Is it just me or is the 19/29 estimated mpg completely false?
01-30-15, 10:20 AM
#46
Driver School Candidate
60 mph on the street ? are you that annoying guy always tailgating everyone so they can drive faster ? LoL..
When someone gets all up on my *** wanting me to go faster I simply slow down even more, and wait when they try to pass me, I mash down on the accelerator and make them feel like a moron. However, no one even tries me when im rolling with the M5 or Challenger, but when im in the GS it seems every douchbag wants to show me how fast they can drive.
When someone gets all up on my *** wanting me to go faster I simply slow down even more, and wait when they try to pass me, I mash down on the accelerator and make them feel like a moron. However, no one even tries me when im rolling with the M5 or Challenger, but when im in the GS it seems every douchbag wants to show me how fast they can drive.
01-30-15, 11:52 AM
#49
Lexus Test Driver
01-30-15, 02:07 PM
#50
So I just barely hit 28 mpg (actually I think it was more like 27.7) on my GS450h after approx 75% city, 25% hwy with some more aggressive driving this tank 
no regrets though!
I'm usually at 31-32 mpg when doing 50% city, 50% hwy, so yes I lived on the "wild side" a bit. lol.
Sorry folks, I know this thread more pertains to the GS350, but just had to comment.
~ Im2bz2p345
no regrets though!I'm usually at 31-32 mpg when doing 50% city, 50% hwy, so yes I lived on the "wild side" a bit. lol.
Sorry folks, I know this thread more pertains to the GS350, but just had to comment.
~ Im2bz2p345
Last edited by Im2bz2p345; 01-30-15 at 02:21 PM.
01-30-15, 02:18 PM
#51
Forum Administrator
iTrader: (2)
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/coldweather.shtml
Fuel Economy in Cold Weather
Person driving in snowy weather
Cold weather and winter driving conditions can reduce your fuel economy significantly.
Fuel economy tests show that, in short-trip city driving, a conventional gasoline car's gas mileage is about 12% lower at 20°F than it would be at 77°F. It can drop as much as 22% for very short trips (3 to 4 miles).
The effect on hybrids is worse. Their fuel economy can drop about 31% to 34% under these conditions.
Why is winter fuel economy lower?
Cold weather affects your vehicle in more ways than you might expect:
In severe winter weather, your mpg can drop even further.
What can I do to improve my fuel economy in cold weather?
You may not be able to completely mitigate cold weather's effect on your fuel economy, but you can do some simple things to help your gas mileage:
Person driving in snowy weather
Cold weather and winter driving conditions can reduce your fuel economy significantly.
Fuel economy tests show that, in short-trip city driving, a conventional gasoline car's gas mileage is about 12% lower at 20°F than it would be at 77°F. It can drop as much as 22% for very short trips (3 to 4 miles).
The effect on hybrids is worse. Their fuel economy can drop about 31% to 34% under these conditions.
Why is winter fuel economy lower?
Cold weather affects your vehicle in more ways than you might expect:
- Engine and transmission friction increases in cold temperatures due to cold engine oil and other drive-line fluids.
- It takes longer for your engine to reach its most fuel-efficient temperature. This affects shorter trips more, since your car spends more of your trip at less-than-optimal temperatures.
- Heated seats, window defrosters, and heater fans use additional power.
- Warming up your vehicle before you start your trip lowers your fuel economy—idling gets 0 miles per gallon.
- Colder air is denser, increasing aerodynamic drag on your vehicle, especially at highway speeds.
- Tire pressure decreases in colder temperatures, increasing rolling resistance.
- Winter grades of gasoline can have slightly less energy per gallon than summer blends.
- Battery performance decreases in cold weather, making it harder for your alternator to keep your battery charged. This also affects the performance of the regenerative braking system on hybrids
In severe winter weather, your mpg can drop even further.
- Icy or snow-covered roads decrease your tires' grip on the road, wasting energy.
- Safe driving speeds on slick roads can be much lower than normal, further reducing fuel economy, especially at speeds below 30 to 40 mph.
- Using four-wheel drive uses more fuel.
What can I do to improve my fuel economy in cold weather?
You may not be able to completely mitigate cold weather's effect on your fuel economy, but you can do some simple things to help your gas mileage:
- Park your car in a warmer place, such as your garage, to increase the initial temperature of your engine and cabin.
- Combine trips when possible so that you drive less often with a cold engine.
- Minimize idling your car to warm it up. Most manufacturers recommend driving off gently after about 30 seconds. The engine will warm up faster being driven, which will allow the heat to turn on sooner, decrease your fuel costs, and reduce emissions.
- Don't use seat warmers or defrosters more than necessary.
- Check your tire pressure regularly.
- Use the type of oil recommended by your manufacturer for cold weather driving.
- Remove accessories that increase wind resistance, like roof racks, when not in use.
- If you drive a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle, preheating the cabin while plugged into the charger can extend your vehicle's range.
- If you drive a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle, using the seat warmers instead of the cabin heater can save energy and extend range
01-31-15, 11:09 AM
#53
Instructor
Tried eco mode every day on a new tank of gas with trip and average mpg meter reset. I am getting 25.2mpg combined hwy and city on eco mode calculated via cars computer and manually by myself. In D mode i did the same thing and got 24.5mpg. So there definatly some benefit but its not big enough of a gain to suffer from poor acceleration and reduced air conditioning power. Thats why I only drive in D mode and sports +.
01-31-15, 02:30 PM
#54
Lead Lap
Every time I hear ECO mode I cringe. If gas mileage is that big of a problem to where you have to drive ECO all the time, the GS was probably not the right choice for you. Should look into a ES Hybrid or GS hybrid.
Last edited by PirelliRC; 01-31-15 at 05:37 PM.
02-02-15, 01:00 PM
#55
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So I just barely hit 28 mpg (actually I think it was more like 27.7) on my GS450h after approx 75% city, 25% hwy with some more aggressive driving this tank no regrets though!
I'm usually at 31-32 mpg when doing 50% city, 50% hwy, so yes I lived on the "wild side" a bit. lol.
Sorry folks, I know this thread more pertains to the GS350, but just had to comment.
~ Im2bz2p345
no regrets though!I'm usually at 31-32 mpg when doing 50% city, 50% hwy, so yes I lived on the "wild side" a bit. lol.
Sorry folks, I know this thread more pertains to the GS350, but just had to comment.
~ Im2bz2p345
02-02-15, 01:11 PM
#56
Lexus Test Driver
02-03-15, 07:14 AM
#57
Driver
Join Date: Aug 2005
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02-03-15, 10:07 AM
#58
My 28 mpg is on the low end of the spectrum - EPA estimate is 29 city actually, so that's why I said, that I drove the car pretty aggressive that tank and it wasn't even a 50% split between city & hwy like my usual tank is.
Also as Dave pointed out with his post, this cold weather doesn't help hybrid performance at all.
If I can squeeze out 31 mpg average (in everyday driving), while the ES can squeeze out 37 mpg (in everyday driving).. I'd rather than the GS personally because of the way that I drive and having that "power on tap" when I need it (which I definitely use). I bought my GS450h for plenty of more reasons than JUST fuel economy. There plenty of other cars outside of Lexus that I would have shopped if I cared only about fuel economy.
~ Im2bz2p345
02-03-15, 10:41 AM
#59
Lead Lap
Here is some food for thought for anyone that is thinking about getting the GSh over the GS to save money on fuel.
10 mpg difference equates to about $50-$60 saving a month, that is if you drive 1,500 miles a month or more. However, If you drive less than 1,500 miles a month, the savings are lower.
For example, lets say you drive 1,500 miles a month like myself, and are getting 20 mpg. And premium is at $2.50 a gal.
1500 / 20 = 75 gallons of fuel consumed. 75 x 2.50 = $187.50 total spent on fuel a month.
Now lets say you get 30 mpg with the GS Hybrid
1500 / 30 = 50 gallons of fuel consumed. 50 x 2.50 = $125.00 total spent on fuel a month. Savings of $62.50.
$62.50 x 12 = $750 saved a year.
MSRP 2015 Lexus GS 350 $48,600. MSRP 2015 Lexus GSh $61,330. A difference of $12,700.
12,700 / 750 = 16.9 years. So it would take you almost 17 years JUST to break even.
If you want the hybrid for some "extra" power okay i can understand, but if you are buying the Hybrid to save money on gas, than i would bet money you never graduated high school.
Even if you were getting 40 mpg with the GS Hybrid it would still take you 11.2 years to break even.
10 mpg difference equates to about $50-$60 saving a month, that is if you drive 1,500 miles a month or more. However, If you drive less than 1,500 miles a month, the savings are lower.
For example, lets say you drive 1,500 miles a month like myself, and are getting 20 mpg. And premium is at $2.50 a gal.
1500 / 20 = 75 gallons of fuel consumed. 75 x 2.50 = $187.50 total spent on fuel a month.
Now lets say you get 30 mpg with the GS Hybrid
1500 / 30 = 50 gallons of fuel consumed. 50 x 2.50 = $125.00 total spent on fuel a month. Savings of $62.50.
$62.50 x 12 = $750 saved a year.
MSRP 2015 Lexus GS 350 $48,600. MSRP 2015 Lexus GSh $61,330. A difference of $12,700.
12,700 / 750 = 16.9 years. So it would take you almost 17 years JUST to break even.
If you want the hybrid for some "extra" power okay i can understand, but if you are buying the Hybrid to save money on gas, than i would bet money you never graduated high school.
Even if you were getting 40 mpg with the GS Hybrid it would still take you 11.2 years to break even.
Last edited by PirelliRC; 02-03-15 at 11:19 AM.
02-03-15, 10:55 AM
#60
Lexus Test Driver
BINGO