Ok, once and for all I would love to hear genuine knowledge about this question. I have an 01 2.7T with 54K.

With the increased cost of fuel lately - plus the fact that the stations around here don't offer 91 like the manual recommends so it's either 87 - or 93 - a difference of about $3.00 (I know it may seem like nothing - but I'm a penny pincher) can I use 87 or what?

I have used 89 for the past 8 months with no knocking sound. And I have even put a couple of tanks of 87 in there - still no knocking. From what I have heard --

1. The computer will adjust for the type of octane thus it doesn't really matter.
2. The higher octane may result in increased fuel efficiency.
3. The higher octane will give optimal performance.

If the above is all true - well, since I have been getting about 23.4 - 23.0 mpg since I have owned the car - even if I got the rated 24 that isn't enough to warrant the increase in price. Also, I don't ever get on the car - well, maybe once every 3 - 4 weeks, but even then - just once. But other than that - I am real gently with the accelerator. So I don't really need to pay for performance that I am not using. And since I haven't heard any knocking as of yet - which is why I assume the above (1-3 are true) am I crazy for not putting in the extra $3.00 at the gas tank?

Sincerely -

Hating Exxon

 

Clicky

 

I always use 91 or higher. The only one I can get anymore around KC is 92. If you buy a high performance luxury sedan, you should know that your going to be spending some extra cash with the fill ups. If your looking for a car that is going to be cheaper in gas, get a Kia.

 

Hmmm, I use 95 octanes on mine

 

As the price of fuel increases the in price between the two is lower as a percentage due to the fact that premium is always 20 cents more expensive than regular. Another thought is why pay almost the same amount for less fuel economy and less power. Just a side note, if you hear pinging or knocking most likely its to late and youve already got some engine damage. There doesnt even have to be audible pinging for damage to occur. The point, why risk it. Especially on a fairly high compression ration turbo charged motor.

 

Man where the hell do you guys live...stupid Bay Area and San diego (where i am most of the time) only has 91 octane...i envy you guys with 93 and 95!!...

 

I use 93 octane. You gotta do what ya gotta do! Optimum perfromance

 

If you look around youll be able to find 92 and probably 93. Different stations carry different octanes. Just use premium and youll be fine.

 

Thanks to summerize, any octane willwork without damage - just possible decrease in performance.

 

check europe there is 99+ in gas stations