Help, loss of gas mileage!
 

Recently, I picked up a 94 4-cyl toyota camry for a beater. Looking up its specs, it states that it should get around 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg hwy. I drive about 80 miles everyday to and back from work, so I do mostly highway driving (about 85%). However I have found that I am only getting about 21-22 mpg.

When I bought the car about a month ago, it had about 119,000 miles on it and the engine seems to be in great condition. After buying it, I did all the routine maitenece. I changed the oil, used the Chevron w/ techron fuel system cleaner, changed the spark plugs, and changed the air filter. Is there anything else I could do to regain more fuel economy? I barely use my air condition and do not drive very aggresively? Please help! Thanks.

Non-s2k related, moving to Car talk

Check tire pressure.

Other items that might be causing low mpg:
Clogged exhaust - bad muffler (baffles falling apart); bad cat
Stuck idle control valve
Bad air flow sensor

have you checked your air tire pressures, alignment, map sensor?

nevermind

Overinflate your tires - say 36 psi. Keep your windows rolled up on the highway, and don't use the A/C if you can. Don't jackrabbit from a redlight, maybe use lighter motor oil?

is your trunk/car full of unnecesary weight?

No the trunk is empty. I'll check the tire pressures tomorrow and maybe clean the air flow sensor this weekend. Anyone know if the spray can air flow sensor cleaners work?

The O2 sensor could be going bad.

Andrew

Yeah, check the O2 sensor. That will give you crappy mileage if it's dead or dying.