I just bought a 94 Camry which has 100k miles on it. Right now it is giving me 18 miles/gallon which i think is pretty low. I usually run it on the streets where i have to turn off the car after every couple of miles. If i run it on just highways, it gives me around 24. Can anybody tell me what can be the reason for such a low miles/gallon and how can i increase it.. Thanks !!!

New spark plugs, new air filter. Drive like your grandmother.

If you have a lit "Check Engine" light, find out the codes and get that fixed.

I will replace the spark plug and air filter and see if it improves. I have the check engine light lit all the time. What are the codes that I should find out and get things fixed ?? Thank you so much !!

Your car may be OBDI or OBDII compliant. Check your emissions decal under your hood to find out if you are OBDII compliant. If so, you should take the car to Autozone or other shop that will analyze the trouble codes for free.

http://www.troublecodes.net/Toyota/

If you are OBDI, see this link:

http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/h27.pdf

Post the codes or buy a Haynes manual for your car. Haynes has the trouble codes.

It is because you are turning your car on and off after every couple of miles.

If you want better gas mileage... get a hybrid.

In conjunction with what Brian said, maybe try a mild motor flush, switch to semi or full synthetic oil to help avoid gellation, check your tire pressure, check your gas cap and check your O2 sensor. Although.....a new hybrid would be nice!

how about replacing the fuel filter?

Since you have the "Check Engine" light showing, get the codes from the ECM. Your problem will be clarified. That's what it is there for. (Probably your HO2 sensor).