Premium, middle grade or regular? (merged threads)
I would think that the Lexus owners manual would be the definitive source, and since they say that regular is ok then disregard the other sources. I have a 1997 ES300 that I have owned since new. I have run it on both, and found no measureable difference using premium, so I now use only regular.
You will be wasting your money unless there is a noticeable increase in either power or fuel economy, and there won't be.
You will be wasting your money unless there is a noticeable increase in either power or fuel economy, and there won't be.
Pit Crew
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 178
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From: NY
I can't notice any difference in performance or idle quality. I have documented about 1 mpg better (.7 -1.2 mpg, not much but something) on 93 over an extended period more then once. Enough to make me think it's not a coincidence. I use 89 regularly though.
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,426
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From: VA
Why not try running your ES for an entire month on premium.....document your findings & do the same on regular? Let us know. 
I run my 05 ES 330 on regular.....Sunoco 87......I do not get any better or worse fuel economy than running Ultra 94......and my engine purrs like a kitten.
I run my 05 ES 330 on regular.....Sunoco 87......I do not get any better or worse fuel economy than running Ultra 94......and my engine purrs like a kitten.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Illinois
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2007
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From: CA
I run 91 in the summer or hot day - need slower burning gas, 87 in winter or cold day - no need to spend the money.
With 91, I got a little better gas mileage (about 1-2MPG more) and more power than 87.
No knock no ping with 87, 89 or 91.
With 91, I got a little better gas mileage (about 1-2MPG more) and more power than 87.
No knock no ping with 87, 89 or 91.
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Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,426
Likes: 7
From: VA
I would think that the Lexus owners manual would be the definitive source, and since they say that regular is ok then disregard the other sources. I have a 1997 ES300 that I have owned since new. I have run it on both, and found no measureable difference using premium, so I now use only regula
You will be wasting your money unless there is a noticeable increase in either power or fuel economy, and there won't be.
You will be wasting your money unless there is a noticeable increase in either power or fuel economy, and there won't be.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 8
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From: Illinois
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NH
Premium, middle grade or regular?
I know this is an age old question, but a search turns up 2 year old threads in this matter, so I thought a bump wouldn't hurt. Premium just hit $3 here, while middle grade's hovering in at $2.93 and regular ten cents cheaper at $2.83. I'm not cheap, and I fully appreciate the rationale that a dollar or two extra can help in the long run, but I'm curious if it's really necessary to put in premium. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but the engine in my '01 is the same as was in the Camry, and I'm sure Camry owners were told to use regular, therefore is it sound logic to say I can use regular? I guess I'm looking for two answers here:
- Subjective (Qualitative observations running premium vs. middle vs. regular) = Do you notice a difference in performance, engine noise, clunking, rpm's etc?
- Objective (Quantitative observations) = MPG and actual mechanical info that states a direct requirement for one grade of fuel over the other
Thank you very much for your time
- Subjective (Qualitative observations running premium vs. middle vs. regular) = Do you notice a difference in performance, engine noise, clunking, rpm's etc?
- Objective (Quantitative observations) = MPG and actual mechanical info that states a direct requirement for one grade of fuel over the other
Thank you very much for your time
Just hit 3 dollars, man i wish i lived there LOL, but so true, i started of putting in the highest, then went to the middle, i dont really notice a big difference, now going to try regular, see if i notice anything or not, i up to an average of 230+ miles on 1 tank
I used to use premium 93 (NON vvt-i) untille prices started to go up, then went to 87. There was around a couple hp difference, but not anything worth putting in premium for. Granted, NOW I have no choice but to use 93, as I have engine work done and need it.