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Doing a little research here. I'm gonna have to replace my old truck sometime within a year. I was hoping to get a half million out of it, still trying, but sooner or later I'm gonna have to give in and replace it. So I'm looking at a number of options and was wondering if you guys could help out and give an honest answer to the question of gas milage. What does your PICKUP get for gas milage.
Please, I am only interested in pickups. I don't care what your van gets or your Honda. We kinda like the idea of a four door pickup. More than likely have to be a compact....milage is very important, we drive A LOT. I get 20 city 26 hwy now and would like to get something that would get close to that.. I don't haul plywood, so a small bed isn't a hinderance. I'm looking at something two or three years old.
The Explorer Sport Track looks good as far as bed size and roominess but the milage figures leave a little to be desired.
My truck lost a fight with an automatic gate at a body shop a few months back. They fixed it and gave us a loaner for a couple of weeks. The loaner was a PT Cruiser. I had always considered one of these. After working out of it for one week, the paint smell really got too bad inside to consider one of them. Plus, I wasn't all that impressed with the milage, 22 Hwy was the best we saw.
-------------------- George Perkins Millington,TN. goatwell@bigriver.net
"I started out with nothing and still have most of it left"
My '97 Mazda (Ranger) pickup (2.2L) still gets 23MPG city even with 140,000 miles on it. I don't know the highway number cause we don't have a highway here that's not constantly interrupted with traffic signals... so, that number is with a LOT of stop-n-starts, driving over hilly terrain as we're at the base of a set of mountains.
My truck has never needed to go into the shop, it's been real good to me. I did have to replace the thermostat a couple summers ago and yanked out the heat shield around the muffler (it rattled a little). Other than that, it's been trouble-free but I maintain the mechanicals too... and it rides as smooth as can be, even before I swapped out the suspension to lower it. The interior is also nice and quiet and comfortable if that means anything to you.
Henry, diesel engines aren't even an option for most vehicles in the US, except for a few of the larger pickups. There used to be diesels available in a handful of imported cars (Benz and VW) but even they're phasing it out.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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when i worked at the NAPA store we used IZUZU diesel p/u's. most of these had 200,000 mile or better on them. great mileage close to 30 a gal around town. now the down side with small diesels....no power, noisy, and did i say no power!!!! i dont think they make this small of diesel anymore for that reason. i looked a new NISSAN full size p/u, gas milage sucks....on the window sticker.....ford, chevy, and dodge full size all have a large diesels 5-7 liter. now feedin that big an engine still uses a lot of fuel. you might get 20-25 mpg on the higway with em.....but around town they are no better then gas. ive seen the TRUCKS show on spike tv, they got some performace upgrades for these big diesels but they never say what that added power band does to fuel milage. friend of mine has a dodge dakota, 4 cly. good mileage high 20's, but it wont get out of its own way. geo with your type of work, and your racing knowledge, you would be futher ahead to find a "classic" type chevy p/u, build a motor to your needs, and you will be the coolest when you got to stripe a job......there was one guy i saw a car show, had a 55 chev body set on a 80's frame. this give him the cool 55 look with the disc brakes and better suspension of the 80's. and you know how to build a 350 that would get 20+ mpg with the right gears and inside motor works.
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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I laugh as I pass the pumps... VW Jetta diesel
Yep, yer right, it ain't no truck, but it gets me around; and with a top speed of over 210kph it isn't a slouch, although it gets better milage than a pontiac firefly. On Highway it gets ~1000kms per 50 litre tank in town I get 600km.
Shop delivery van is a V8 E250 extended... all I can say is that it is more efficient than the Chevy Cube (16') that it replaced.
Wife drives a cherokee, also a guzzler and I wish I could get the 2.2l diesel engine for it that is standard in europe.
-------------------- Mike O'Neill
It has yet to be proven that intelligence has any survival value. - Arthur C. Clarke
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No info from me George...I don't own a pick-up and really have no desire to own one.
BUT...What I wonder about is why a guy who makes AS MUCH MONEY as you would be concerned about gas mileage???
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
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Mike - VW is actually offering more diesels now than in the last 5 years. They offer a diesel to the U.S. market in the New Beatle, Touareg, Jetta, Golf and Passat. I don't think it is legal for sale in California though.
I have an 2004 Chevy Colorado extended cab with the I5 (not a typo), 2WD and auto trans. I only have 2,500 miles on it and its averaging 20mpg. Fortunately, my 88 CRX has 210,000 and still gets 35mpg.
-------------------- Brian Snyder Sign Effectz Woodbridge, New Jersey Posts: 723 | From: Woodbridge, NJ USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I have a 2000 Dodge Dakota 4 door - V8. For a smaller truck it gets 13.5 - sucks. Gas mileage has been my biggest gripe. I think my Ram1500 got better than that. Miss my old Jeep pu that got 18 mpg no matter what. It just got old and didn't want to go anymore. Bernie
-------------------- bernie clites crystalwood homes, inc. po box 1296 snohomish, wa. 98291 Posts: 2 | From: snohomish, wa. | Registered: Jun 2004
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-------------------- Jerry VanHorn, Pres. Pure Sports Designs, LLC Pro Sign Design / United Wholesale Signs www.prosigndesign.comwww.unitedwholesalesigns.com West Liberty, OH 937-465-0595 866-942-3990 Since 1990 Posts: 925 | From: West :Liberty, OH | Registered: May 2004
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I know it isn't an option for everyone, but for me and my husband, we choose to drive old IH trucks. We pick them up for anywhere between $200-4000 - our fleet at it's height of our tour business had 8 IH travelalls.
Yes, the fuel mileage is poor - 12-15mpg, but the total cost of ownership balances that out well. Insurance tends to run under $50/month. So when figuring the total cost of ownership - fuel, insurance, repairs, payments/lease - we are always under $250/month.
Also, there is a HUGE "look at me" factor when driving a classic vehicle. People come up and ask about the vehicle and we always steer the conversation toward our business, when possible. We give out plenty of bizcards, brochures, flyers, whatever literature we've got on hand! We hope to get a nice panel van in the future - lots of space to letter and sign!
Attached is a small photo of our prettiest tour vehicles- always turned the heads and was unbeatable on the back country roads.
Our second tour rig had much better signage on it - my talented cousin did this one...
-------------------- Mindy Cassingham Way Out Ideas, LLC 182 W Main Street Green River, Utah Posts: 13 | From: Green River, Utah | Registered: Jul 2004
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I'm 'temporarily' driving a '79 dodge half ton. I don't have actual numbers, but I know the fuel lasts much longer at 40-45 mph than at 50-55. It has a 318 V8, that I put a new cam and lifters in. The motor doesn't smoke, so I know it's running reasonably clean, but I feel irresponsible driving it,since a '76 Datsun half ton model 620 PU will do everything I need. (Except haul trailers.) The Datsun will even haul a load of oak firewood up a very steep and long driveway, if it has the 4 speed manual transmission. I don't know about the automatics in the 4 bangers, the ones I drove seemed not low geared enough, therefore doggy for hauling. I've got a bunch of parts for the model 620's, they left the truck basically the same from '73-'79, lots of interchangeable parts. That's my kind of vehicle. When I checked, it seemed like the Datsun was getting low to mid 20's for milage.
I realize this stuff is ancient, but I could probably work on the Datsun blindfolded, I know it pretty well. I drive the full size Dodge because it was easier to do the body work on it than the heavy mechanical the small truck needs. The Dodge is about to get a nice new paint job, I keep thinking about people's comments here regarding having a nice looking company vehicle, summed up by Karen Bush:" Immage is everything". Once the Dodge looks good, I want to start building the Datsun.
-------------------- James Donahue Donahue Sign Arts 1851 E. Union Valley Rd. Seymour TN. (865) 577-3365 brushman@nxs.net
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what's for lunch, Benjamin Franklin Posts: 2057 | From: 1033 W. Union Valley Rd. | Registered: Feb 2003
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My pickup hasn't been started in the past 4 years, so we won't discuss it's 15 mpg.
One of my customers had me letter an '04 Chevy 1/2 ton with the V-6. Six months later he returned with an extended cab version of the same truck with a 350. He said the reason he traded was because the V-6 never did better than 16 mpg. He decided for that mileage he would rather have the power of the 350. Turns out the 350 gets 22mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Both of these had the same shell on the bed, the type that is rounded in the rear, and makes the truck look more like a station wagon.
-------------------- Don Hulsey Strokes by DON signs Utica, KY 270-275-9552 sbdsigns@aol.com
I've always been crazy... but it's kept me from going insane. Posts: 2286 | From: Utica, KY U.S.A. | Registered: Jan 1999
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I've got an '04 Silverado SS. Sure it's not good on gas (the 6.0 liter is very thirsty), but for a truck, it's fun to drive and since there aren't many around, it gets a lot of looks.
-------------------- Mike Murray Murray Signs Freeport IL Posts: 193 | From: Freeport IL USA | Registered: May 1999
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Bought one of those mew GMC Canyons a few months back and LOVE the truck. It is in the bodyshop right now, so I am renting a Ford sport trac.
Now to compare the two: The GMC Canyon is rated for 24 and 29 mpg, but when I have checked the mileage I am getting about 32 mpg for hwy. I find it roomier that the blazer we had before and roomier and more comfortable than the ford we are renting now. The Ford sport trac doesn't touch the mileage we get from the GMC and the ford seems smaller inside and is not comfortable for any distance driving. The ford has a couple of more options than our canyon, but I still wouldn't have it over the canyon.
-------------------- Glenn Thompson Tell-Tale Signs Williams Lake, BC sign@telus.net (250)398-7446 Posts: 201 | From: Williams Lake, BC | Registered: Dec 2000
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98 Mazda B3000 4WD V6 Slighty Oversized tires Hurt my Milage a little. Don't drive a heck of a lot only has 34000 miles on it but get around 18 city 22 hiway
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George; it's not what you're looking for, but, I chose to build vs: buy when that time came. My '89 Suburban weighs 6280 dry and gets 24-25 mph on highway; 20-22 in town...all through use of gearing,torque, cam timing, electronic fuel-injection, and aerodynamics. I built an airtight box in rear to house what paint/thinner I need, never get smell inside. Plus dog uses it as platform to scope out passing scenery. Total cost is way less than new and I know for fact it will go at least 200,000 and I can fix it anywhere there's a gm parts store. Plus, if I so desire, it's top-end will scare ya.....just my thoughts on subject.....
-------------------- Frank Magoo, Magoo's-Las Vegas; fmagoo@netzero.com "the only easy day was yesterday" Posts: 2365 | From: Las Vegas, Nv. | Registered: Jun 2003
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My '04 F-150 supercab is suppost to get about 14-18 but I haven't had it long enough or driven it enough to really check it out.
Tony, my '03 Durango had the same engine and I think I was getting about 17-18 in it.
I do know 1 thing, I have the 6.5' bed and made the appointment for the Rhino liner to be sprayed in while I was at the dealer picking the truck up. Best thing I ever did. It's not the real slick one that feels like those $99 drop-in bedliners, it's the grippier one. I can open the tailgate, gently slide materials in it and drive away The lumber I've brought home this week never moved.
-------------------- Chris Welker Wildfire Signs Indiana, Pa Posts: 4254 | From: Indiana, PA | Registered: Mar 2001
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My 2000 4 door extended cab Chevy Silverado gets 16 in town and 19 on highway. Perhaps a crew or extended cab GMC Canyon or Chevy Colorado is what you might be looking for. Gas mileage sure sounds good! Judy
-------------------- Judy Pate Signs By Judy Albany, Georgia USA 229-435-6824
Live simply...Love generously...Care deeply...Speak kindly...Leave the rest to God. Posts: 2621 | From: Albany,GA,USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Gas mileage? It use to be how fast is it! Man your getting older by the day.You might need to get some dash board measurements so you will know if you will be able to see over the top of the steering wheel. You old Goat! Got to go me and Joey Madden are going street racing!
-------------------- Ryan Young Indocil Art & Design indocil@comporium.net 803-980-6765
I highjacked Letterville!! Winter Muster 2004 Posts: 904 | From: Rock Hill, SC | Registered: Sep 2001
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I don't think you're gonna find too many newer trucks with better fuel economy. True they are aerodynamically designed for less wind drag, but the mpg's don't seem to increase. Wouldn't this suggest that today's engines are actually worse for fuel economy? Think about it!
There are constants to every equation. In this case, it seems to be the mpg. If there was less wind drag and more efficient engines, then the mpg's should increase also. But since it's not, there must be a trade-off between the other two.
My 2001 s10 gets about 22, last I checked. But I'm still tryin' to figure how this fuel gage reads. Plus it seems like this required 87 octane fuel is evaporating without being driven. I checked for leaks and couldn't find any. Also recently, replaced the gas cap with a new one. (needs a key )
-------------------- Bill Cosharek Bill Cosharek Signs N.Huntingdon,Pa
bcosharek@juno.com Posts: 703 | From: N.Huntingdon, Pa, USA | Registered: Dec 1999
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99 DODGE 1500 4 wheel drive, Extended Cab, ( 4 doors) Around town @ 12 to 14 mpg, on the road @ 14 to 15 mpg. Not much on mileage, but rides like a car and has plenty of get-up & go. 80,000 miles and no trouble so far.
-------------------- Robert Richards Southern Ad Specialties Carrollton, GA 770-830-1501 sasga2000@a0l.com Posts: 138 | From: Carrollton, GA | Registered: Sep 2002
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2004 4X4 Silverado Z71 Crew Cab 1/2 ton (new short box).
Had it a couple weeks....the computer says it's averaging 14.7 mpg all around. Haven't had it strictly on a highway trip yet, so not sure what highway only is. Has the 5.3 litre V8.
I know in another post I said I'd never buy a GM again....but when it came down to it, the F150 SuperCrew I priced out came out to $4,000 more than the Chevy Crew Cab....because of rebates and the family GM employee discount. I just couldn't justify the extra $$$$.
Kissy....I'm jealous. I like my new Chevy Crew a lot...but I REALLY would have liked the new F150.
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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I don't think you wouldn't buy one of these, but... '72 Chevy 3/4 ton. 402(6.6L) Quadrajet 4 Barrel. About 8 mpg. If I drove conservatively, probably around 12. If I didn't love it, it would be history.
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Mileage reports from teh wonderful world of escorting.. Remember this is with light bars on the roof, and maybe an overhead sign.
My own 92 Toyota, 22RE with an automatic, has never gotten more than 25MPG. It has an eight foot bed and wnt fast enough until the last 20,000 miles (out of 270K).It once got 14MPG, with roof sign, bad winds, and speeds way too high for the loads we had. Normally I could count on 20 mpg.
My current sweet ride, a '89 22R ( carb) with the five speed gets the awesome MPG of 27-29MPG I think the worst it has gotten is about 24, and it has once exceeded 30 MPG. Plus it goes a whole lot faster then the auto, and it has white doors ona blue truck and everyonge thinks it's some sort of whacky rural police car..lol...Too bad no AC.
S-10's get 21 MPG in V6m 25 in four cyl. Rangers get 18 MPG V6, haven't seen any 4 cyl escort rangers.
Have heard several 4.3 Chevy owners report mid twenties, and one 305 V8 owner claimed the same.
Explorer owners while not pickups report 16-20 MPG but normally on the low side.
A recent Full size Dodge diesel reported 16mpg to start with but it has increased to 17 mpg with 2000 miles.
THe best mileage I have heard was a VW Passat TDI wagon that got 45-50 mpg.
I wish someone would start making diesel minitrucks again. I'd buy a diesel Toyota!
Hope that helps some...Gott ahith the sack and get some sleep before tomorrow's work.
-------------------- Bill Foshay Stephentown, NY ------------------------ "That's not a junkyard, It's my museum!" Posts: 40 | From: Stephentown, NY | Registered: Mar 2004
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I read so much on this site of the restrictions that certain US states put on the use of certain vehicles and yet you guys still drive around in huge 5 and 6 litre V8 barges that give frankly ridiculous mpg and still you complain on the price of a gallon of fuel yet drive these things, the best I could say is get a petrol powered engine and have it converted to run on LPG.
-------------------- Steve Broughton Alpha Grafix Signs Lowfields Road Benington, Boston Lincolnshire, England Posts: 315 | From: Boston, Lincolnshire, England | Registered: Aug 2001
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1998 Toyota Tacoma. Four banger with manual and 178600 miles. It gets around 28 to 30 on the highway using regular gas if I don't put my foot down too hard. Almost all of my driving is on the highway. Oh yes, lots of pep and almost zero in non-maintenance repairs.
Rob
-------------------- Rob Root Root Cellar Signs Waubaushene, rob@rootcellarsigns.ca
point and click until it works Posts: 55 | From: Waubaushene, Ont. Canada | Registered: Apr 1999
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