Threxx

I'm not 100% sure about other Lexus vehicles since I haven't had that much-hands on research and experience with them, but what I do know is:

My father just cross-shopped between a 2004 Camry V6 and a 2004 ES330, he was specifically told by both Toyota/Lexus, the dealerships, and the documentation he read from both cars that he would be required to use premium gas in both the Camry V6 and the ES330. After the dealerships realized that he didn't appreciate this fact, they told him that if he used 87 it would still 'run' (because of the knock sensor retarding the timing), but he would have a little bit of reduced performance and worse gas milage (which defeats the purpose of saving 20 cents per gallon in the first place). Only the Camry 4-cylinder recommends 87 Octane.

Furthermore, when I go to put gas in my 99 GS400, the fuel filler door itself specifically states to only use 91 Octane and above.


I had a 95 Maxima (they remained unchanged in almost all regards, especially the powertrain, from 95 until 99) and the owners manual specifically stated that 87 octane was recommended. So I'm not sure why your friends father thought he should be using premium, because it was not stated in the owner's manual or anywhere by Nissan. Unless he was having problems with predetonation caused by carbon build up (which results in a higher compression ratio in the cylinder) of his higher milage engine... he really shouldn't have been using 93 octane for any reason.

<VENOM>

The Lexus your father was cross shopping with the Camry was the ES330(225hp), I have the ES300(210hp) and it has no premium required sticker, was he looking at an XLE cause those have the 210hp but the SE is the only model with th 225hp motor.

The 98 maxima runs on 87 he don't put 93 in it, the newer maximas or atleast the VQ engines vary from year to year on the use of premium or not, guess Nissan changed to better suit the needs of people who just use 87.

edit:
just checked my owners manual, select octane rating 87 or higher for added performance

HarrierAWD

Updating my own post.

The Consumer Reports tested the new ES330 (225 hp) recently. It specifies regular gas in the review.

Checked with my friend who owns a 2002 Camry LE V6. He said it uses regular gas.

nthach

91 octane, with a shot of Red Line Oil SI-1, since i use the cheap stuff now(Costco or Arco usually)

dotbowels

Service guy told me okay to use 87 as long as there isnt a ping. He said the Toyota engine which is virtually the same V6 calls for 87. He said it won't void warranty.