2010 RX350 Mileage over 10,000 mi Road Trip; Premium & Regular fuel ....
01-22-12, 05:42 PM
#16
Lexus Test Driver
Thought I'd update this thread for what it's worth:
So I went for my 20,000 mile maintenance and I said to the service guy that I've been using the premium but is it really necessary on the 2010 model, because I know they changed the requirement for the 2012 and he said the reason they changed it for the 2012 is that the last two years with gas close to $4 a gallon, most drivers switched to the low octane and they didn't see any performance problems so they stopped telling people to get premium. So it has nothing to do with the 2012 being able to handle the lower grade better than the older cars.
So I went for my 20,000 mile maintenance and I said to the service guy that I've been using the premium but is it really necessary on the 2010 model, because I know they changed the requirement for the 2012 and he said the reason they changed it for the 2012 is that the last two years with gas close to $4 a gallon, most drivers switched to the low octane and they didn't see any performance problems so they stopped telling people to get premium. So it has nothing to do with the 2012 being able to handle the lower grade better than the older cars.
01-22-12, 07:24 PM
#17
Yep. If that were the case we'd get a notice because the info on the car and in the books say's "93 octane IS required". It's not a suggestion.
01-23-12, 11:12 AM
#19
01-23-12, 02:19 PM
#22
Modern vehicle computers retard the timining to prevent engine knock in order to avoid any premature detonation. If you NEED the extra 4 or so HP the premium give you then go ahead but (as I have said previously) I would rather let the computer do its job. Of course, my RX was approved for 87 but I ran 87 in my ES for 70k+ miles without any issues since the manual itself said 87 was OK to run so I did it. No wrries. Maybe if I had a turbo or supercharger that I was trying to squeeze a lot out of I would take the needed Premium but not on any fuel injected car of today.
02-06-12, 09:33 PM
#24
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Mine says premium recommended, but some cars like my TL says required. I put in 87 today and the car runs just as smooth as it did on higher octane. Really in this car (suv) I have a hard time believing it matters. If it was a turbo I'd feel different. I looked at the Acura RDX and no way I'd run 87 octane in it. But the 3.5L engine seems like it doesn't matter and this runs just like my 05 Highlander did. Figure the engine is basically the same between the Highlander and Lexus. Just the finish out is different.
02-07-12, 04:54 AM
#25
02-07-12, 07:19 AM
#26
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I have a 2010 Camry XLE with the 3.5 v6 the same motor that is in my 2011 RX450h run nothing but 87 in the Camry and did try 87 in the RX lost a little MPG with 87 in the RX, However on the gulf coast there are no hills to have to drive over here and do not need the higher octane but I still use it.
02-07-12, 01:49 PM
#29
I just checked the current specs. Ours is still rated at 295HP and uses the Atkinson system.
Theirs is rated at a total of 280 HP, doesn't have the Atkinson system, and 270 HP w/o hybrid system. Still the 3.5 liter motor but performance in HP and other specs is not the same. So I'd say there are differences giving the RXh the edge.
Theirs is rated at a total of 280 HP, doesn't have the Atkinson system, and 270 HP w/o hybrid system. Still the 3.5 liter motor but performance in HP and other specs is not the same. So I'd say there are differences giving the RXh the edge.
