So I pull in a 76 station to gas up...
10-04-14, 11:35 AM
#16
I remember when a local station used to charge a .20 more for premium than 87....we had it in 3 intervals at a local station. It was 87, 91 was .10c more, and 93 was .20c more than 87. That gap has spread BIGTIME. I'm curious as to why that's the case though. I don't think any local places here in Jax offer 87 only, except one station which has PURE 100% gas (no ethanol), it's more expensive, but they only offer the 100% gas in 87, not 93 
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10-04-14, 11:43 AM
#18
Lexus Fanatic
The station usually also has to pay more, at wholesale, for premium. It generally costs more to refine and market, for several reasons, but mainly because of the more and better detergents and other additive-packages. That's not to say that regular 87 octane doesn't have adititives....it does, but usually not as much or of as high quality.
10-04-14, 12:28 PM
#19
The station usually also has to pay more, at wholesale, for premium. It generally costs more to refine and market, for several reasons, but mainly because of the more and better detergents and other additive-packages. That's not to say that regular 87 octane doesn't have adititives....it does, but usually not as much or of as high quality.
I don't believe that for a second.
The premium gas cost is more now because people will pay for it.
10-04-14, 12:44 PM
#20
Lexus Test Driver
Just a guess (I don't necessarily know this for a fact) is that it may (?) be related to a lessening in demand in NJ, or across the country, for the higher octanes.
One thing, however, that IS a fact, is that a number of cars that formerly needed higher-octanes (as with many turbos) can now safely run on 87 (though maybe losing a few HP/torque in the process. So, in the minds of many car owners, the very small difference in power to be gained (not even noticeable in most driving situations) is simply not worth paying an extra 30 or 40 cents for each gallon.
One thing, however, that IS a fact, is that a number of cars that formerly needed higher-octanes (as with many turbos) can now safely run on 87 (though maybe losing a few HP/torque in the process. So, in the minds of many car owners, the very small difference in power to be gained (not even noticeable in most driving situations) is simply not worth paying an extra 30 or 40 cents for each gallon.
10-04-14, 01:16 PM
#21
Lexus Champion
For quite some time around me, premium is .40 per gallon more than regular when the price of regular is high - And .50 per gallon more when the price of regular is low. Leading me to believe from a retailing standpoint, there is more room or a little more profit on premium when regular prices are relatively low. Less sticker shock at the pump for premium.
10-04-14, 01:50 PM
#22
Lexus Fanatic
10-04-14, 01:53 PM
#23
Lexus Fanatic
For quite some time around me, premium is .40 per gallon more than regular when the price of regular is high - And .50 per gallon more when the price of regular is low. Leading me to believe from a retailing standpoint, there is more room or a little more profit on premium when regular prices are relatively low. Less sticker shock at the pump for premium.
10-04-14, 03:27 PM
#24
Lexus Champion
Still not much, though, compared to what the stations typically make on the food mart and/or service/repairs. That's where they make most of their profit. Many stations that have to rely on gas alone would probably go out of buisness unless they were being subsidized, like the Safeway grocery-operated chain-stations.
10-04-14, 03:51 PM
#26
Lexus Fanatic
10-04-14, 05:10 PM
#28
Lexus Fanatic
If you use those cut-rate off-brands, be sure to dump in a bottle of fuel-system cleaner regularly. They usually don't have good detergent packages in them like the major brands.....especially Shell and Chevron. That's why I usually don't recommend off-brands. They are cheaper up front at the pump, but can cost you more later on in fuel-system cleaning and/or repairs. (I've done a couple of threads just on this specific issue).
10-07-14, 01:51 PM
#29
Lexus Test Driver
We ran 87 in our LS400's constantly when we owned them. In fact, the stations my dad fills up at offer 85 octane, and I imagine that's probably what he used most of the time.
10-07-14, 02:33 PM
#30
Lexus Fanatic
None of the LS models, to my knowledge, ever came with a factory turbo. Even if premium is recommended, the computer usually will just retard the spark a little if regular is used and pinging is detected. So you just lose a little HP/torque....usually not enough to be significant, though the engine might run slightly hotter from the retarded spark.