I don't know about gas where you are, but out here in SoCal, I get 14.7 mpg...90% highway driving. There was a thread on this same topic about a week or so ago regarding gas mileage. What I got out of reading the thread was that the MTBE in California causes a decrease in gas mileage. Whatever the case, I have never seen more than 15 mpg, even after putting in a K & N air filter. Of course, highway driving in San Diego is around 75mph, so that may have something to do with it! My truck sticker advertised 14 city / 17 hwy. I don't think I have EVER heard anyone getting 18-19mpg, no matter how they drive.
I also live in So Cal but have slightly better news to report.
After 21,000 miles (mostly highway)
Avg = 16.3 MPG
High = 18.9 MPG
Low = 14.7 MPG
The max was the result of a long drive down I-5 with a strong tail wind. I always drive 75 - 80 MPH and I would not consider myself to be light on the pedal.
Well i'm coming from driving a 2000 Tacoma PreRunner TRD to a 2002 Tundra SR5 Access Cab. The PreRunner is a blast to drive. I've taken it to Utah towing a trailer and went up the mountains with it. The mileage blew, but that was to be expected. What really showed was the power. It just wasn't there. It is noisy, wind noise, tire noise and has an annoying creek somewhere in the passenger side. But off-roading is still incredibly fun with it. Lots of clearance and nimble as heck. I still have that PreRunner and get about 17.99 mpg (last tankful, with wife driving it). (The average for the life of the truck is 16.9).
The Tundra is a totally different beast. It is quiet and smooth, power is like night and day in comparison. Yes it's bigger and tougher to park, but the interior size is a bonus as my family (and myself ) have grown. I haven't towed anything yet but, believe me i have no concerns about its ability to do that effortlessly. Mileage is averaging 15.46, a little less that i would like but worth the trade off for the resultant power.
The PreRunner is a great truck in it's own right, it's just different. The Tundra IMHO is just a better overall truck.
Gentlemen please. This discourse bemoans the necessity of idle chit chat when confronted with an ideal lawsuit to the senses. The Tundra, my friends, is a masterful vehicle.
Yes I myself recently purchased a black 2001 SR5 for but a few pennies more than a Taco Dublais', evervating credence from the financial limitations. I do not see the most important argument when talking about money. The V8 iforce engine from Toyota is unmatched, uncontested in its brutal efficiency and masterful technology. I myself experience 15-19mpg also in metro Atlanta and on the interstates. If 20,000 miles isn't a good track record, then it almost doesn't exist. That's not an inactive life for a 2001 SR5.
Always go with the bigger truck. If you don't have an immediate need for the extra room and extra power, YOU'LL FIND THE NEED. You'll be surprised at how satisfying and fulfilling it is to say to everyone that you got the more powerful truck. After all, that's why we're all here, right? The power that preserves...
I originally went shopping for the D-cab Tacoma but ended up with the Tundra. For me it was a no-brainer. My wife and son loved the Tundra but we weren't even off the lot before they decided they didn't like the ride or interior room of the Tacoma. Since the truck was pretty much a Christmas present, I couldn't very well argue with them. I'm glad I didn't. I love this truck.
I'm still on the fence between my previous 99 V-6 Tacoma to my 2000 V-8 Tundra. I definetly like the Tundra better in Ride, Road noise, and overall comfort. The Tacoma had a harsh ride which maybe they fixed with the new ones, I don't know, but the Tacoma did get better gas mileage about 17-18 on average, my Tundra usually gets around 14-15, and they felt to me to have about the same acceleration. I don't tow much or haul much stuff and I live in a city so in retrospect It would have been more practical to get a new Tacoma. My next truck will probably be a Tacoma, not that I don't like the Tundra ,it's a great truck, but that the Tacoma is better suited for me.
Well never had a problem w/ the Tacoma being underpowered.. ask the 96 Gt v8 owner about that (not supercharged btw) I think the Tundra is the Tacoma's bigger brother.... as far as power.. they should run about the same.. one is bigger, carries more and burns more fuel.. I think toyota made them pretty "even" if you know what i mean.. proportional if you will...
Congrats on the new arrival!!
Saw your pic....great looking color and I notice you got the TRD pkg. Rides great, huh? Just in time for the Easter Bunny!!
ENJOY!!!
Congrats. Welcome to the club of happy truck owners!
Now, ON WITH THE MODS! One mod you can do at zero cost and just about the same effort is the map light mod. Great improvement and if you don't like the new improved map lights, just as easy to reverse. But gotta warn you.....once you start making any mods, you start thinking about the next one.
Enjoy the heck out of that good looking Tundra!!!!!!!!
Congrats, as well, on your new Toy. Please note, it takes a little while to germinate, but, you are now a suspect for the "mod" disease. It happens quickly after purchasing a Tundra. No one can explain why it happens, but, most of us are inflicted !!!!!
Good Luck with your new ride!
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John
The Toy: 2000 Tundra 4.7L TRD Limited 4x4 Red Pearl (23.0k Original Miles)
The mod list is long. Check some pics in my gallery for mod detail.
(not supercharged btw) I think the Tundra is the Tacoma's bigger brother.... as far as power.. they should run about the same.. one is bigger, carries more and burns more fuel.. I think toyota made them pretty "even" if you know what i mean.. proportional if you will...
CONGRATULATIONS
Nice!
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