okay i've replaced my fuel filter, it didn't help a whole lot. the most miles i've EVER gotten on a tank is like, 280, if even.. that's REALLY pushing it. what else can i do? i've heard spark plugs/wires... what else?

I have similar problems...I get about 320 maximum (with a 15.9 GAL tank that's only about 20 MPG)

Have you gotten your oil replaced regularly?
Maybe your car is not aligned...this contributes to a few MPG of fuel loss
Are you driving with your foot to the floor all the time?

All of these thigns, plus more, contribute to less gas milage.
I was getting about the same milage as yours...about 280 to the tank...and I found out my car was way out of align...I got it realigned and now I gained about 50 miles on the tank. I also drive very aggressively, however, which would be a big reason that my MPG suffers

Im say take it to a mechanic you trust (that won't charge you to take a quick look) and ask him why your MPG are so low...he probably can do a diagnostic and figure out at least a few reasons...

i never drive aggressively, i drive really... really nicely. never put my foot to the floor

hmmm, well in that case I'd say check your alignment

When you elt go of the wheel does your car start trailing left or right?

Check your tires also for uneven wear or a worn belt in the tire...

the condition of the tires effect mpg?

Yes it can just as can having underinlflated tires.

i only get 20-24...i maintain regularly, cant get 30!
got aligned, new tires, new this, new that.

my highest mpg is like, 17. i do oil changes and all that very regularly, alignment on the car is awesome, i have new tires..., etc

A tune up helps really nicely most of the time if you are getting horrible gas mileage i know my car was only running on 3 cylinders when i first got it =X

Tune up = new rotor, distributor cap, spark plug wires, spark plugs, air filter, and adjust timing. I get around 400 miles to a tank. Also, make sure your tires are properly inflated. If they aren't, then you'll lose some miles.

Make sure its not running lean.. I get around 25-28 mpg.. depending on how i drive.

Check your O2 sensors. I had one not working properly and wqas getting terrible fuel mileage (read old posts), changed one of the O2 sensors and everyhting s back to around 28 MPG (mixed driivng + agressive)

-exxtractor+May 20, 2005 - 11:43 PM

100% correct. O2 sensor failure are common in Toyotas. There are 2 to check/replace.

for better info, do a search for "sensor" or "mileage" I'm sure you will find a lot of posts and info about this.