the forum. Long story short- I just took a new job which will require a long commute.

I purchased a 2010 Insight LX Saturday night after being annoyed by the Toyota dealer. I'm honestly happy he kept making insulting offers because after seeing, sitting and driving the Insight we like it much better. I'm a long time Honda owner/driver, but had been off the beaten path for a little while until now.

I'm re-learning how to drive, but so far in town I've been able to avg 51.4 MPG. I need to air the tires up more and go from there. I don't feel like I'm driving unsafely slow from stops etc, but noticing a lot of people (in particular large SUV's and trucks) blow past me and then cut back in front.

No plans for the car right now except HID's. Would like to put cruise on the car, lighter wheel+tire combo and perhaps lighten it a bit where possible.

[E27006]

Originally Posted by Gimpster

I'm re-learning how to drive, but so far in town I've been able to avg 51.4 MPG. I need to air the tires up more and go from there. I don't feel like I'm driving unsafely slow from stops etc, but noticing a lot of people (in particular large SUV's and trucks) blow past me and then cut back in front.

.

I've had a Gen1 Insight for 6 years, I used to accelerate slowly away from stops, thinking it increases mpg, but I came to the conclusion that there is little advantage.

When pulling away,I use brisk acceleration to reach cruising speed & then back off the throttle pedal and let the Car sort itself out, it will soon go into and be maintained in lean burn operation where the mpg skyrockets.
I describe it as a swings and roundabouts situation, one way the car takes a long time to reach cruising speed, the engine being out of optimum efficiency during that time, the other way, the Car uses a lot of fuel for a short period, but recoups the usage by being in lean burn for longer when cruising

[Don19]

Originally Posted by E27006

When pulling away,I use brisk acceleration to reach cruising speed & then back off the throttle pedal and let the Car sort itself out, it will soon go into and be maintained in lean burn operation where the mpg skyrockets.
I describe it as a swings and roundabouts situation, one way the car takes a long time to reach cruising speed, the engine being out of optimum efficiency during that time, the other way, the Car uses a lot of fuel for a short period, but recoups the usage by being in lean burn for longer when cruising

I agree I have noticed this works as well. If I accelerate slowly my MPG stays low for a longer distance than if I push it past the speed I want to cruise at and then drop off a bit. It is important to get at least 4-5 mph past your cruise speed and then drop back. I get better mpg this way when driving around urban areas.

[Gimpster]

Huh, thanks for the tip(s)... I'll try that on my way home.