[originalbadbob]

Here in the South, there is a morning radio show: The Big Show with John Boy and Billy. It is marketed in a number of states and I think as far West as Texas. One of their commentators has a rave about every hour and on Friday's he reads letters from listeners. A couple of weeks ago he went on about how he was test driving a Toyota because it got 40mpg, which prompted me to write in about my Insight.
Although I didn't hear it, I was told it was read on the air. Did anyone on this list hear it? Here is what I wrote:

Dear Mr. Raiford:
I am a regular listener to the Big Show for about 50 minutes each morning on my way to work, and felt compelled to write about my fuel mileage experience.
A couple of days ago, you mentioned that you were test driving a newer car than your old Cressida because the newer Toyota gets 40mpg. I had been driving my ’84 Mazda RX-7 (253,000 miles) to work averaging about 23mpg (highway). I recently sold the RX-7 because I bought a used Honda Insight, one of the hybrid vehicles.
When I decided that I needed a newer, more reliable car I researched the highest mileage cars, and the Insight had the highest rated highway mpg at 66mpg. I was a little apprehensive at the technology and complexity of the vehicle, but I am having a blast driving it to work and my average mileage on the highway is just under 75mpg. I expect that to go higher when I change back to the OEM type tires which are lower rolling resistance and lighter weight than what came on the car when I bought it.
A friend of mine, who also drives an Insight, and I did a comparison test. He typically gets over 90 mpg on his commutes to Washington DC each week. Our test was a loop of 27 miles of freeway driving towards Greenville, SC from Spartanburg, which is a bit flatter than coming this way towards Charlotte. His average at 55mph was 92.1mpg, and mine was 80.2mpg (there is an instantaneous mileage readout based on how much fuel is being delivered by the injectors). When we swapped wheels and tires, his mileage had dropped to 78mpg, but mine went to 94.5! He uses a cruise control, and I don’t, so I am assuming that might account for some of the difference. Granted the test wasn’t very scientific, but I wanted to see how much difference there might be in the tires. We figure it to be about 13% based on several different factors.
To get this kind of mileage, or improve the mileage significantly in any car, you have to learn to drive quite a bit differently. I can get 55mpg in my car if I drive it like I did my RX-7, but I now drive 55mph instead of 70 which adds about 10 minutes to my commute, which I don’t really notice. You have to be very aware of what is going on with your car, the hills, and how you mash (or not) the gas pedal.
This car is not for everyone, but for people who commute a fairly long distance, it can save quite a bit on gas. The difference in gas as compared to the cash outlay for my car payment, means it costs me about $80 a month out of pocket expense for my much newer car for the next 2-1/2 years. After that, it will take me an additional 16 months and I will be even on total dollars spent.
I enjoy your raves each morning, and appreciate your humor when you infuse it into your commentary.
Robert Frost
Technical Specialist
Highland School of Technology
Gastonia, NC

 

[LoNOx 1]

Bob,
I didn't hear that particular RANT and RAVE broadcast but I sure hope you snail mailed that letter instead of emailed.
Robert D. Raiford vigorously and regularly blasts people that email. He despises the "Electronic Highway". I don't know if he will appreciate the technology of the Insight either.

Good Luck!!!!!

 

[originalbadbob]

I definitely snail mailed it, with my return address and contact information and although I didn't hand write it, I did sign it. My boss' sister in law said she heard it on the radio, and I'd hate to think that a good portion of my 15 minutes of fame was wasted by nobody listening.
Oh well.

My work is only about 20 miles from their broadcast station in Charlotte and I thought if he mentioned wanting to see the car, I'd drive up there one morning.

I've been listening to the big show for many many years. I think since about 1980 or 81.
Robert

 

[Rick Reece]

Robert,

Considering all the reviews that say all hybrids don't live up to their mileage claims it would be nice to hear a review that says they can exceed the claims. After the Greenville news ran a article that was negative on hybrids I considered writting in but never got around to it. Keep in mind this area also failed the EPA air quality test thanks in large part to the traffic. Have fun, RIck

 

[gomarlins3]

I exceed the highway MPG but am 10-15 MPG less in the city. I can pull 60-65 MPG regularly on flat, straight roads on the way to work, but in town only get around 40-45. I think it has to do with the tranny and a lack of driving in town often. Is the CVT a 'learning' transmission?

I have also seen a 8-10 MPG jump upward (Now pulling 65-70 on the flat roads) since I changed the oil, filled the tires to 44 PSI (lack of rain means I can raise them back up), washed and waxed the car.