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Okay, so I'm looking at used Toyota Tacomas from the range of 95-04 when I noticed something odd. Despite being the same body style from what I can tell and having the same sized engine the gas mileage rating goes up and down over the model years 95-04.
I'm comparing the same model and options, Extended cab 2 wheel drive 4cy. 5spd manual and here's what I've found according to MSN auto. Does anybody have any explanation?
You need to find out what MSN auto basis their guesstimates upon. Anyhow, why question this? It's only a mile or two variance. Normal is 10% which is more than that.
Add all mpg device by ten and you will have your median. That will give you much more accurate number.
Thereafter, learn how to hypermile, and get your own.
Okay, so I'm looking at used Toyota Tacomas from the range of 95-04 when I noticed something odd. Despite being the same body style from what I can tell and having the same sized engine the gas mileage rating goes up and down over the model years 95-04.
I'm comparing the same model and options, Extended cab 2 wheel drive 4cy. 5spd manual and here's what I've found according to MSN auto. Does anybody have any explanation?
95 - 19/28 mpg
96 - 19/28 mpg
97- 19/29 mpg
98 - 19/27 mpg
99 - 19/27 mpg
00 - 20/26 mpg
01- 20/25 mpg
02- 19/27 mpg
03- 19/27 mpg
04- 19/27 mpg
I don't have an explanation, but I bought a new 2011 Tacoma, 4 cyl, auto, 2wd. Its rated at 19 and 25 mpg. I can tell you this, it has never gotten 25 mpg. Strictly town driving it drops down to 14-16 mpg. Hwy driving is usually about 20-21 mpg
If I had it to do over I would have gotten a Ford 150.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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No one ever gets what the manufacturer's sticker says anyway, so why worry about it? There are many reasons for the variation, stricter smog requirements, different transmissions, different gear ratios, bigger or smaller wheels/tires, lighter or heavier upholstery, more ethanol in the gas, changes in the EPA method for measuring it, and more.
I have no clue what my Tacoma was rated at from the mfg but I can tell you this. In mixed driving I get between 14 and 17 mpg. Mine is the 3.4 V6 4x4 TRD O/R.
The Toyota Tacoma is a solid, reliable compact pickup, probably the best out there in that regard. That said, they have never been known for having great fuel economy (at least not since the late 1980's). The V6 models get about the same fuel economy as most full-size half-ton pickups and they are pretty close to the same price-wise, when similarly equipped. Unless the smaller physical size of the Tacoma is desirable or necessary to the owner, I would go with a full-size half-ton pickup.
I don't have an explanation, but I bought a new 2011 Tacoma, 4 cyl, auto, 2wd. Its rated at 19 and 25 mpg. I can tell you this, it has never gotten 25 mpg. Strictly town driving it drops down to 14-16 mpg. Hwy driving is usually about 20-21 mpg
If I had it to do over I would have gotten a Ford 150.
I went through this years ago with a small fleet of 2.3 liter Mazda trucks (same as Ford Ranger). Small trucks ate brakes/tires and got low teen mpg. Switched to full size Chevy's and the mpg was pretty much the same but the tires/brakes lasted 40k miles and they were simply better trucks for the task.
One thing that can be said about the Toyota Tacoma though is that it will hold its value much better than any domestically branded vehicle. my reliability has been unsurpassed and I have modified mine with a lift kit, some engine mods, and larger tires.
I have had my Tacoma for over 4 years now and still love driving it. However, with the gas mileage in the full size trucks now being the same or better, it is time for me to recoup some of that value and go ahead and move into a larger truck that I hope is a long term keeper.
If you want gas mileage, by a prius. If you want a truck that is reliable, and will hold value. Then get a Tacoma.
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