96 tercel automatic

[maniac mark]

Hello you all new to this sort of thing,got my first import 2yrs ago 96 tercel automatic got it at 105,oookm ,now i got 123000km very happy with car ,tired of domestics anyway,no problems i run synthetic doesnt burn a drop,peppy little motor!major 1st tune up before i got it,plugs timing belt injector flush whatever toyota told the women before i got it shedone it So heres myquestion for you more experienced cell owners out there,tune up done at 90,000km only get 530km to tank running regular gas as manufactuer recomends from major gas companies no garbage either talking to another guy who also has a 96 tercel and has 395000km(wow) gets the same gas mileage as me then yesterday talking to a guy who has a 99 with 176000km and he gets 550 to 600 to tank !!!! Is there something different between a 96 and a 99? I mean i aint complaining considering my last car was a 89 crown victoria yeah yeah i now, ive seen the light, it only took me 20 yrs, but im finally here.Iwas told to change my spark plugs at 30 to 40 thousand k, when i got the car i did put in a k&n air filter ,didnt notice much anything but some one told me when you put that in you burn more gas the air fuel ratio changes. should I put back in a oem filter or is that the best we can get out of a 96.I also mentoin i dont gun it and dont push her hard i want this to last a long long time so whats the deal is a 99 different? why is this guy gettin 600 a nd i get tops 530-550km to a full tank. Sorry it long winded but its my first time, any suggestions would be great thanks

[Vikz99]

I have a 93 paseo engine in my tercel. It gets around 520-550km per gas tank. It used to get close to 600km. But I haven't changed my fuel filter in a really long time. Try changing your fuel filter. It gets full of junk. changing it will help with mileage.

If your going to change the filter yourself this is how you do it:




Fig. 1: Always use new gaskets when replacing a fuel filter — Tercel shown


Removal

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. On vehicles equipped with an air bag, wait at least 90 seconds before proceeding.
2. Unbolt the retaining screws and remove the protective shield for the fuel filter, if equipped.
   CAUTION
   Fuel injection systems remain under pressure after the engine has been turned OFF. Properly relieve fuel pressure before disconnecting any fuel lines. Failure to do so may result in fire or personal injury.
3. Place a drain pan or plastic container under the fuel filter.
4. If necessary, remove the air cleaner hose and cap.
5. If necessary, remove the charcoal canister.
6. Slowly loosen the lower flare nut fitting until all the pressure is relieved and all the fuel is collected.
7. Loosen the union bolt on the upper portion of the filter and remove the banjo fitting and two metal gaskets. Discard the gaskets.
8. Loosen the fuel filter bracket bolt, remove the fuel line with the flared nut from the filter, and pull the filter from the mounting bracket.

To install:

1. Install a new fuel filter to the vehicle and tighten the bracket bolt.
2. Install the banjo fitting with a new metal gasket on each side and install the union bolt. Tighten the union bolt to 22 ft. lbs. (30 Nm).
3. Connect the flare nut to the lower connection. Tighten the flare nut to 22 ft. lbs. (30 Nm).
4. If removed, install the charcoal canister to the vehicle.
5. Install the air cleaner hose and cap.
6. If removed, install the protective shield.
7. Remove the drain pan and/or rags and connect the negative battery cable.
8. Start the engine and visually inspect the upper and lower connections for leaks.

[half fast Steve]

First thing I would ask when comparing mileage is what is the transmission? Do you know if the others were auto's as well. If not, then I would say that's the major difference.

Driving style has an effect. At one time I thought that being smooth on the throttle = good gas mileage. I would always cringe when I was a passenger in someone else's car and they where on and off the throttle in a cyclical manner, just while cruising. But w/ Daox's posts on hypermiling, I'm beginning to rethink this.

Also, see if they are using a similar make/grade of gas. You'll have to do your own research, but some people say a name brand gas yields better mileage, and also higher octane gives better mileage. Is it worth the extra price, you'll have to figure that out for your particular situation.

These are some quick things I can think of...

[mikem4454]

Originally Posted by maniac mark

Hello you all new to this sort of thing,got my first import 2yrs ago 96 tercel automatic got it at 105,oookm ,now i got 123000km very happy with car ,tired of domestics anyway,no problems i run synthetic doesnt burn a drop,peppy little motor!major 1st tune up before i got it,plugs timing belt injector flush whatever toyota told the women before i got it shedone it So heres myquestion for you more experienced cell owners out there,tune up done at 90,000km only get 530km to tank running regular gas as manufactuer recomends from major gas companies no garbage either talking to another guy who also has a 96 tercel and has 395000km(wow) gets the same gas mileage as me then yesterday talking to a guy who has a 99 with 176000km and he gets 550 to 600 to tank !!!! Is there something different between a 96 and a 99? I mean i aint complaining considering my last car was a 89 crown victoria yeah yeah i now, ive seen the light, it only took me 20 yrs, but im finally here.Iwas told to change my spark plugs at 30 to 40 thousand k, when i got the car i did put in a k&n air filter ,didnt notice much anything but some one told me when you put that in you burn more gas the air fuel ratio changes. should I put back in a oem filter or is that the best we can get out of a 96.I also mentoin i dont gun it and dont push her hard i want this to last a long long time so whats the deal is a 99 different? why is this guy gettin 600 a nd i get tops 530-550km to a full tank. Sorry it long winded but its my first time, any suggestions would be great thanks

Actually you are doing just fine. I bought my 96 Tercel (2 dr auto) new and replaced the engine at 171K (miles) with another which was 84K last year. Both are getting about the same mileage of about 27 Miles per gal (sorry we are Americans) city and 33 hwy. Using 89 Octaine rather than 87 makes no difference on the car, so don't waste money.

I do a lot of driving between Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Other than proper maintenance this has been wonderful car. I have never used synthetic nor additives but replace the oil at 3500 or 3 months. When the heat gets bad in Las Vegas, a weekly check of the oil and coolent seems to be the key from May to October. I had it at 105 mpg on the Interstate last month and it seemed to move fine between Baker and Barstow (watched out for the CHP). I don't normally push the car but wanted to see what the newer engine could do. You may be right about the air filer as I put in the OEM and the car seems to run faster and cooler. Do you really think the synthethic oil will make it run better?

What I really like is the simple easy design of the engine and changing belts, plugs, hoses are a cinch and I am not a mechanic. Air conditioning unit has been excellent and brakes have been reasonable.

Enjoy your car!