I have 99 Corolla LE and many a times find headlight brightness insufficient, specially on the wet roads. What have been your experience and how did you cope with it?
How many miles on your car? I'm not sure about Toyota, but some auto makers use the "check engine" light as a reminder of service(30K,60K etc). Just a wild guess....
liufei thanks for TB. I have the same problem-squealing suspension when go over the bumps. And you are saying, that dealer could fix that. What did they say?
Someone on this forum pointed out that the suspension problem is related to the front bushing, which could be solved by spraying some kind of silicates (?) to it OR a problem with supension and the steering rack. I think he posted the problem and solution on the Toyota Corolla Trouble threads in the Maintenance forum.
When I brought my car for service, the dealer did check on the bushing and struts, and apply those. It works fine for awhile, then the problem returns intermittently. I just don't pay too much attention since I rarely goes over speedbumps. If I have known about the TSB, I would have pointed it out immediately to the technician, instead of having him ride with me, trying to find a speedbump to test it on several times :-)
The other problem I experienced with knocking sound on steering wheel also dissapears after awhile. It rarely happens, so I can't reproduce it when I bring the car for service. They did do some checking/testing on it, don't know if that fixed it or not.
For a list of TSB with regards to Corolla, Alldata has compiled this list:
I might have group TSB with recalls together. My understanding, TSB is issued by Manufacturer to alert dealer of common problem. If its common problem, then its a defect (and perhaps potential recall), which the manufacturer should be responsible to fix it, especially if its become a safety issue.
My 2001 LE has very bright headlights. In fact I remember making note of that fact to the dealer when I took it out for a test drive before I bought it. Maybe the change in the headlamp configuration has greatly improved this ineffiency from "99" to "01".
There's always been a couple of maddening differences between the US and Canadian Corollas (even if they're in the same factory!), the sunroof option being the most obvious. On the other hand, even the base CE model in Canada has the 4 speed--the 3 speed isn't even an option...And the CD player is standard as well whereas I think you get just a tape deck on the US model?
The 2001 U.S. Corolla we just bought came with no CD or Tape Deck. Standard is the base AM-FM 4 speaker radio. Also, as far as I could determine the only spare tire available is the compact and no fold down rear seat. We do enjoy the Moonroof!
and so far I love it! It has power everything - it handles great - drives like my 85-year-old aunt's Lincoln - my headlights seem just right to me - I wasn't sure if my car was made in Canada or California until I saw the plate which said "Canada" - my neighbor mentioned he had heard that the ones made in Canada were "better" - anyone know anything about that? Would like to hear from other Corolla LE owners on how they like their cars - I have only had mine a couple of days now, but so far I'd give it a 10! Thanks in advance...
it did not come with a CD player - it has the cassette player along with the stereo - I think the CD player would have been $500 more - this was not a factory order - came off the lot - it does not have a moonroof but it has everything I wanted: cruise control, power locks, mirrors, mats, all-weather guard package, it is a beautiful car - I test drove several small cars before choosing this one: Mazda Protege, Nissan Sentra, VW Beetle, Honda Civic, this car handled the best in my opinion - it also has an outside temp. gauage and several cleverly hidden storage areas in the dash - the color is unique - "mystic teal" only it is more blue than green - the Corolla also has more HP and torque than the Civic (my second choice) and the gas mileage is great: 30/39 - so far I love it!
CD player in the U.S is only a $70 option if I remember right. It's dirt cheap. And even the aftermaket Sony ones only cost about $150 at Best Buy. It might be worth it to just get a Sony one instead of the OEM CD player.
but I am pretty sure my salesman quoted me a price of $500 for the CD player - perhaps he was saying there was another car with the CD player and perhaps some additional options that was $500 more than my car - anyway, I like my car and just hope is lasts as long as my Honda - almost 15 years!
one is the 6-disc in-dash changer (which I have, and love), and the other is a 6-disc changer mounted in the trunk -- much less convenient, and usually a port-installed option (PIO).
Nice to see you back in here, where've you been hiding? Have you checked the new Camry spyshot?? So much for Camry having bland style!!!!! Can dennis at least say whether this is one is closer to the actual product? :P
I just checked the camry forum here in edmund, apparently wenyue already posted it there. The spyshots kinda reminds me to both the Accord Coupe and the Camry Solara.
Yes, our Corolla S was a factory order with the moonroof. The additional cost through CarsDirect.com for the cassete was $158 or for $233 the CD. Our base AM FM is just a radio.
Our Factory Window Sticker price is $17,397 vs. the $15,120 we paid (incl $500 Rebate) Tax, Lic.,Doc.,And California $5 tire disposal fee not included
britton, It sounds like you have a carbon copy of my LE that I bought 4-5 months ago. I must admit I like the color mystic teal...though I can not explain why it is termed such. It's blue if it is anything. Anyways, mine also came with cassette/AMFM radio. I was told also that the CD upgrade would be around $500 (If my memory serves me correctly, it was $480). I declined it and figured I would put an aftermarket one in. Due to my laziness, I still haven't done so, but one of these days I will. You can get some very nice aftermarket cd for well under $500.
Is your LE stick or auto? Mine is stick..I was somewhat unimpressed with the automatic transmission. I am now pushing 15,000 miles and still love the car. Only annoying thing about it is the lack of back seat space...it is ridiculously cramped. I knew that when I bought it, hence I have no room to complain.
I'm still around. I just don't post as much as I use to. It takes up too much time during work. My research has recently made a break through in term of drug potency, and everyone is jumping on the band wagon, want to try this and that. errrh..., I have my hands full.
yup, saw the Camry pics. The back end definitly look like a copy of the Camry Solara to me (identical except the location of the license plate). No new pics for the front, but looks like they added integrated fog lights. And if they don't screw it up, I'm upgrading to the 2002 Camry (most likly with the V6) later this year.
Logic dictate that I should trade in my wife's car (it's older, and so should be the first to be replaced), but if I trade in her car, that means she will get to drive the new puppy, not me. Damned!
I checked, and there are 3 options. (1) a single CD player (2) a 6 CD changer in the trunk, and (3) a 6 CD in-dash changer.
6 CD in-dash cost about $420 invoice. If you are a music fan, it's worth getting.
I personally wouldn't go with the changer in the trunk. It's just too much hassle having to stop and change the CD, and besides, it eats up trunk space.
The single CD option is kind of iffy. Appearently they jacked up the price from $70 last year to $200+ this year. For that kind of money, you can get a 45W Sony CD for $150, installation free.
I got my Corolla LE 2 days ago - what a great little car! I agree, why it is called mystic teal is a little puzzling, because most people consider it blue - however, in the sunlight I think one can detect a greenish/blue undertone - in any event, I like it very much - the options I got on my car were: all-weather guard pkg, extra value pkg #2, floor mats, and cruise control - the car has alot of pep - my old car only had 76 HP - so this is a big step up in power for me, so far I have zero complaints, yes, the back seat is somewhat cramped, but like you, I was well aware of that beforehand - I love the interior of the LE, much better than the Civic (didn't have the center console or the storage areas) although since I had my Civic for almost 15 years I'd still recommend them - but I needed a change, and I am very happy with my Toyota!
To the quesiton directly above, s852, the new body style (of rumors I've heard) is due out for the 2003 model. Concerning the headlights issue, if you check out the design differences from sub-2000 and the 2001 model, you'll see the huge differences in the headlight design. I don't know if they've used any different bulbs (I doubt they have) but the new 2001 use a clear, flat faced lamp that is clearly visible through, almost like glass (but still plastic) and the sub-2000 models all have the old-school rigid and folded look (not really sure what it's called) that is relatively small mounted and tight looking. Not sure if that has anything to do with it, but my 2001 Corolla has plenty of light and illuminates the road perfectly well (as all people with 2001's have reported). Concerning the CD's, Toyota has several different options towards getting a deck installed. They have the DIO "changers" as they call it. There is the 6-Disc In-dash changer, goes for approximately $500 and there is a single in-dash changer going for approximately $300. Then there is the CD Deck, the actual deck that has all the controls which is approximately a $200 upgrade from the stock radio or about $100 from the cassette deck. Your best bet (as always) is to go for an aftermarket deck and CD changer, a Sony Xplod deck can be had easily for around $180 and a trunk mounted 12 CD changer from Pioneer can be had for around $250... although you won't have the factory look, heh.
OK, this is the first new car I've had ('01 Corolla) in almost 15 years (as I have previously mentioned) my neighbor told me I should "wash it regularly" to maintain the paint job - how often should I wash it? Is running it through one of those touchless washes at the gas station OK? How would washing it frequently be good for it? Seems like the more exposure to detergent the more damaging it would be over the long-run - thanks
The new body style is going to be applied to the 2003 model. Available summer/fall of next year. It's already out in Japan/Europe (since Corolla was introduced in 1966 in those market, 1968 in US, so they are 2 years ahead in developement curve).
you can looked at their websites. It should look similiar. It's roughly 5.3" longer, 3.7" taller, 130-136 hp engine, and a bigger trunk.
Stories:
The pre-2001 model also used clear head lights. It's transparent, like glass. If there is any difference in illumination, I would guess it's the shape. But I felt the 1999 model head lights were plenty bright. Maybe it's a isolated defect for who had that particular problem.
A good choice for after market lights are the new xenon lights. You know those light blue lights. They are suppose to offer 30% or more illumination than regular lights. And it also make you stand out at night among the millions of regular white/yellow lights.
britton2:
Once a month sounds is how I do it. Once every 2-3 weeks in the salty condition during the winter. And also, be sure to remove any bird droppings, those "white bombs", as soon as possible. Humans urinate urea, but bird urinate uric acid (that's what turns the stuff white). Uric acid is not a strong acid, but if you give it time and let it sit, it will eat away the paint.
britton2: washing it yourself with car soap is the best way (car soaps are specially formulated for clear-coat finishes)-- touchless washing is next best. Washing it frequently keeps grit and road film off of it, and I recommend you wash it at least once a week -- more frequently in salt. And whatever you do, don't blast the beejeezus out of the paint with those high-pressure nozzles at the do-it-yourself places -- the combination of high-temperature water and hydraulic pressure opens the pores on the paint and dries out all of the residual chemicals that keep the paint "alive" and shiney.
I did get the single C.D. changer on my "2001" as you mentioned. And yes I think the cost was approx. $275.00. All the controls for it are on the AM/FM/Cassette radio. And I must add that the sound is excellent coming from the factory speakers. And my headlights on my Corolla are very bright.
I don't know about you guys, but the hatchback really looks similar to the new Toyota Matrix.
As for my Corolla, I can't wait to get it! The dealer told me on Monday they ordered it from the Cambridge plant since I wanted ABS. It should be arriving sometime next week.
As for options, yes the Canadian Corolla comes standard with a CD player. The CE version comes with 2 speakers whereas the S and LE versions come with 4.
I'm glad you Corolla owners are having fun with your cars... they really are great.
Thanks for the link. The interior took some idea from the new RAV4, got those metalic/industrial accent to it. I guess that's pretty cool and futuristic. But what I really like is the flowing dash, how it flows down into the center console (instead of the normal vertical drop).
I have one other question about the new Corolla - regarding MPG - so far, I only seem to be getting about 25 MPG - not 30 as on the sticker for city driving - is this normal when you first get a new car? I have less that 160 miles on it so far - somewhere I read that you usually have to go through 3 tanks of gas before you start getting the MPG that you are supposed to get - my Dad told me it probably won't happen until time for my 1st oil change - also, do you Corolla drivers detect a slight variation in the needle of your gas gauge? Mine moves ever so slightly at times (maybe 1/8 of an inch) then it will move back - I understand the gas tank has a "float" device, similar to the ones found in the tank of a toilet - thanks to anyone who can answer these questions for me!
although ALL gas gauges are notoriously innaccurate.
About the gas mileage thing: unless you're doing a lot of short trips in cold weather and keeping your foot to the floor, it doesn't sound right to me. Coupla thoughts:
1. How are you measuring your gas mileage? it sounds as though you may be using the gas gauge to calculate your mileage, which is extremely innaccurate. Reset your trip meter to zero next time you fill up, drive it till it's almost empty, then fill it up again and divide the gallons by the mileage on your trip meter. Do NOT top off the gas -- wait till the nozzle shuts itself off and leave it at that.
2. The most economical way to drive is to accelerate briskly to speed (yes, I know this is heresy, but a recent test showed this to be the case) and hold your speed fairly steady. If you follow people too close, you'll end up backing off the throttle and accelerating repeatedly, which wastes a lot of fuel.
3. Short trips always use more gas because the engine is cold and the mixture is richer. The engine also doesn't run as efficiently as when it's fully warmed up.
4. Cold weather uses more gas for the same reason.
5.If your tires are severely underinflated, they will cause a lot of drag (it's also dangerous, so be sure to keep them properly inflated).
If none of these things are true in your case, I'd say your car has a vacuum leak or something that's causing the engine to run poorly. Take it to your dealer and have them put it on the analyzer.
To give you a mileage benchmark, mine got 35 mpg until I changed to 16" rims and wider tires -- then it got 30-32. Now I have a turbo, so it only gets 24-26. I drive mostly on the freeways, but there's a lot of stop and go, and I have a heavy foot -- so you should get at least as good gas mileage as me.
thanks for your input - no, I have been driving it rather gently (not stomping on gas pedal) but I have done only city driving so far - and yes, I was using my gas gauge to try and measure the mileage - I spoke to my salesman, and he checked with the Service Dept. who told him about the "float" in the tank - what happens is I'll be driving down the road and notice (for example) the needle right on the line for 3/4 tank, then about 3 or 4 miles later the needle has moved down about 1/8 " - then another couple of miles it moves back up - I believe my tires are OK although I have not checked the pressure since I got home with the car - but I doubt that they are underinflated - they sure don't look it anyway - but my salesman said that this is normal for a new Corolla - I know that if you are leaning in a turn or on an incline the gauge will move slightly, but this is when I am just driving down the road - I guess it's not that big of a deal now that I think about it - I am more concerned about my actual mileage - I will follow your suggestion about the trip meter the next time I fill up (have not had to put gas in car yet) thanks again
My 2001 LE is a fourspeed automatic and I do mostly city driving and yes I am getting 25 MPG. also. I have 3050 miles on it. I am not concerned with the MPG. though,I feel as time goes on it will improve. It is my 13th or 14th tank of gas.Now I just had my oil changed yesterday for the first time.I will find out if it improved. I thought that my brakes were too soft so I had them check that out yesterday and they agreed and told me the brakes were out of adjustment and corrected it. Now I have a more firm pedal and better braking. Although I really don't know what they did because they did not remove any wheels to do this. But I notice they did really tighten up on the handbrake also, almost to the point where it is too tight, I only can get one or two clicks out of it when setting it.
You're only getting 25 MPG? Wow, now I am a little bit disheartened - I went out to the garage and found my husband's tire gauge - my tires were all over-inflated - a couple even had 40 pounds of air! So I let out enough air so that each one had about 32 psi - my brakes seem OK to me - but then I'm not sure if I would even pick up on them being too soft (does that mean you have to bear down on the brake pedal more?) - so far, my car seems close to being perfect, other than the slight movement of the gas gauge needle (does yours do this?)...I am going to wait until I have to fill up to try and determine my mileage - thanks!
I have the manual transmission (2001 LE). I have 15,000 plus in mileage. I have yet to average below 34 mpg and that was in the harshest of circumstances...very very cold. I average roughly 38 mpg about 70 percent highway. I am pretty amazed at that because I drive like a maniac. I think the three gas tank thing is a myth...but that is only from personal experience which is limited. I would give it some time though as I think that it will bear out ok.
The problem that you are having with the gas gauge is not right. There may be minor variance...but not from 3/4 to 1/8. Something is out of whack.
What your telling me about your tires made me laugh. Believe it or not when I took delivery of my car my tires were at 48 PSI. I was told that Toyota does this so the tires on the cars do not get flat spots on them sitting in the dealers lots. I don't know if thats true but why else would they do this? My gas gauge is true to capacity.My brake pedal would require me to press it very low before adequate braking and braking would not be short. As far as the gas mileage my driving is about 90% city compared to xyzipps 30% city. Don't be concerned I really don't think you and I have any kind of problem.
I'm sorry, perhaps I did not state the "thing" with my gas gauge clearly enough - the needle will move about 1/8 of an inch - and then back up again - I did not mean to imply that it went from showing 3/4 of a tank down to 1/8 of a tank - I guess I won't worry about it since according to the Service Dept. this is not unusal - they explained it as the "Float" in the tank moving up and down as the gas sloshes around - as far as the mileage goes, well, when I fill it up (so far I haven't bought any gas, only had the car a week) I will try to remember to set the trip meter - if I get 28 MPG that will suffice - I was hoping to get 30 MPG of course...my old car got about 25 MPG/city - mine is a 4-speed auto - I realize no car is perfect - and I am still thrilled with my Corolla!
of setting your trip meter to "0" when yu fill up is that you can judge very accurately when you REALLY need gas -- no matter what the gas gauge says. Take your gas tank's capacity, multiply by a conservative estimate of your gas mileage (say 25 mpg -- I use 30), and that's how many miles you have to go till you run out of gas. Simple!
do you mean to fill up when the low fuel light comes on, or keep driving and fill up when it's as close to being empty as possible? Or does that make any difference? If I put in 12 gallons when the pump cuts itself off - then I'll know that I had 1.2 gallons left in the tank since it holds 13.2 gallons - is that what you mean? I guess you can tell I'm pretty ignorant about these things!
I wouldn't recommend driving the car until the empty tank light comes up, not to mention to keep driving it until it come as close as possible to empty. If I remember correctly, the gasoline is being use as a coolant for your fuel pump system. And driving an extended period of time with near empty gas tank can be hazardous to them. I simply calculate my milage by dividing whatever I got the trip odometer with the amount of gasoline I pumped in it up to the first click sound. Regularly getting 25-26mpg city and 36-37mpg highway.
I guess you're right - my car has less than 200 miles on it right now - I guess it's a little early to be concerned about MPG! But I will be a little disappointed if after it is broken in, I am only getting 25 MPG in the city....
I'm not suggesting that you drive your car till it's almost empty -- that's never a good idea, for a whole bunch of reasons. All I'm saying is that if you're worried about running out of gas, you can tell pretty well how many miles you have left by calculating your mileage in advance. And sitting in traffic at idle won't make that much of a difference in your total mileage over a tankful -- trust me, I play these kinds of games all the time -- I'm a died-in-the-wool nerd, and stuff like this appeals to me. Beside, what else is there to do when you're sitting in traffic?!!
Your car WILL get better mileage AND better performance after you break it in -- don't worry. I've found it takes about 5000 miles to completely break in these engines.
The other thing you can do -- I did this with my wife's new Celica -- is to start driving it hard after 1000 miles -- the VVTi will adjust itself to your driving technique, and it will give you a lot more snap off the line that way. We recently took her car to Vegas, and drove between 90 and 100 a good portion of the time (open roads, no crazy stuff). By the time we got home, you could definintely tell the difference in the car -- it was like it woke up.
How much fuel do you have left when the low fuel indicator light comes on? I know this is probably in my Owners Manual - but right now I can't find it....
If I remember correctly, the low fuel light will comes on whenever there's around 2 gallons left in the tank. I wish I can get a better mileage, but since my daily commuting is only 3-4 miles each way, can't really get the optimum mileage for city driving. My weekend highway driving is pretty much in par with expectation.
...your owner's manual may tell you. I've gone 40 miles after the light came on in more than one model of Toyota with no problem (not by choice -- and I have to confess I was gettin kind of nervous after the first 20!).
Comments
I have 99 Corolla LE and many a times find headlight brightness insufficient, specially on the wet roads. What have been your experience and how did you cope with it?
How many miles on your car? I'm not sure about Toyota, but some auto makers use the "check engine" light as a reminder of service(30K,60K etc). Just a wild guess....
liufei thanks for TB. I have the same problem-squealing suspension when go over the bumps. And you are saying, that dealer could fix that. What did they say?
When I brought my car for service, the dealer did check on the bushing and struts, and apply those. It works fine for awhile, then the problem returns intermittently. I just don't pay too much attention since I rarely goes over speedbumps. If I have known about the TSB, I would have pointed it out immediately to the technician, instead of having him ride with me, trying to find a speedbump to test it on several times :-)
The other problem I experienced with knocking sound on steering wheel also dissapears after awhile. It rarely happens, so I can't reproduce it when I bring the car for service. They did do some checking/testing on it, don't know if that fixed it or not.
For a list of TSB with regards to Corolla, Alldata has compiled this list:
http://www.alldata.com/TSB/59/995971AA.html
I might have group TSB with recalls together. My understanding, TSB is issued by Manufacturer to alert dealer of common problem. If its common problem, then its a defect (and perhaps potential recall), which the manufacturer should be responsible to fix it, especially if its become a safety issue.
On the other hand, even the base CE model in Canada has the 4 speed--the 3 speed isn't even an option...And the CD player is standard as well whereas I think you get just a tape deck on the US model?
Have you checked the new Camry spyshot?? So much for Camry having bland style!!!!!
Can dennis at least say whether this is one is closer to the actual product? :P
I just checked the camry forum here in edmund, apparently wenyue already posted it there.
The spyshots kinda reminds me to both the Accord Coupe and the Camry Solara.
Our Factory Window Sticker price is $17,397 vs. the $15,120 we paid (incl $500 Rebate) Tax, Lic.,Doc.,And California $5 tire disposal fee not included
Is your LE stick or auto? Mine is stick..I was somewhat unimpressed with the automatic transmission. I am now pushing 15,000 miles and still love the car. Only annoying thing about it is the lack of back seat space...it is ridiculously cramped. I knew that when I bought it, hence I have no room to complain.
yup, saw the Camry pics. The back end definitly look like a copy of the Camry Solara to me (identical except the location of the license plate). No new pics for the front, but looks like they added integrated fog lights. And if they don't screw it up, I'm upgrading to the 2002 Camry (most likly with the V6) later this year.
Logic dictate that I should trade in my wife's car (it's older, and so should be the first to be replaced), but if I trade in her car, that means she will get to drive the new puppy, not me. Damned!
6 CD in-dash cost about $420 invoice. If you are a music fan, it's worth getting.
I personally wouldn't go with the changer in the trunk. It's just too much hassle having to stop and change the CD, and besides, it eats up trunk space.
The single CD option is kind of iffy. Appearently they jacked up the price from $70 last year to $200+ this year. For that kind of money, you can get a 45W Sony CD for $150, installation free.
We saw several views of the car, and they all looked good.
The new body style is going to be applied to the 2003 model. Available summer/fall of next year. It's already out in Japan/Europe (since Corolla was introduced in 1966 in those market, 1968 in US, so they are 2 years ahead in developement curve).
you can looked at their websites. It should look similiar. It's roughly 5.3" longer, 3.7" taller, 130-136 hp engine, and a bigger trunk.
Stories:
The pre-2001 model also used clear head lights. It's transparent, like glass. If there is any difference in illumination, I would guess it's the shape. But I felt the 1999 model head lights were plenty bright. Maybe it's a isolated defect for who had that particular problem.
A good choice for after market lights are the new xenon lights. You know those light blue lights. They are suppose to offer 30% or more illumination than regular lights. And it also make you stand out at night among the millions of regular white/yellow lights.
britton2:
Once a month sounds is how I do it. Once every 2-3 weeks in the salty condition during the winter.
britton2: washing it yourself with car soap is the best way (car soaps are specially formulated for clear-coat finishes)-- touchless washing is next best. Washing it frequently keeps grit and road film off of it, and I recommend you wash it at least once a week -- more frequently in salt. And whatever you do, don't blast the beejeezus out of the paint with those high-pressure nozzles at the do-it-yourself places -- the combination of high-temperature water and hydraulic pressure opens the pores on the paint and dries out all of the residual chemicals that keep the paint "alive" and shiney.
And my headlights on my Corolla are very bright.
Here are a few links
http://www.autoreview.ru/new_site/year2001/n05/news/800/Corolla2.jpg
http://www.autoreview.ru/new_site/year2001/n05/news/800/CorollaInt.jpg
This car is available in Japan. Car comes this 2 engines . 1.5L VVTi-110hp and 1.8L VVTLi 190 up!!!(7600 PM) and torque 180 (6800 PM)
2 types of trany-6 speed and auto (Super ECT with double controls placed on steering wheels). I kinda like an interior .
As for my Corolla, I can't wait to get it! The dealer told me on Monday they ordered it from the Cambridge plant since I wanted ABS. It should be arriving sometime next week.
As for options, yes the Canadian Corolla comes standard with a CD player. The CE version comes with 2 speakers whereas the S and LE versions come with 4.
I'm glad you Corolla owners are having fun with your cars... they really are great.
About the gas mileage thing: unless you're doing a lot of short trips in cold weather and keeping your foot to the floor, it doesn't sound right to me. Coupla thoughts:
1. How are you measuring your gas mileage? it sounds as though you may be using the gas gauge to calculate your mileage, which is extremely innaccurate. Reset your trip meter to zero next time you fill up, drive it till it's almost empty, then fill it up again and divide the gallons by the mileage on your trip meter. Do NOT top off the gas -- wait till the nozzle shuts itself off and leave it at that.
2. The most economical way to drive is to accelerate briskly to speed (yes, I know this is heresy, but a recent test showed this to be the case) and hold your speed fairly steady. If you follow people too close, you'll end up backing off the throttle and accelerating repeatedly, which wastes a lot of fuel.
3. Short trips always use more gas because the engine is cold and the mixture is richer. The engine also doesn't run as efficiently as when it's fully warmed up.
4. Cold weather uses more gas for the same reason.
5.If your tires are severely underinflated, they will cause a lot of drag (it's also dangerous, so be sure to keep them properly inflated).
If none of these things are true in your case, I'd say your car has a vacuum leak or something that's causing the engine to run poorly. Take it to your dealer and have them put it on the analyzer.
To give you a mileage benchmark, mine got 35 mpg until I changed to 16" rims and wider tires -- then it got 30-32. Now I have a turbo, so it only gets 24-26. I drive mostly on the freeways, but there's a lot of stop and go, and I have a heavy foot -- so you should get at least as good gas mileage as me.
The problem that you are having with the gas gauge is not right. There may be minor variance...but not from 3/4 to 1/8. Something is out of whack.
britton2 . If I'm going out of town I fill my car up. Simple.. And do not worry about the gas millage. Your car still needs to be broke
I simply calculate my milage by dividing whatever I got the trip odometer with the amount of gasoline I pumped in it up to the first click sound.
Regularly getting 25-26mpg city and 36-37mpg highway.
Your car WILL get better mileage AND better performance after you break it in -- don't worry. I've found it takes about 5000 miles to completely break in these engines.
The other thing you can do -- I did this with my wife's new Celica -- is to start driving it hard after 1000 miles -- the VVTi will adjust itself to your driving technique, and it will give you a lot more snap off the line that way. We recently took her car to Vegas, and drove between 90 and 100 a good portion of the time (open roads, no crazy stuff). By the time we got home, you could definintely tell the difference in the car -- it was like it woke up.
I wish I can get a better mileage, but since my daily commuting is only 3-4 miles each way, can't really get the optimum mileage for city driving. My weekend highway driving is pretty much in par with expectation.