Toyota Granvia - Aborrent Mpg - Help!

[Radiodanno]

Hi.

I've had my Toyota Granvia for a month now. (For those who don't know it's a Jap import based on a Hiace Powervan with the Landcruiser 3.0 TD lump.) It's is utterly brilliant at so many things, and I wouldn't be without it.

There are two issues, and I'm wondering if you might be able to help me decide whether 1) They're connected and 2) They're easily fixed.

The MPG I'm getting is nothing short of shocking. Everyone on the forum reports getting 25-30mpg pretty much however and wherever you drive it. I'm getting a detestable 17-19, but more often than not 17. This is measured using brim to brim (2nd click) and I'm absolutely certain this is what it's actually achieving. I'd happily take 10% off what internetz peoplez claim they get, but 17 is gut wrenching. It might be 2tonne of van, but this is me at 60mph with overdrive on and 2000 rpm.

The van is also very creaky at low speed, but only when the car has been running for a while. A garage have changed the Anti Roll Links (there was play on one side) but no improvement. It still creaks and moans at low speed when turning the wheel from one side to another. Weirdly, not for the first 10-20 minutes. I've have sprayed the life out of all bushes and moving parts with WD40 (probably spent a whole 2 cans on it) but nothing.

I have to be honest, it's really spoiling my enjoyment of an otherwise fine old bus. If it's the ONLY thing the van does badly, then I can take a bit of a hit on the mpg. But to be doing so MUCH worse than everyone else makes me thing something's not right.

Van has been regularly serviced, and I changed the oil and filters 1,500 km ago.

Any help appreciated. Sorry for the long post, just wondering if anyone has ideas?