the gasoline thread

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Oct 16, 2017 | 07:20 AM

#211

mmarshall

Lexus Fanatic

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 94,328

Likes: 236

From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnhav430

Anyway, my opinion of Top Tier has changed. That AAA report was pretty comprehensive in saying use it. However, with Costco 93 premium, it's a double whammy. Much cheaper for premium, AND top tier....so that's it for me....

I'd keep a bottle of BG-44K or Techron on hand, ready for use, just in case.

Oct 16, 2017 | 07:25 AM

#212

Johnhav430

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Sep 2016

Posts: 8,574

Likes: 390

From: PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmarshall

I'd keep a bottle of BG-44K or Techron on hand, ready for use, just in case.

haha they might work on the LS430, but on my wife's and my 335 I would say not useful since they have DI....

Again the AAA research swayed me, because it wasn't like CR who usually has no reliability behind their conclusions...Maybe Exxon and Shell are better, but again Costco "is" top tier and cheaper than non brandeds, so why not....

Oct 16, 2017 | 07:35 AM

#213

mmarshall

Lexus Fanatic

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 94,328

Likes: 236

From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnhav430

haha they might work on the LS430, but on my wife's and my 335 I would say not useful since they have DI....

Yes, good point. I was just being partly facetious, anyway.

BTW, I didn't know you had a 335. Congratulations.

I was a big fan of the way the old 335 drove...before the latest redesign. For enthusiasts, it was one of the best combinations of ride, handling, and tactile-steering I've ever sampled. IMO, better than the M3 for all-around street use.....the M3 was too harsh (I sampled them both). How the engineers got the old 335 to ride as smooth as it did (even with Sport-Package 35-series tires) and deliver that level of road-manners beats me.

Quote:

Again the AAA research swayed me, because it wasn't like CR who usually has no reliability behind their conclusions...Maybe Exxon and Shell are better, but again Costco "is" top tier and cheaper than non brandeds, so why not....

Like you say.....If you're saving money, and it's not clogging up the engine, why not? I'm sticking to Shell, though...I get a discount for it with Giant Food grocery-shopping.

Oct 16, 2017 | 08:23 AM

#214

SW17LS

Lexus Fanatic

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 68,474

Likes: 3,993

From: Maryland

The problem with Shell is they price in the Giant food points around here. Its typical $.20-$.30 more a gallon than even other top name brands. So your gas points wind up bringing the cost down to what you could have paid for Exxon, or BP for example.

Oct 16, 2017 | 09:32 AM

#215

bitkahuna

CL Community Team

iTrader: (20)

Joined: Feb 2001

Posts: 80,677

Likes: 3,932

finally noticed this on top of the pump after all this discussion...

Oct 16, 2017 | 12:19 PM

#216

mmarshall

Lexus Fanatic

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 94,328

Likes: 236

From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs

Quote:

Originally Posted by SW15LS

Yes, but that's not the only reason I shop at Giant. I won't get into all the details why (and there are many of them), since this is a gas thread and not a grocery one. And Shell prices here in NoVa, for 87 octane, vary significantly.....from $2.25 to $2.69 or more. I generally avoid the most expensive stations. Fortunately, cheaper Shell stations are within easy short-driving distance of my place...it obviously makes no sense to burn up more in gas driving to a cheaper station than you actually save at the pump.

I do agree with you BTW, that Shell 93 octane is probably a rip-off....even compared to other stations. I haven't seen it below $3.00 in some time (one local station has it at $3.15). Fortunately, I haven't had to use 93 since I had my old Lexus IS300, years ago...and that in-line six guzzled gas like a V8. My Lacrosse V6 uses 87...and gets much better mileage.

Oct 16, 2017 | 12:25 PM

#217

Johnhav430

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Sep 2016

Posts: 8,574

Likes: 390

From: PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmarshall

Giant came to our town and basically sounded the death knell for all the other grocery stores....I remember all these folks were up here from MD during the massive grand opening. But here in PA, Giant sells the gas? Sounds like you guys earn gas by shopping? And so we don't buy enough to get more than 20 cents off before the points expire. Don't get me wrong 20 cents is great, just that I work in NJ which is 30+ cents cheaper...

Well that guy from last week said he believes Shell is the best....and the BMW forum swears by V Power....that would be great if in the future all brands are Top Tier (meaning Speedway, Wawa, etc.). I guess there's more to it than I had thought. The only time I've ever gotten Shell was when I had rebates from Pennzoil Platinum motor oil...and again fuel was over $3 back then and I filled my wife's SUV up at like 25.9 cents per gallon.....