2005 Rav4 Miles Per Gallon

[dabronxboy]

A month ago I bought a new, 2005 Rav4 (automatice transmission w/L package). I've never owned an SUV but I've owned many Toyotas for 15 years. I've been checking the miles per gallon, and now at 1200 miles, I've been getting only about 18 MPG with mixed highway and street driving. I've been driving fairly conservatively so far for some break in time (not over the speed limit, no jack rabbit starts, etc.).

My question: 18 MPG seems very low, especially considering the posted estimated mileage of 23-28. Before I go back to the dealer, does anyone have any comments on this poor mileage? Other than the poor MPG, the Rav drives great!

Many thanks... dabronxboy

[Ilovemyneon]

My moms 03 RAV4 with 40k miles got 25MPG highway from phila to NY with me nad my moma nd dad in the car. However about the breakin period, I guess my neon is still breaking in at 67k miles. I get like 16MPG city. How many miles are on your car?

[Ilovemyneon]

Originally Posted by nick bamberger

No, ilovemyneon, my guess would be you just drive hard. If not, I would say you have maintenance issues (sparkplugs, air/fuel filter), possibly a sticking brake, oil viscosity too thick, buildup of carbon in the engine, something like that. I would be trying to fix that gas mileage problem, gasoline isn't cheap, and neons usually get pretty good mileage.
I'm not sure if you were being sarcastic or not, but no, your neon is not still "breaking in". It's about 66000 miles past that.
Have 198,000 miles on Camry, gas mileage is still about 18, it hasn't fallen too bad, but neons show engine wear quicker than some. Get it fixed and enjoy good gas mileage while you can.

Yea i do have very bad heavy foot syndrome. Oil is 10W-40 by accident. Will use synthetic next time. Just changed the plugs, and the old ones had oil al over the electrode and the whole part where the gap is. I was being sarcastic.

[Ilovemyneon]

Originally Posted by nick bamberger

Ok, I was just checking about the sarcasm thing, you never can tell..lol

and as far as sticking brakes that not an issue. only thing is i need my rotors filed down a bit. I think that oil might be the big issue here. And ima geta K&N dropin filter