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Toyota Tacoma Real World MPG Numbers

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Comments

  • msibillemsibille Member Posts: 275
    I missed mention of whether you have reg, access, or double cab, but assume it's reg or access.

    Your method of metering fuel (using the same pump to one click) is about as good as anyone can do without actually measuring the volume consumed with a totalizing flow meter.
    15.26 mpg would be correct (4 significant figs, rounded)

    I would say you should carefully document what you're getting, noting how you get it, etc. A few points to keep in mind:

    I hate to sound like a "speed prude" but "90mp/h just to vary the rpm's a bit" doesn't sound like conservative driving. Not to debate speed, but that's not consistent with the conservative driving style that will get you the best fuel economy. Wind drag is roughly proportional to the square of your speed. at 90mph vs 70, your wind drag is 65% higher. (Wind drag at 90 will be nearly double the drag at 65.) You note that it was only over a 5mile stretch (so only 3 1/4% of the dist driven), but a conservative driver may vary rpm at speeds from 30 to 70.
    (Don't shoot the msngr, I'm just giving you feedback.)

    Even so, if you have an access cab or reg cab, I would think you could have gotten better than 15.26mpg. But if you want to make your case, you'll have to show that even conservative driving will not get close. (You can bet EPA estimates don't include any 90mph, and are done near the most efficient acceleration rates.)

    Absent a ScanGage, try being as conservative as possible, and log the driving conditions, area, etc, as well as the details of your method of metering fuel.

    again, if you havent checked brakes etc, that may be a good thing to do.

    good luck
  • benzy1benzy1 Member Posts: 11
    I drove a 2000 2wd 4Runner with the same 2.7 liter 5-spd and got a consistant 20.5 to 21.0 mpg (Bay Area city/freeway driving). 24+ on the way back to Tahoe.

    I don't drive like a grandma either. This (IMO) is the major benefit of a 4cyl engine, that driver variables dont seem to effect gas mileage as they do with 6cyl engines. The 2.7 L is a rock, and still drove like the day I bought it 123K miles later.
  • smokey888smokey888 Member Posts: 16
    Well, as you can imagine, an awful lot of this depends on what he ate for breakfast which I'm sure you're extremely interested in the more finer details of this problem.

    Shall we delve into some of his varied eating habits? Why sure, I would love too said the racoon to the post. Lets say he ate 300lbs of freshly cut grass or in this case, un-cut would digest in almost the same manner but ... how about 8000lbs, I'm pretty sure that's what the registration said today that came with the new lic. plates.
  • smokey888smokey888 Member Posts: 16
    Thanks for the suggestions. Ha, about the 90MPH, I thought I explained that I only did this for a very short time -- less than 30 seconds at that speed. The reason I did it, is that my truck gets mainly city driving, well not even 'city', but more like a slow neighborhood for weeks at a time (except the two trips I checked milage on the open road as reported here) so , I really thought it would be good to bring it up to 90 for a short time, it has 7000 miles on it now, just to give the egine some stretching room. I have already been very conservative with this engine in the other 6997 miles.

    But ok, lets say this engine continues like this. Do I have any recourse of any kind, down to what else could they do mechanically to the engine.

    But I will start documentation and include some 100% pure conservative driving trips:)
  • zdmazdma Member Posts: 6
    I got same situation. My 05 Prerunner DD has 4000 miles. And my first calculation was 11~13 city MPG (on flat road, no-heavy-traffic small city).

    Same as you, I'm gonna check it again to make sure if I need to send it to dealer.
  • zdmazdma Member Posts: 6
  • eaglegeagleg Member Posts: 87
    My 2005 Tacoma D/C L/B 4X4 V6 5spd auto with 11,000 miles averages 20.3 mpg in mixed driving.(U.S. Gal.)
  • sugarman1sugarman1 Member Posts: 92
    5/7/2006 I own a 2004 v6 Tacoma TRD auto and got 22.46mpg US in all around driving scenarios. I am running Amsoil severve gear 75w90 in axles and transfer case,changed over to Pennzoil Platinum 5W30 in engine,TRD freeflow air filter,and just recently changed spark plugs replaced stock with Denso Double Platinum(twin ground electrode laser platinum)these made a considerable difference in hill climbing power and smoooth drivability over stockers. I highly recommend them you can get them Underdog Racing Developement at the best reasonable price available bout $5 per plug,more than stockers less than Iridium they perform great. I hope all this performance isnt just a flash in the pan.
  • havokhavok Member Posts: 18
    When you guys drive in 2WD Mode do you get the same numbers as say a PreRunner 4x2? Do you see significant gas savings when driving 2WD vs 4WD, because I assume many of you mostly leave it in 2WD mode. I just don't want to regret not getting a 4WD later on.
  • bc02svtbc02svt Member Posts: 3
    I have an 06 Tacoma TRD ORd Double Cab 4 X 2. Just turned 4000 miles. Mileage is great! Never below 20 except when towing. Mostly 20.5 to 21. I read on Toyota forums that 6 speeds are not doing nearly as well......4x4's with 5 speed automatics are about 1mpg lower than mine, most likely due to the extra weight. Be sure to check your VIN # to avoid the "ticking" problem that has plagued the V6 in 05's and some early 06's. There is a TSB on this--noisy injectors which Toyota claims is due to faulty exhaust manifolds. They will replace them under warranty. Also check for "shaking or vibration" particularly around 20mph.
  • benzy1benzy1 Member Posts: 11
    I'm getting a consistent 18.x mpg during a typical commute week (8 miles city, 6 miles highway including crossing a windy Bay Area bridge).
  • ustazzafustazzaf Member Posts: 311
    When you guys drive in 2WD Mode do you get the same numbers as say a PreRunner 4x2? Do you see significant gas savings when driving 2WD vs 4WD, because I assume many of you mostly leave it in 2WD mode. I just don't want to regret not getting a 4WD later on.

    I think the numbers for the 4WD are about the same as the PreRunner. I don't think anyone spends any where close to 1% of their time in 4X4. The driveline would go south no matter what you drive unless you drive only on dirt. I can not tell you what numbers I get in 4WD because I have never put 10 miles in a row on the truck in 4WD. The first time you need 4X4 you will kick your self. If you will never need it, don't get it. Otherwise spend the money.
  • toyadamstoyadams Member Posts: 5
    I noticed that my truck with 600 miles gets horrible miles per gallon, is this common on new tacomas? I'm down in the 11-12 area and thats 60 40 highway most of the time, taking it easy for break in periode, shifting at 2400-3000 rpm so I dont lung the engine during break-in. Is this a common thing and will it get better, I hope?
    Thanks
  • pb2themaxpb2themax Member Posts: 471
    yeah, it'll get better. Give it a month or two.
  • ustazzafustazzaf Member Posts: 311
    I seldom see 2400 RPMs and have never dropped below 16 with all city miles. I run a Scan Gauge, and 2K is the optimum MPG target. Everyone has their own opinion about break-in. I have never heard about avoiding lugging during break-in, but it may make sense. I try not to lug the truck even after break-in, and 2K shifting does not cause lugging from my experience.
  • toyadamstoyadams Member Posts: 5
    My figures were wrong, I'm just shy of 16.
    What are the main things to watch out for during break-in?
  • slicksleeveslicksleeve Member Posts: 12
    Has anyone performed any performance modifications to their 05-06 Tacoma and noted the difference in gas mileage? I am curious as to whether or not exhaust/ intake performance modifications improve or degrade gas mileage and if so how significant the delta is.
  • ustazzafustazzaf Member Posts: 311
    Like I said, everyone has their own opinions about break in. I try not to exceed 50% of redline RPM (think it is 2750 on my Taco). Others like to go drive 90MPH all the way home because they say if you break it in hard, it will run hard. Of course they are doing an engine swap at 80K also, but it did run hard for those miles. I wouldn't tow anything atleast until the first oil change, but prefer atleast 7500 miles. Of course if you tow as part of your job, that is not practical. Also wouldn't recommend taking your dad's first new truck out spinning doughnuts on icy streets the first week he has it. That wooden pole almost broke the truck in good (he didn't break it in easy and replaced his engine before 70K). Generally, I baby a new vehicle up to 5K.
  • drummerboy69drummerboy69 Member Posts: 6
    I'm getting very horrible gas millage in my 2002 Tacoma Prerunner SR5 Double Cab V6 my first estimate is around 13.5 MPG. needless to say i'm disappointed.

    70%in town 30%highway

    I have a light foot and keep to 65-70 mph on highway. however in town every day i go elevation gain of about 1000 feet to get to my house.

    Is there any modifications specifically cool air intake that can be added to boost my millage up a bit???
  • xsactaxsacta Member Posts: 26
    I'm getting a shade over 17 mpg on average. 80% hywy driving. 16.5K miles so far. I guess that's as good as it's going to get. I'm not a lead foot either, most of the time anyway.
  • seranikoseraniko Member Posts: 27
    average after 6k on a 06 4 cyl 5 sp prerunner taco...low end of the epa estimate but hey it's not a civic afterall
  • demoncleanerdemoncleaner Member Posts: 82
    The mpg difference between a 2x4 prerunner and the same truck with 4x4 (run in 2wd) is little. I think the difference is 1 mpg in the city in favor of the prerunner (obviously).

    As far as mpg in 4wd, not many people drive long distances in 4wd. Well I have, got about 1K in 4wd of my 19K miles. As a die hard sledder and snowboarder I can tell you I've seen little differnce in mpg in 4hi vs 2hi driving in snow. I can remember getting over 18 mpg in 4hi on a couple long trips in storms.
  • 2001tacoma4x42001tacoma4x4 Member Posts: 3
    I have a 2001 Tacoma 4X4 Dbl Cab and track the gas usage for 2 years including type of gas.

    Date Qty (Gal) Mileage MPG Cost Grade
    04/28/04 15.398 278.5 18.08676451 $2.06 C
    05/09/04 11.411 193.5 16.95732188 $2.24 C
    05/16/04 15.572 300 19.26534806 $2.20 C
    05/19/04 16.209 287.1 17.71238201 $2.28 C
    05/26/04 9.391 159.5 16.98434671 $2.26 C
    05/29/04 12.336 213.3 17.29085603 $2.46 A
    05/29/04 14.077 202.7 14.39937487 $2.44 A
    05/29/04 12.682 181 14.27219681 $2.38 A
    05/31/04 15.236 274.4 18.00997637 $2.32 C
    06/07/04 15.468 270.3 17.47478666 $2.32 C
    06/11/04 15.634 279.7 17.89049507 $2.30 C
    06/14/04 15.46 278.5 18.01423027 $2.36 B
    06/20/04 16.667 303.7 18.22163557 $2.26 C
    06/22/04 16.004 303.3 18.95151212 $2.40 C
    06/25/04 15.271 265.4 17.37934647 $2.38 A
    06/26/04 13.277 265.1 19.96685998 $2.36 C
    06/28/04 16.632 326.4 19.62481962 $2.26 C
    07/03/04 15.512 272.9 17.59283136 $2.34 C
    07/07/04 16.844 279.2 16.57563524 $2.24 C
    07/14/04 16.342 295.7 18.09448048 $2.22 C
    07/24/04 11.837 205.2 17.33547352 $2.20 C
    07/29/04 16.774 310.4 18.5048289 $2.20 C
    08/02/04 17.087 319.1 18.67501609 $2.14 C
    08/09/04 17.778 318.7 17.92665092 $2.16 C
    08/11/04 13.207 241.9 18.31604452 $2.12 C
    08/17/04 16.88 304.7 18.05094787 $2.14 C
    08/20/04 15.779 303.6 19.24076304 $2.10 C
    08/25/04 16.48 311.4 18.89563107 $2.15 C
    09/07/04 16.557 292.1 17.64208492 $2.18 C
    09/14/04 17.379 306.7 17.64773577 $2.12 C
    09/18/04 15.795 304.5 19.27825261 $2.12 C
    09/23/04 15.819 290.6 18.37031418 $2.15 C
    10/01/04 15.63 275.2 17.60716571 $2.20 C
    10/16/04 15.461 273.3 17.67673501 $2.49 C
    10/26/04 14.574 263.6 18.08700425 $2.42 C
    11/03/04 15.906 282.2 17.74173268 $2.48 C
    11/09/04 15.774 290.8 18.43540003 $2.40 C
    11/13/04 16.512 317.5 19.22843992 $2.28 C
    11/19/04 16.311 295 18.08595426 $2.40 B
    11/25/04 13.275 222.6 16.76836158 $2.26 C
    12/13/04 16.648 288.7 17.34142239 $2.18 C
    12/17/04 14.568 265.4 18.21801208 $2.08 C
    12/19/04 10.137 202.5 19.97632436 $2.02 C
    12/22/04 13.134 247.3 18.82899345 $2.10 B
    12/26/04 15.824 266 16.809909 $1.98 C
    12/30/04 10.794 182.3 16.88901241 $1.96 C
    12/31/04 18.117 321.1 17.72368494 $1.98 C
    Date Qty (Gal) Mileage Cost Grade MPG
    1/2/05 8.834 147.9 $2.039 A 16.742
    1/2/05 10.862 197.3 $2.159 C 18.164
    1/4/05 12.864 235.8 $2.039 B 18.330
    1/12/05 15.147 263.7 $1.989 B 17.409
    1/18/05 14.820 257.1 $1.869 C 17.348
    1/26/05 16.112 286.3 $2.099 B 17.769
    2/1/05 8.945 145.6 $2.059 C 16.277
    2/1/05 12.555 224.0 $2.099 C 17.841
    2/2/05 14.070 241.3 $2.089 B 17.150
    2/3/05 10.220 193.6 $2.029 B 18.943
    2/7/05 13.288 227.3 $2.059 B 17.106
    2/7/05 12.297 215.0 $2.119 C 17.484
    2/8/05 15.781 274.6 $2.119 C 17.401
    2/28/05 16.144 279.5 $2.189 C 17.313
    3/4/05 11.698 200.4 $2.229 C 17.131
    3/7/05 7.364 128.7 $2.179 C 17.477
    3/18/05 11.806 209.4 $2.309 C 17.737
    3/23/05 9.927 162.0 $2.349 C 16.319
    4/2/05 13.453 246.6 $2.429 C 18.330
    4/8/05 7.365 126.5 $2.579 C 17.177
    4/8/05 11.690 223.7 $2.669 C 19.136
    4/10/05 12.536 249.3 $2.519 C 19.887
    4/12/05 14.717 272.6 $2.569 C 18.523
    4/17/05 11.296 183.9 $2.629 C 16.280
    4/29/05 7.019 117.2 $2.589 C 16.698
    5/4/05 12.659 245.9 $2.599 C 19.425
    5/8/05 16.215 285.5 $2.549 C 17.607
    5/26/05 9.666 163.3 $2.459 C 16.894
    5/28/05 11.630 185.7 $2.509 B 15.967
    5/28/05 13.409 258.8 $2.469 C 19.300
    5/30/05 14.487 289.7 $2.369 C 19.997
    6/2/05 13.614 250.4 $2.479 C 18.393
    6/3/05 15.969 296.3 $2.279 C 18.555
    6/7/05 15.351 286.1 $2.329 C 18.637
    6/11/05 10.399 169.5 $2.329 C 16.300
    7/2/05 10.650 194.6 $2.459 C 18.272
    7/13/05 16.256 294.2 $2.459 C 18.098
    8/1/05 16.742 281.4 $2.589 C 16.808
    8/4/05 9.485 166.3 $2.629 C 17.533
    8/5/05 13.601 253.3 $2.699 A 18.624
    8/7/05 14.992 281.9 $2.639 C 18.803
    8/8/05 14.949 284.4 $2.899 C 19.025
    8/10/05 11.445 206.4 $2.759 C 18.034
    8/13/05 16.469 313.3 $2.799 C 19.024
  • 1derdog1derdog Member Posts: 2
    I finally had to gas up the Taco (2007 Access Cab 4x4 Auto). The dealer filled it up when I bought it, but now it was my turn. 19.5 mpg for my first tank. Not to bad considering I'm at 4300' elevation. Normal commuting miles ranging from 12 to 15 miles each way. Plus a few X-mas shopping miles on the freeway.

    B
  • kentpflkentpfl Member Posts: 2
    I've had my 2007 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab Off-Road 4x4 Automatic for about 3.5 months (about 6500 miles). The truck is great, but we are disappointed with the MPG. Over the past months we've only gotten between 16 and 18 mpg regardless of the driving (some rural highway driving; some urban driving; regular gas). It's rated at 21 highway and 18 city but has only gotten 19mpg once. It seems to do better if we drive 55-60mph on rural highways but even then it only gets 18 mpg. Perhaps it will do better in the summer
  • mike6614mike6614 Member Posts: 2
    I have a '01 dbl cab V6 and I'm getting 13 to 14 mpg on good days and average 10 to 11 mpg. The dealer says that everything checks out on the computer and no misfiring cylinders but I'm very disappointed. When it was new I would 16 to 18 city and 20 to 22 highway. On the highway if I'm lucky I'll get 15. No one seems to know what the problem is but my transmission seems to shift alot and going up the slightest incline it will go into passing gear and stay there until i back off of the gas. If anyone has any suggestions or the same problem and how they fixed it please let me know.
  • ltmarltmar Member Posts: 45
    I have a 2006 TRD Sport Dbl Cab 4x4. Most of my highway miles have been pulling a 3 seat watercraft plus all of the necessary gear. I get just over 17. When I am not pulling the trailer, the best I have ever seen is 19. That is going just over 70mph. I wish it was a little better but it isn't important enough to drive below the speed limit.
  • cctruckcctruck Member Posts: 4
    I thought I would post a follow up since the truck (O5 TRD OR, extended cab, 4WD, 6 speed manual) now has 27k on it. If I drive 60 I can get 20 MPG or very close - unfortunately where I live I rarely cruise at 60. If I drive with freeway traffic here, (70 to 80) or around town (mixed stop and go with short freeway jaunts) I get around 17 MPG.

    DCraig.
  • ddigglerddiggler Member Posts: 17
    I've had my 2006 Tacoma V6 with offroad TRD package for about 3 weeks now, have used one full tank and MPG was about 21 miles per gallon. I did about half off road in the mountains of So Cal, so I used 4x4 some of the time. I also did some mountain roads, freeway and city.
    I have no complaints about the truck, no tire problems, engine is smooth and powerful. I suspect my MPG is similar to what I have read, however a bit lower due to the off roading. I was also able to get a $1000 rebate which was nice. My Tacoma is a 2006, with V6 Access cab 4X4, TRD offroad, floor mats, towing package, Total $25,266 "Invoice", with delaer costs $26,348, plus tax, doc, DMV and tire fee I paid $27,515 out the door. I had shopped about 10 dealers till I found one that had the trucks in stock and did not play games with prices. Email me if you want the dealer name and sales person info.
  • softballdadsoftballdad Member Posts: 1
    I've had the truck since 2002, it currently has 83k on the odo. Have never gotten less than 20 mpg and average 28. Best mileage on a round trip was 35 mpg. I drive it easy and have always wondered why there wasn't more demand for the 4x2/4cyl/manual transmission versions. The difference in gas consumption is dramatic. I had given up hoping to find a used one when I stumbled onto this truck.
  • jschmidtjschmidt Member Posts: 4
    Super truck,First tank of gas was 24.6 with a mix of city and hwy.I will report in again when it is broken in.
  • mickupimickupi Member Posts: 1
    My 05 Tacoma Xrunner has 17k, 4.0 engine, 6 speed manual. I have had it a few weeks. I got 22.07 mpg on a recent trip to Atlanta cruising at 72 mph. - Mick
    ------------------------------------------
    Never own anything you aren't willing to drill a hole in.
  • gpkgpk Member Posts: 38
    I am wondering if anyone has experience with a 4x4 with the 4 cycle with a MT set up? I would like to know what gas mileage has been? I plan on keeping my civic for normal driving back to work but I am looking into a 4x4 without a V-6.
  • aaapuppyaaapuppy Member Posts: 1
    I've run through my second tank of gas now (well, third, but I didn't count the first dealer fill up). The following mpg are incredibly disappointing: 19.64 and 19.98. Somebody told me that the stringent CA emissions actually lower mpg, but I have nothing to support that. My sister's '06 V6 auto double cab is getting 21.8 (highway mpg). She's in Georgia. I just don't understand.

    This is the third Toyota pick-up I've owned. The 1997 Tacoma w/200k miles that I trade for this '07 got 3 more mpg...with a filthy air filter and running on its last wheel! Something must be wrong, yes?

    Anybody else in California finding this to be true or is my truck broken?
  • matt51matt51 Member Posts: 8
    no cruise control. EPA rated at 21/27. On mostly highway driving, getting 22 mpg with running 75-80 mph. Running 70 mph, getting 23.5-24 mpg. Using Castrol synthetic oil, will switch to Mobil 1 next oil change.
    Somewhat dissapointed as I usually achieve near EPA mileage with most cars I own. :(
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    Just slow down and you will get much better.
  • mike6614mike6614 Member Posts: 2
    I posted a messeage a fee months ago about my gas mileage on an '01 truck. After a trip to the dealership my back brakes were frozen and holding pressure against the brake drum. They replaced the parts and it helped my mileage about 3 mpg. Then I read an article that told you how to clean the Mass Flow Air Sensor. I done that and it is back up to 17 to 18 mpg. It took about 10 minutes and a can of CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor cleaner that cost $7.00 and fixzed my problem. The article reccomended you clean it everytime you change your air filter. Has more power and runs great.
    If it goes bad it's a 300.00 plus repair.
  • adriel_ianadriel_ian Member Posts: 1
    i just recentely bought my truck 2007 4x4 double cab v6 short bed and it eats a lot of gas.... it just reached the 290mark and im on the Empty line. its a combined driving 75% freeway and i dont go over 3000rpm. is this how it is? or what? 15mpg? :cry: i love the truck but the gas mileage is just killing me. from a 450mile/tank on my camry to this?
  • jaggy9jaggy9 Member Posts: 3
    I'm a new Tacoma owner and have just burned through my first tank of gas. 21.7 MPG. 380 miles at 17.5 gallons. All city driving and actually used the A/C for about 7 days as I had the windows tinted (have to leave them up for 3-5 days, but I always give it a week). I'll continue to post as I get more data.
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    Sorry but look how big that thing is. What did you expect mpg wise? If mileage is a concern don't buy a truck unless you work the truck! The smaller 4 cylinder manuals get the best mileage in the Tacoma. Hope this helps......next time. :)
  • jobizzujobizzu Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone know if getting the Prerunner version of the 4-cylinder engine has a big impact on the mpg? I was planning on going with a 2.7 Prerunner (I like the body style but would like to get the better gas mileage out of the 4-banger) but I've been reading conflicting information online about the kind of mileage to expect out of it. Some sites claim the Prerunners get just as good mileage as the base models (20 city/28 hwy), while I've read in some online forums that the Prerunners get very similar mileage as the 4x4s (19 city/23 hwy). Starting to wonder if maybe I should just go with the V6 if the I4 Prerunner only gets a few more mpg...any suggestions?
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    The Pre runner weighs 180 lbs more than the Base. They are rated the same mpg. If you are concerned w/ mileage get the 2.7 5 speed. Hope this helps.
  • seranikoseraniko Member Posts: 27
    prerunner 2.7 mt average 21 mpg...,it's over 10k now.
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    Thanks for the info.
  • tank5tank5 Member Posts: 10
    I just purchased a 2007 tacoma with the 4 cyl motor and automatic with cruise control. For the first mpg checked at 360 miles is was a lousy 19.3! This is many highway miles at 70 mph

    I have the 3:73 rear and have just put in 51 psi of air in my tires. Let's see what happens on the next go round. My 5.3L 2004 1500 silverado with extended cab got this same mileage and I traded it to get better mileage. Boy am I not a fan of this rice burner

    Would changing the Mass air sensor help to get better MPG at a normal everday RPM's ?

    Would modifying the air filter and air intake box help and how do you do it?

    On the chev silverado I put on a K&N cool air filter and new air intake pipe for #$300.00 and it did not help one bit except at 8000RPM- which if right before the engine gives you pieces in return.

    Would use systhetic oil with a viscocity of "00" help'

    Tank5
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    Don't tamper w your truck. You may void the warranty. See if you can run a little slower. You can get 15% better mpg @ 60.
  • tank5tank5 Member Posts: 10
    Hi: I get lousey gas mileage in my 2007 4 cyl tacoma. I am supposed to have the 3:73 ratio rear end. Does anyone have the 3:23 rear end and what is the gas mileage with that?

    Also, does any one know who, if anybody, sells a fiberglass hood and/or tail gate for this model. The hood is real heavy steel and changing that out should get better mileage by reducing weight. Same for the tailgate.

    Tank5
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    I don't think any of the alterations pay for themselves. Leave the truck stock till the warranty expires. Drive a little slower. Keep your tailgate in the up position. Be smooth. Hope this helps.
  • tank5tank5 Member Posts: 10
    Hi:
    Thanks for your helpful hints.

    I'm now thinking about replacing my tailgate with a wooden one made from 1"X3" to save weight.

    Also I'm looking around for a 15" compact spare to replace the 15" full size spare that came with the truck, again to save weight.

    Finally, I trying to replace my hood with a wooden one that would really save weight- I have issues with that and am still trying to devise a nice way to do it.

    I feel confident on the hood as there is a big 4" x 4" solid aluminum bar connecting the two frame sides in the front behind the radiator and a/c heat exchanger. The bar is the way they got the good frontal crash rating. So the hood is a throw away for crash protection.

    If any vehicle should get good gas mileage it is this one. The only option is the air conditioner. I made them find a vehicle that did not have the $699.00 extra for the Southeastern Distributor and vehicle polishing, undercoating and 24 road side assistance for only one year plus one free oil change.

    After I bought the vehicle I had the dealer install cruise control on it. It works fine and should save gas.

    The vehicle had a list of $16,885.53.

    They charged $299 for their paper work, some taxes for $34.26 and title transfer of $16.50 for an out the door cash price of $17,235.29.

    There was a $1,000 rebate for the 4 cylinder Tacoma so the actual price was $16,235.29. They gave me $16,347.68 for my truck and handed me a check for $112.39 as I drove off.

    Another dealer close by wanted my truck and $2,900.00 for the same Tacoma. So I got a good deal I think.

    I just want better gas mileage for the inconvenience of driving this rice burner.

    Tank5
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    Look and listen! The mileage is what it is for your vehicle. See my previous posts and stop fighting "the facts." Hope this saves you unneeded mods. Hope the wooden hood is a joke.
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