What is the best way to drive a 3 speed, automatic VE? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

oxband · 05-29-2009, 02:43 PM

I am buying a 3 speed automatic VE. I have been reading up about their fuel economy, and apparently they get much worse mileage 4 speed cars. It all makes me wish I knew how to drive manual!

What would be the best way to drive a 3 speed and get the best mileage possible? Should I avoid going over 70 at all times? I know this is a weird question, but I know little of cars. Thanks!

fishexpo101 · 05-29-2009, 03:01 PM

All boils down to common sense - don't have to make it more complicated that it already is.

If you are limited in gearing, the next best thing to do is limit your speed. Running 70MPH, even with a 4-speed, will return bad mileage. Running a steady 50-55MPH has been shown to give you the best fuel economy. Unfortunantly, at that speed, you'll be run-over in a heartbeat on most interstates.

To get the best mileage out of what you have left - think of running synthetic fluids (motor oil) - generally a little "thinner" than conventional oils but still provide good protection to the engine.

Make sure you are up on maintenance - sparkplugs, filters, fluid exchange, etc.

Depending on the mileage and year of the car - you might be looking at replacing the O2 sensor.

Tire and tire pressures are important, too low of a tire pressure and you waste gas in added drag and rolling resistance - too high and your ride and traction suffer.

Jettision any unnecessary weight in the car - if you got junk in the trunk that you don't absolutely need, then loose it. Extra weight to pull around means you will have to burn more gas.

Make sure alignment is good, suspension and chassis in good shape, make sure the brakes are in good condition - dragging brakes / damaged suspension or alignment issues, is like driving around with a anchor tied to the car - mileage will suffer.

Jackrabbit starts, driving excessively fast, idling the car excessively, etc. - will all pull down fuel economy.

TenZen · 05-29-2009, 03:08 PM

i'd say just drive it for city use. The overdrive kicks in at 46-47 MPH and most city speed limits are 45 anyway. I wish mine was a manual or 4 speed.

***PhatRoyale*** · 05-29-2009, 04:45 PM

like a granny, coast as much as possible and feather the throttle a lot

treat it like there is an egg under the pedal so you don't floor it all the time.

thug lyfe · 05-30-2009, 12:49 AM

damn didn't know they came in 3 speed...sorry but that SUCKS haha

sometimes the OD is annoying though and it feels like i'm boggin the car...the slushbox on these cars suck in general though but i admit it's very smooth.

2000corollaaz · 05-30-2009, 12:55 AM

Our 2000 Corolla is the VE model and we've been happy with the mileage.

We usually average 29-33 mpg, mixed driving. On the highway/freeway; 65-70mph. For the record; her mom has an 05' Corolla 4spd auto, and doesn't get better mileage than the VE.

Our's has 152K miles. The above post is good, just keep up the maintenance and don't drive with a lead foot.

huangxin · 05-30-2009, 12:56 AM

looking back they had 2 spd automatic transmissions... i consider myself lucky (ok, no i don't)

but for local driving the 3spd is perfectly fine except after you slow down it hard to pick the speed back up if the speed wasn't slow enough for the tranny to down shift.

but i agree that on highway the rpm is a bit too high for the 3spd...

thug lyfe · 05-30-2009, 01:00 AM

when i did like 90% highway driving i ended up getting about 37 mpg. but i drove 55-65 mph. what would a 3 speed get? just wondering...

huangxin · 05-30-2009, 01:11 AM

i think i had 33 or 34 when i drove mostly highway. don't remember the exact number. it's been a while.

Bdub215 · 05-30-2009, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oxband

I am buying a 3 speed automatic VE. I have been reading up about their fuel economy, and apparently they get much worse mileage 4 speed cars. It all makes me wish I knew how to drive manual!

What would be the best way to drive a 3 speed and get the best mileage possible? Should I avoid going over 70 at all times? I know this is a weird question, but I know little of cars. Thanks!

philly huh?? you'll be fine. stay away from ALL the highways in the area and your good. (and you know them as well as i)they'll tear a 3 speed apart quickly. i could sell you my 5-speed for the right price

martinafan · 06-17-2009, 06:55 PM

Made the mistake of buying a 3 speed instead of the overdrive because I did not want the power windows and doors. BIG MISTAKE Even though I have 283,000 miles I recently had to replace the engine with one from a junked Corolla with around 93k miles and the mechanic told me if I had an overdrive, it might not have happened. Just too many miles at too high rpm's caused the engine to die before its time