Tacoma six economy

Hi all...I have an 06 tacoma 4x4 six and am looking to improve gas mileage. I use to tow frequently but now just want to get around economically. It's a six speed manual and I think that I should be able to get better than 15 mpg. Any ideas out there. BTW it is totally stock.

 

go easier on the gas pedal

Do maint. like plugs air filter and keep your tires properly inflated.



And welcome to TW!! Try the search on here, you may be able to turn up some info to help.

 

If all you want to do is drive around economically, seriously consider a new vehicle. pickups arent meant to get these staggering mpg's. Unfortunately there is no magic mod to increase mps, so short of routine maintenance and a light right foot, there isnt much you can do.....

 

Thanks for the input folks. I don't want another vehicle. I still have need for a pickup but would like a little better mileage. This is my fifth pickup in the last thirty years and the first four all got better mileage and three of those were bigger engines. I figure with a six speed stick I should be able to get at least 18mpg. Thinking of changing diffs. Have 456 now but now I don't need the power so maybe 358 or 410 would give me a little more mpg. This is probably my last vehicle so I want to get it set up to suit.Maybe going to seventeen inch tires?

 

I have an 09 AC TRD 6-speed stock tires,with a shell. I use it for commuting to jobs at various airports in the Denver area. My driving is about 50% interstate and 40% 4 lane Blvds with few stops at feeder streets and the balance is normal city street traffic. I am able to avoid the bulk of rush hour stop and go.

I use the Cruise Control extensively ( as it has a +- .5 MPH control and a .75 MPH step up and down. that coupled with an attentive eye towards closing speed and distance allow it to be used even in light traffic).

I get, on average, 19.5 to 21.2 per tank; I rarely see less then 19.0, I have seen 22+ on interstate trips.

I dont need to be the first one to the next stoplight, but I am not one of those drivers wearing a fedora whose head you can not see from the car behind.

On the interstate I typically am not running over 70. If you go to 70+ just kiss it off.

If I have my small trailer on with my tool box in it (gross about 1000) then it is going to be 15 to 17 at 60 mph.

I have a scanguage and it really tells you what you are doing wrong if you want to modify your behavior.

 

I wish all fuel economy/mileage threads would just go away. I bought a Tacoma and when I bought it I assumed the best I would get would be 16 mpg. I get in and just drive. If I concentrated that much on fuel mileage I would go insane. If i couldn't afford the fuel mileage I would get rid of the truck.

 

Probably the best advise you'll get. I don't understand why people keep ragging on others for asking about fuel economy. Obviously you don't buy a truck for fuel economy but if you can save some money why not? Guys ask the same questions over and over about making a better off-road truck but the second someone asks about fuel economy people tell them to buy a prius... If this is your first Tacoma, or mid-sized truck, the gas mileage is surprising. I'm not going to bitch about the mpg's but to a first time owner, it's surprising that the gas mileage in a Tacoma is less than a V8 Silverado... People are just trying to make the best of what they've got, no different than all the modifications people do to make their truck more capable off road. Sorry for the rant, just my $0.02.

 

I have a 06 4x4 TRD with a V-6 & 6 speed manaul trans. I average 19-20 MPG I have installed a K&N air filter & a bed cover too.

 

Thanks guys. I do know that when I am in the denver area I get about seventeen. I also do better with my bike. I think its the lean mix caused by the altitude. I will try some of your suggestions. Have already orgered an afe air filter and will try using my cruise more often. I already drive with a light foot but maybe not as light as I think. Thanks again.

 

I am getting around 19 mph mixed use. I have an 11 Auto 6. I have a K&N with the TBS and a bed cover. I just try to stay light on the pedal.