1st gen 2.7l getting 18mpg nonstop

I got a 2003 4x4 5spd ext cab Tacoma with 158k and im pretty sure 4.30 gears. It has 265/75r16 but I looked at the weight of them and they only weigh 38lbs a piece. I got it around October and nonstop im getting 18 no matter what. Im reading everywhere that people are getting 20-24 with the 2.7. I have not done anything to it but change the oil and the afr sensor and 02 sensor cause the check engine light came on. At 75 my truck is at 3k rpms, I don't do 75 but I cant remember the number at 65. Right now it has 163k, I don't know what has or hasn't been changed. It did have a k&n drop in air filter and I took it out and put a stock paper filter in it.

Is there any way I can get 20, the only reason I got this truck is cause I thought I would go from 14 to 16 in a dodge 1500 to maybe 22. I was wanting a v6 but this was on the lot and i was tired of looking at every Toyota to get my hopes up only to find out they leaked oil. Ive talked to some other guys with a 2nd gen v6 getting 18.

Im in Ga so I don't guess they use winter fuel, they might but im not for sure. Any help is appreciated.

 

I would clean your mass air flow sensor, some of the oil from k&n may have gotten on it. I will never ever put a k&n on any vehicle i own, I have seen first hand what they do to cylinder walls...but be sure to use air flow sensor cleaner, not break fluid or carb cleaner.

 

Lucky, I get 14-18 with my 2.7L. As they get older and lose horses they tend to use more fuel to keep up, also your bigger tires aren't helping. Keep your foot light and consider getting an UltraGauge to tell when you are too heavy on the peddle.

 

Thanks guys, I will get the sensor cleaned and im getting an ultra gauge soon so I will see the best I can get.

 

One thing I've noticed around here is that people don't always specify exactly what they have when they post about MPG

They also don't specify if the number they toss is 1) an actual calculation or 2) how many tanks they've tracked to create an average that smooths out anomalies.

For example, those of us with newer 5 lug versions get way better MPG. I've not had mine too long, but in the 2k I've driven it, the lowest tank, city driving, is still over 20.

Then the 6 lug 2wd I'd suspect to be a little worse due to gearing and weight, then the 4wd the worst of all due to even more wt.

So to your point of 2.7 for MPG, well, it depends...... maybe. Or not.

 

For the tire, right?

If you really care about weight, particularly unsprung weight, you need to consider the wheel tire combo.

 

I've been on ALOT of forums for many different vehicles. One thing everyone uses to make themselves feel better is MPG. I'm not saying people don't get 24+ mpg with these trucks but I can promise you, it's a slow, boring ride. They're trying. Hard.

It's quite easy for my mpg to drop to 18. I have a 2.7 reg cab with stock tires. I've learned to just drive the way I want and hope for the best. 19-20 is my usual.

In other words, you're doing okay. If you enjoy the truck, try not to worry about it.

 

I actually cleaned the maf and went on a trip to my hunting land. 116 miles one way. Hand calculated 20mpg.