progression of tacomas owned

I had a 1992 extended cab with V6 (3.4 I think) and 4wd; 2000 model with regular cab, 4 cyl (2.7) and 4wd. Then a 2007 with double cab and V6 / 5 spd auto trans pre-runner. Now I just got a new '09 access cab 4wd w/ V6 and 6 spd. This one is a TRD sport with trailer tow package and limited slip rear diff etc.

I was almost sick when I sold the 2000 Tacoma...that was probably the best truck I have ever owned but it was too small for what I needed it for. It was also paid for.

Now for the new one: it is a great truck but one problem...it gets horrible gas mileage. I figured since the 2007 had the 4.0 litre V6 and was bigger that this truck would get a little better mileage. I had a bypass filtration setup on the '07 and ran Amsoil synthetic. Best mileage on that truck was 21.74 mpg. With 5 spd auto trans.

On one hand this new Tacoma is awesome...on the other hand the extremely poor mileage just ruins it. I put some larger michelin tires on to help reduce the revs (get it closer to what the '07 was turning at 70) but would have to lift the truck to get tires on big enough to do that. So is it the transmission (6 spd manual) that is geared lower than the auto or does this truck have 4.11 ring / pinion in the differentials? I will get a magnaflow muffler and a drop-in air filter for less intake restriction but ultimately I think the gearing is going to have to change to really fix this problem.

I know I bought a truck and did not expect awesome gas mileage but I did expect to get at least 20 mpg since it is not a full-size truck and does have a 4.0l V6 with a manual trans. First check was a little more than 16 mpg. Will it gradually get a little better with some miles? I plan on putting the bypass filter back on and running Amsoil synthetic again but need to let it break in some first.

Kind of having buyer's remorse that I traded in the '07 to get this truck. Too late now. Any other tips for increasing mileage I haven't found yet? I drive very conservatively already as it is. What kind of mileage does everyone else get?

 

what ive heard about manuals and autos now adays is that the autos are more efficient and get better gas mileage

 

I am getting approx 22 mpg in Canada. It is mixed Highway and city driving and I try and shift between 2 & 2500 RPM

 

This true...

my '09 DC SB TRD 4x4 V6 Auto gets between 19 and 21...

 

Man you go through trucks like I go through boxers!


By the way,I know what you mean by the 2000 truck! I had 1 just like it and miss it. Like you it was also to small. Great truck tho!

 

Covered here:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/6600-anyone-get-20-mpg-4-0l-v6.html

 

Yeah I have had way too many trucks, boats, bikes etc. Not proud of that either. Nothing to brag about. Lose a lot of money doing that.