Improving fuel consumption - 95 Series V6 petrol 3.4

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Driving in a tailwind will definitely improve economy. This is something to look out for when trying to do a fuel economy comparison. You could be equally loaded in both highway runs but a change in the wind direction and speed can have an effect on your fuel economy.

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

To keep stock standard including standard road Tyres. If modifying noore then two inch lift, only use mud Tyres if really needed otherwise stick to ATs, obviously keeping it Micky mouse in the servicing department. Run higher tyre pressures, no bull bar if not needed, roof rack, rear wheel carrier, draws in the rear etc. these are the things that will help keep it down but people need to realize when buying a petrol 2+ tone 4wd it's gunna use the juice. If you need all the gear then your going to pay for it in fuel use. Diesel not so bad but will still raise the L per 100k either way just not so much in a diesel....that's why we sold our V8 statesman and went to a Yaris for the wife to buzz around in so I wasn't running two thirsty cars. But we are lucky and only do short klms to n from work..., cheers Steve

[glen_ep Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close glen_ep]

So if we had to put it in a nutshell, what things will give better economy, what would you list.
In point form?
eg
1.
2.
3.....

It's going to be quite debatable, but here's my list from major factors to least:

Driving style / acceleration
Highway speed
If towing
Brakes issues / seized
Wind direction
Tyre/lift size
Roof rack
Load / cargo
MAF / Air filter condition
Engine oil viscosity
Diff ratio
Fuel octane

[juc33_prado Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close juc33_prado]

I recently added 235/85R16's 32" to my 1999 2.7L petrol 95 series.

Prior on the standard size rims, for a highway run I would get about 12L/100km.

Last weekend I drove to a National Park nearby uphill on a highway run again and finished up with 12.67L/100km so I was pretty happy to not have lost much fuel economy with the bigger tyres.

SAM

[Gosling1 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Gosling1]

......So if we had to put it in a nutshell, what things will give better economy, what would you list.
In point form?
eg
1.
2.
3.....

......It's going to be quite debatable, but here's my list from major factors to least:

Driving style / acceleration
Highway speed
If towing
Brakes issues / seized
Wind direction
Tyre/lift size
Roof rack
Load / cargo
MAF / Air filter condition
Engine oil viscosity
Diff ratio
Fuel octane.....

Glen has pretty much nailed it - I would only add that *tyre pressure* can make a huge difference if you don't keep an eye on it....keep those tyres pumped up !!

Driving style is the single greatest variable.

Keep your MAF really clean. Clean the air-filter and replace it regularly. Use good-quality spark plugs. Clean the throttle body. Get the injectors cleaned with high-pressure (not a bottle of Wynns in the tank.)

Overall I am pretty much getting 15l/100km around town now - and reasonably happy with that. The other mods - synthetic oil, water-injection, headers/better exhaust etc - have not been completed as yet. Once they are - will keep updating this thread.......and its always good to see what others have done to improve their fuel economy as well

[Grinhouse Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Grinhouse]

Prado 95, 3.4 1997 with 354,000Km., on the clock. Highway drive unladen: 327Km at 100km/hr using 38.44 litres = 11.75 L/100Km. Not too shabby.

[Brett1979 Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Brett1979]

If you own a 4 speed automatic V6 petrol 4wd that’s shaped like a giant brick forget about trying to improve fuel economy. Nothing you can do apart from keeping it stock standard will make much of a difference. Except for maybe ripping out all the seats except for the driver’s seat to lighten it up further. People claiming excellent highway figures as though it’s the norm were for a once off experience with a huge tail wind behind them on their trip, or their calcs were wrong, or they weren’t driving at the speeds they claimed & were actually doing 80kmh instead of 100kmh on the most perfect road, or all 3 combined.