How can I increase MPG on my Tacoma?

[broomballbiker06]

I have a 2003 2.7 I4 Toyota Tacoma with the 5 speed manual. I'm wondering what the best way is to increase MPG? I have looked at a lot of different things such as Jet performance modules and other performance chips to cold air intakes and throttle body spacers. Any input/experience with any of these things would be great.

[johnecon2001]

Sell it and buy a Prius.

[humanoid]

Just go easy on the gas pedal and try not to do sudden stops. Drive like a grandmother too. All that crap you listed won't do squat for MPG. If all else fails, just do what johnecon2001 suggested.

[TrailDust]

Agreed, number one is laying off the gas in city driving and keeping it under 70 and using cruise control at highway speeds. I always say that driving a car economically is all about energy management, and is very similar to sailing a boat or flying an airplane. Manage the energy properly and you can gain some significant MPG.

[broomballbiker06]

Ok, so for you guys that own Tacos, what do you typically get for mpg?

[johnecon2001]

Dunno. Not good enough to care about though.

[LifeIsGood169]

2003 tacoma 2.7L (4cylinder) 5spd (manual)
All of this data is within the last year (November to May)


I was pissed after getting 15mpg & sub 15mpg this winter even though it was sub 0F outside. So I just cleaned my air sensor. I had replaced the air filter (dirty as crap) this past summer & never cleaned the air sensor when I did it. I can now shift into 4th gear at 24-25mph & the engine doesn't lug/clunk even though i'm doing like 900rpms.


If you have problems with slow engine firing I suggest you by a can of CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner. Open the hood, disconnect the the Air Sensor & unscrew the 2 screws holding the sensor in, remove it, spray it with bursts from all directions 6x or so. I also scrubed mine a little with an extra soft toothbrush (I get them for free from the dentist & they're so crappy I don't actually use them for my teeth).


Got 15mpg city driving this past winter in Troy, NY

• Hilly
• -20F --> 15F (degrees)
• Lots of red lights / traffic
• Went fairly easy on the gas
• got 13mpg when I didn't go easy
• 17mpg on warmer days when I went really really easy

Got 21mpg now

• Hilly + city/highway
• 55F - 85F outside
• Going pretty damn easy on the gas
• usually shift through all the gears from light to light
• rarely exceed 40-50mph (once again I'm in the city - 30mph speed limit)

Got 24mpg highway

• Driving from Wilmington, DE to Albany, NY
• 60-75mph

Got 20mpg highway

• driving from Albany, NY to Philadelphia
• 70-90mph

Hope that helps. Yah it's no civic (35mpg). But it is still pretty good for a truck.


P.S. -- That can of CRC cost me $7.50 in the city. It was BS. But w\e. I figure with all my highway driving i'll make it up in mpg's. We will see when I drive home from Albany, NY to Wilmington, DE in the next 2 weeks.


P.P.S -- Ooopps. I originally thought you were asking for mpg data. The CRC can is a suggestion for more mpg (maybe). The more likely result will be more power - which in turn might make you lower your rpms if you get more power earlier in the rev range & thus shift earlier.
Other suggestions
-take all ur tools out that you don't need all the time
-turn off ac
-upshift below 2,000rpms (except on hills)
-do not use cruise control (it's like a 14 year old boy flipping a gas switch on/off on hills)
-keep tailgate up
-maybe get a bed cover
-30psi+ on all tires
-clean/claybar/wax your car (yes a smoother surface makes air resistance more laminar = less air resistance)
-adjust your brakes (parking brake can have a tendency to be left on sometimes - especially winter)
-put in mobile1 synthetic engine oil (5w-30)
-synthetic transmission fluid (amsoil 90w or redline)
-check air filter
-check sparkplugs
-check pvc valve
-check all fluids (engine coolant would be important here....)
-don't use daytime running lights

there u go... now that's a list.

[Mike4570]

My 2010 was getting 22 combo of hiway and city. I only had 6K miles on it before the dealer replaced with a new one. See my note in Tacoma forum you won't believe it.
Mike

[Yukon Roch]

Agree with LifesGood169 comments.
My Taco 2000 V6 3.4L ,no mods, canopy w/home made roof rack w/wind deflector, 260 000km/ 150 000mi, does ave 20mpg in summer, city/hwy 50/50, 90km/50 mi on hwy. 16 mpg in winter time
Last summer in a 2000km/1200mi road trip: 24mpg
All fluids are synthetic, regular maintenance
Slow down, drive defensively, look a lot ahead specially in town for the traffic lights, use your trans/gear shifting to slown down instead of the brakes
keep you rpm under 2200

that are the little things I do to keep my wallet thicker in my pocket...