2005 Toyota Rav4
 

Hello everyone that reads this.

What would you recommend as a good starting point for increasing mpg.
I am asking for a 2005 Toyota Rav4. It is Automatic, 2.4 engine front wheel drive model "L" package.
I got a good deal on this car and i need it because i have a 6 month old (safety 1st; mpg 2nd)

I want to get better mpg; i currently get 22 city, 28 highway.

Can i upgrade the ECM/ECU?
Can i upgrade the tires?
Etc.
any ideas would be great.
thanks.

ScanGauge II or UltraGauge would be a great place to start. Nothing like instant feedback on how you're doing in you MPG efforts. Well, if your Chinese Toyota is OBDII compliant.

Otherwise, picking out low rolling resistance tires will help, and making sure the vehicle is maintained will help some. Changing the ATF will help it shift where it should.

The best modification is to read the DIY's on here for adjusting the "nut behind the wheel". That's free, and often has the most effect.

Best of luck, and let us know more about driving in China!

From what I have heard, Toyota makes it extremely difficult to reprogram the stock ECU. It is virtually impossible, unless you have access to Toyota's tools (factory scantool and software).

But as stated, adjusting the nut behind the wheel, that means YOU !, will yield great results. It's a safe bet.