Mileage improvement recommendations for 2002 VXI

[Ppm]

Hi,

As a proud owner of a 2002 Avalon VXI, which has done only about 125,000 kms, I've noticed that the mileage has reduced considerably over the past two to three years.

For Sydney city driving, including plenty of time on the dreaded inner west sections of the M4 / Parramatta road on the weekends, the beloved Avalon used to give me about 500kms for 58-60L (full tank capacity). This has reduced drastically these days to around 350 kms. Just to add, there have been no signifcant changes to my driving patterns, usage or general traffic conditions on my routes. I'm wondering if there's a specific cause to the decline in mileage, however, I suspect it's very likely just wear and tear or the end of the car's useful life? 

No one likes paying $80 for fuel on a V6 engine, but I'd perhaps be less grumpier with what the car used to give me in terms of mileage for a similar outlay.

Not a car junkie whatsoever, but would really appreciate any tips and service recommendations (e.g. spark plug cleaning, oil changes etc.) that could improve my situation.

The trusty Avalon has otherwise been very reliable. 

Many thanks,

P

 

[campbeam]

Without knowing the service history in the last 12 months, I would be considering the following:

1, clean/replace the air filter

2. clean the Mass Airflow Sensor

4. clean the throttle body and Idle Air Control valve

5. engine oil and filter change

6. change the Auto Transmission Fluid

 7. check/replace spark plugs [long life iridium plugs] and possibly also the coil packs

8. fuel injector cleaner

https://www.datateck.com.au/Lube/PenriteAus/

 

[Ppm]

Thanks very much for that very useful checklist @campbeam! Any idea around how much all of that would cost? Not sure if they are a part of the usual package for servicing. 

The service history has been every 10,000kms or every 6 months (whichever comes first). The last one was done around 6 months ago. 

[jeffy]

9 hours ago, Ppm said:

Any idea around how much all of that would cost? Not sure if they are a part of the usual package for servicing.  

ATF/air filter/Trottlebody cleaner/Oil etc are up to $200+ (iridium plugs are not cheap). You can get these at local auto stores, sometimes sales come on.

Oil/Oil Filters and plugs are Usually included in a minor service.

For fuel injector cleaner have a look at this:  fuel doctors

Also whats the condition of your tyres ?

And the fuel you are using? 98ron has more mileage than 91ron.

[Ppm]

16 hours ago, jeffy said:

ATF/air filter/Trottlebody cleaner/Oil etc are up to $200+ (iridium plugs are not cheap). You can get these at local auto stores, sometimes sales come on.

Oil/Oil Filters and plugs are Usually included in a minor service.

For fuel injector cleaner have a look at this:  fuel doctors

Also whats the condition of your tyres ?

And the fuel you are using? 98ron has more mileage than 91ron.

Thanks - the tyres are relatively new, March 2018 (Bob Janes).

Getting a quote for $500 for the checklist that @campbeam posted. Sounds reasonable?

 

[ZZT86]

11.6 -16.6L/100kms is a big variation for same conditions & driving style - was it sudden or gradual? Do you have an "engine" light lit on your dashboard ? Is it running rough or smooth? You could have a faulty component like an oxy sensor.

 

 

[Ppm]

2 hours ago, ZZT86 said:

11.6 -16.6L/100kms is a big variation for same conditions & driving style - was it sudden or gradual? Do you have an "engine" light lit on your dashboard ? Is it running rough or smooth? You could have a faulty component like an oxy sensor.

 

 

It was gradual over the time. No engine light is on, but generally runs okay, acknowledging that it is 17 years old and doesn't have the new car "swoosh" sound, but the usual old Camry / Corolla sound, with the belt sound audible. 

[campbeam]

8 hours ago, Ppm said:

Getting a quote for $500 for the checklist that @campbeam posted. Sounds reasonable?

A $500 quote sounds reasonable to me provided quality parts are going to be used. Fair bit of disassembly work to replace the rear spark plugs and coil packs.

I would be insisting upon Denso Iridium spark plugs because of known qualiy even if you have to pay extra or provide them.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DENSO-IRIDIUM-POWER-SPARK-PLUGS-for-TOYOTA-CAMRY-MCV36-3-0L-1MZ-FE-V6-IK20-X-6/400854307656?hash=item5d54c75348:g:lSsAAOxyrM5TH6HL

 

 

[ZZT86]

@Ppm  My daily is a 2001 Camry with the same 1MZ-FE motor/transmission & although I commonly do a fair bit of fwy, it's not uncommon to be in the 9's for economy & in the 7's when 70-80% fwy. I would get the car checked out by someone you can trust, $500 sounds OK if parts included.

ps: Denso Iridium are the preferred plugs for Toyotas, especially V6 which are hard to get at 😉

Edited July 24, 2019 by ZZT86

[Ppm]

Thanks @campbeam and ZZT86 - will insist on Denso Iridium spark plugs.

[campbeam]

Have a read of the following URLs. I would definitely be getting the Iridium long life plugs.

https://www.densoproducts.com/learning-center/article/203/how-long-do-iridium-plugs-last

https://www.denso.com/global/en/products-and-services/automotive-service-parts-and-accessories/plug/iridiumtough/

Following is an eBay listing for Denso IK20TT spark plugs

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DENSO-IRIDIUM-SPARK-PLUGS-IK20TT-suits-BA-Falcon-Fairmont-Fairlane-10-2004-on/153394218867?epid=11027205859&hash=item23b7020773&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&enc=AQAEAAADAKvsXIZtBqdkfsZsMtzFbFsbX3WcW5fmB%2Fx7ZbaZTyexifYtxh6XLmxBnpHL8comMJ%2B4EoSixcaF2uyyaiLNvBw3yxCdle44orXBafvO0Bc%2F505h%2F08WWnDuXKiJKoTMrPWs%2FFPLI4VyqCSHSZNjpIQBQaBvENV2Wx3dYz1t1qOqK088a3HesypPIt8v4gRU9a7T%2FXFkidjMOYmU8%2F%2FlMj5mR0qwFaRxSY18wSXCjbOSzvXnZnnCARbW%2B%2Bj5z3BCe%2Fpm4BcEXXGxCPqqms%2BZ56T0b3Mf4yVoLKo6GuU54M8hrK1fTwkqy8Lc56VvhAlq5yN5pxCitgBvn7wFwgzy4BgoOyK%2BzxRqzivQcRMsf5fN5ZIxhFhywPgcGZ8wSFg7RLQ1RxzQOAIkwOE27wG4CNQv7ZxOV7T6f483jx%2BNMSzSdllyvZWcW2%2B%2FpyD86Xi5ozIPwe6eI%2FRksv4%2F0gl85f4yBJYW7t92fa6QXhk%2BOEn%2FWisIdMaaUt43NAtCuHXiVRe6vg7UtTVxOXRNkG%2Bz7emdQ2GLoiPgHxycRR4hztziDFCTWB5Rru%2FWEBMgD%2BsL%2BFSxmZyWgOutecmvxNoGCMrd9k4VlQgQGWF7w9O4z2pwg1nX1iZi%2BdjBa%2B0CT0b1X1vLYjBbOYfZSbjaHHOqUBOW9Atey9J2zTB8B6Q6ysV7LDfeyWDd8zD85Z3b6gY3Gaf%2FRM8JUXZn129%2F4DBDhjPgJui5NxseF3AQXiaOQneuuVfHtOP92Ni1k1icxVc%2F34t6MmdKaqqqwZ%2F2qmGdb3EWPceLAOEnMQZieqg6cbJFVS6No4XvM3B%2FljIesUiU9%2BSLfG%2F7IXo9KT7KjbKp3om7UfUej4DJTC7Pxa6KYDUa4KkZ9qK4ql8fXvG8oQ5Y8uyg8T6vwdqjG4O%2FTfD01w3v9awwuAEAqpoUyzc3MhaHJPoxnUibihGig9wzCc9DgrlLTkZ2ok0bnDmskkE9IANffRXqD6ZktB91Prds2JSBQ1C9LPc7B5sAZKa4pPDsPQ%3D%3D&checksum=15339421886756bfb96b81184f7ca551c5ce146ffb28