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Originally Posted by ohioTCHguy
I'm a proud new owner of a titanium TCH. it is barely two days old (in my possession at least), and I'm loving the driving experience.
My observations from this car:
1. It is easy to become obsessed with the ICE turning on and off and trying to not use a spot of gasoline whenever you can.
2. It's easier to get the HSD to work after the car has warmed up a bit. It seems when I'm just starting out, the ICE wants to run most of the time with the exception being stopped at intersections and the like.
3. I pay attention a lot more about how I drive than I ever have.
4. My girlfriend believes I'm obsessed about the the FE on this car. She and I went to lunch today and it was let's say interesting. She made me change the display screen so I couldn't see what was powering the car.
5. I bought the car because it was luxurious and plush and loaded with features I've never had before. It screams luxary to me and is in a class different than anything I've ever owned. THe HSD was just an added bonus over the XLE.
6. When gas hit $3.05 this week, I smiled.
7. THe learning curve is steep.
I'm looking for tips and input on how to get the most FE out of my new TCH. There are some good things on this site. I do have a question, though.
Have you found it normal for the ICE to kick on from dead stops at intersections to get the car up to speed?
THanks.
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Several notes in reply to your post.
1.) Yes it is easy to become obsessive with the TCH FE. You can't help it.
2.) Almost every start uses the ICE unless you are starting from a roll heading downhill.
3.) The ICE will start up about 10-15 seconds after start button when the engine is cold. (This is to warm the catalytic converter as I understand).
4.) Running the AC on high even with ECO on can and does effect overall fuel economy. Just ask the guy in Las Vegas about that.
5.) You will read, about lurching, lunging, jerking, hesitating, from a lot of people when the ICE engages at a stop. It is normal and almost imperceptable after you get used to it.
6.) There are sweet spots that you will find when you can run at a consistent speed for long periods of time with the ECO guage on 60 or even in the BLUE ZONE. I have found 40
mph is one of those speeds for me.
7.) for an impressive thrill, shut off the AC the next time you approach a stop light and just laugh at the total DEAD silence!
8.) It is fun to drive by the gas stations at $3 a gallon!.