I've owned this truck for several years. When I bought it it had 75,000 miles. It now has 115,000 miles.
When the truck was new to me I was very disappointed with the fuel economy. In this group and elsewhere the consensus was that the BEST fuel economy that could be expected of this truck was 17 MPG - and that was about what I was averaging.
About six months ago the Nissan desperately needed a tune-up and I decided to do some research on the Web before I started. I won't go into details here because it would take way too much time and typing, but my research led me to do the following simple things.
- Bosch platinum plugs.
- High quality spark plug wires.
- New distributor cap and rotor.
- Two (2) doses of Chevron Techron Concentrate in the fuel system.
- I now use Chevron regular unleaded gasoline exclusively.
- I have a new fuel filter but haven't yet gotten around to installing it.
On my last fill-up the truck achieved 20 MPG in combined city/highway driving (mostly suburban stop and go). This has been typical for the past six months.
Additionally, I use Castrol Syntec 5w-50 EXCLUSIVELY and change it every
5,000 miles. My fuel economy would likely get a little better with 30 weight, but the 5w-50 provides greater protection for the engine. I intend to keep the truck forever. Also, I believe in performing PM and keeping vehicles serviced, but I'm neither a car nut nor am I a mechanic.My recommendations:
- Do a Web search on Chevron gasoline. Learn about the Techron additive.
- Do a Web search on motor oils. Particularly natural vs. synthethic.
- High quality plugs and wires are a must and actually save you money.
On a side note, my wife and I bought an F350 Powerstroke crew cab 4x4 to pull a camper. We no longer need the Nissan. However, It's been such a good truck we just can't part with it. So, I drive the Nissan daily and we just use the big truck to pull the camper.
I would highly recommend this truck to anyone wanting or needing a truck of this size and capability.
======================================="People sleep peacefully in their beds at night because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
George Orwell.