Horrible Gas Mileage

I bought a 2011 Tacoma DC PreRunner SR5 4-cylinder about 3 months ago, it now has close to 3,000 mile on it. I filled the tank up many times and I am disappointed with the gas mileage. I bought the "4-banger" because I thought it would do better on gas (sticker 21cty/25hwy) but I am averaging anywhere between 18-19.7 mpg, and the 316 mile all-highway trip averaged 20 mpg.

I'll admit that I do not have the lightest foot on the gas pedal, but even when I consciously drove slower for a week, the gas mileage was the same: 19.5 mpg.

I mainly drive my truck to work and back its a 10 mile trip there and back and it usually takes me about 18 minutes to get there and back, a good 4 mile stretch of it is an expressway.

As gas prices are slowly starting to rise, I need to squeeze the most, mpgs of my tank. Any suggestions?

 

go back to your civic...

What trucks do you know that get "good" gas mileage. If you are looking for a fuel saver, don't buy a truck.

I went from an accord getting 27ish mpg to 17mpg in the truck. I knew that when I bought it and factored that in my budget. I usually fill up twice a week.

 

a double cab is a lot of weight for a 4 cyl, I would try to accel. a little lighter consistantly over a tank or two and see what happens.

 

This ^^^

 

I was wondering what would happen with a 4 cyl in a double cab... That engine is working all the time, it's a lot of truck for a 4 cyl. Not saying it can't handle it, but it's going to be working. Factor in the weather getting colder you'll lose a little bit in the winter anyways. Sounds like it's a new truck so I doubt changing air and fuel filters will help. Only think you can really do to help is lay off the skinny pedal.

 

I think that sucks. I have the 4.0 and I am avg just a little over 19 but I drive a combination of Hwy and City when going to work.

 

Me too, but I wasn't going to tell him that and rub salt in the wound

 

I have 2010 Tacoma TRD,,,4x4,,,access cab,,my 7th Toyota,,It gets the worst gas Milage of any I have owned!! 18 miles to the gallon loaded or empty..BUT IT SURE CAN GET ME THERE QUICK. My last truck a 2005, 4cyl,,access cab,,4 by 4 got 25....at 3bucks a gallon I do miss that extra 7 miles to the gallon!!! From the MTS of WV

 

Here it is man,
Winter blend gas
Lots of truck for a 4cly
Short trips(chris 4x4 is right again )
Stay off the gas pedal
2nd air filter removal may help
Make sure tires are aired up
Try to enjoy your truck man, its a truck, I get about 20mpg but I am very careful and drive like a grandpa.

Paul

 

I came from a civic getting 40-50mpg to a Tacoma I get 12mpg LOL!!!

I drive very spirited though, I love my truck regardless of mpg I didnt get it for good gas I got it for many other reasons but I LOVE my truck.

 

I notice that recently since I hit 20k on my 09 Tacoma it does a little better on miles. I average about 16-17mpg but I am running 33'' and load on extra weight from front bumper etc. Give it sometime it might get better and since most gas station is running winter gas that does not help.

 

you think that sucks i just lifted the front of my truck 1.75, put a 115lb front bumper on, and put 300lbs in the bed for winter, i just checked my mileage on this last tank..........14MPG hilarious, i'm sure everyone will say "oh you've got a lead foot bla bla" well it rarely ever goes over 2,000rpms, winter gas+alot of weight=me

oh mines a V6 auto

 

what about exhaust modifications do they work? are they a waste of money?

 

waste.

 

It would probably help a little, but so little you wouldnt even notice it