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Poor mileage acceptable to Toyota - READ ONLY

69 messages,  Last post on Jun 24, 2003 at 5:04 AM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Tacoma, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Truck

Messages Page 1 of 7

#1 of 69 Toyota knows their stickers are wrong for trucks by rlafaver

Mar 11, 2003 (8:38 am)

I recently purchased a 2003 Toyota Tacomaq, 4 cyl. 2.4L. I have since learned that the window sticker stating 22mpg City is erroneous. Two different Toyota dealers have told me that these trucks get 19mpg City. Toyota customer service told me that 19 is acceptable to them and they are sending me a letter to that effect. The dealer service people even told me I was lucky to be getting 19. I am outraged, and there seems to be nothing I can do. Why did I never see this in any reviews or publications? I checked many of them before buying, and I bought a 4 cylinder to get good mileage because I never tow and never haul excessive loads.

#2 of 69 Because it's not the milage most people get. by sc0rpi0

Mar 11, 2003 (8:44 am)

A lot of TTORA guys who run I4 engines (well, they have 2.7L ones) easily get 23+ mpg. Dealer is telling you that it's "ok" because they don't want to have to deal with your truck later, b/c it'd be a warranty work. Take it to the dealer, there's no way an I4 2.4L engine would be sucking gas like a V6 (I get 19mpg on my V6). Drive around until the breakin period ends, then take it to the dealer and make them look at it. If they don't want to, call Toyota Regional Rep and talk to them.

#3 of 69 Been there, done that "sc0rpi0" by rlafaver

Mar 11, 2003 (8:52 am)

The first dealer put instruments on the truck and took it on the road for "instantaneous" readings. They said it was okay, everything normal. They said 19mpg (without AC) is okay and they would pursue it no further. Talked to Toyota for second time and they sent me to the second dealer who wouldn't even discuss the matter because they felt I was lucky to be getting 19. Toyota customer service then said basicly "case closed". Called the first dealer and asked to return the truck. They told me that I should be happy with 19, and that I was very lucky to own a Toyota, "case closed".
Driving conditions: NO stop and go traffic, tonneau cover, NO AC use yet, outskirts of a small town, NO offroad or dirt roads.

#4 of 69 by ryanbab

Mar 11, 2003 (10:11 am)

wow thats not good at all
 
there are V-8s out there (2wd) that get 19-22 easily. Most v-6s can get 19 easy too
 
only thing left to ask is are you driving it like you stole it?

#5 of 69 To ryanbab by rlafaver

Mar 11, 2003 (11:36 am)

Nah, I have been driving it kind of gentle. I have tried to keep acceleration under 2000 rpms, but occasionally when I get on Hwy 90 here in Lafayette, LA I get up to 2200 to keep from getting plowed over by an SUV or a cane truck. The guy at Hampton Toyota said he's been working with Tacomas for 10 years and he says 19 is average for a 2.4L. He said he worked with Nissans for 6 years and that they always achieve the sticker ratings.

#6 of 69 Well..... by sc0rpi0

Mar 11, 2003 (12:36 pm)

Lets put it this way: I got a V6 4x4 that I sometimes drive like I stole it (when some other truck wants to race, or when I want to get around some slow bum on the road, I stay in gear until 5.25K rpms). With that (and it's mostly in the city, I do highway drives maybe 5-7 miles at a time, my average speed is 75, so engine revs at 2.75K rpms) going on, a tonneau cover, 2" of lift and 31x10.5R15 tires, I get 17mpg in the city. On the freeway, if I keep it at 70 (2.5K rpms), I can easily get 19mpg.
 
I have real trouble believing the 2.4L I4 guzzles gas like mine. Do you drive an Xtracab or RegCab? Xtracab got some more weight on it, and could result in some decrease in milage, but not to 19.

#7 of 69 To sc0rpi0 by rlafaver

Mar 11, 2003 (1:08 pm)

Yes, it is an Xtra cab with automatic. The auto is rated for 22 City and 25 Hwy. The 5 speed manual is rated 22 City and 27 Hwy.
The thing that burns me is that neither dealer would offer advice. I just switched to syn. oil, and I might next add a K&N air filter. Hate to spend the bucks. I would rather give them back this thing and let some other "lucky" individual buy it.

#8 of 69 by ryanbab

Mar 11, 2003 (9:41 pm)

i can tell you my truck gets nowhere near what the sticker says. I think it was 14/17 and i am getting 10-12 and 13-15. My highest is almost 20 and this was driving through the mountains. This is with a 00 silverado 4wd 5.3 V-8. I didnt buy my truck for milage so it doesnt bother me much. I think all the ratings on new cars are a little high. Just like some manufacturers tack on extra HP that isnt really there
 
False advertising if you ask me

#9 of 69 RLA by sonjaab

Mar 12, 2003 (6:27 am)

Remember those MPG figures on the fed . sticker are estimates ONLY. All new vehicles are tested for emissions and MPG avg.in a climate controlled facility, on a dyno, under a simulated driving sequence somewhere in MD. or VA.(forget where).
And yes mileage under REAL operation ....they are
gonna get less.........................geo
 
BTW: My bud traded his 4 cyl camry for a new outback wagon.
He is in shock ! camry way over 20 mpg...outback best 16 mpg !
Heck my Chevy 2500 4x4 gets 18 highway crusin' ac on too ! My
V-8 Caddy gets 25 or better...........

#10 of 69 sonjaab by sc0rpi0

Mar 12, 2003 (8:01 am)

Don't these big caddies have an electronic cylinder shut-off system (shutting down multiple cylinders when they are not required) or is that going to debut with the V16 monster they are about to put on the market?

Messages Page 1 of 7

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