I am taking a driving vacation with my 2003 GS 430 in April. Will be driving from Tennessee to Las Vegas, over 2000 miles one way. I was wondering if you'all would think it would be allright to use regular gas while I was on the road and go with preimum with stop and go travel.
Best Regards,
Bob

 

NEVER EVER EVER USE REGULAR GAS ON A LEXUS V8! the 430 engine is a high compression engine that needs to have high octane fuel. you will just screw up your engine and make it knock.

 

I wouldn't do it. The recommended fuel is premium for our cars. Although the knock sensor may retard the engine (and supress pinging) if you use the cheap gas, that in itself may cause problems.

You might save what, $30 -$40? Find a cheap hotel or fast food on the way and save that way instead.

 

Bob, Dave is right in that this is really false economy. Let's assume 20 mpg average (which is low), 4k miles round trip, and 20 cents per gal difference between regular and premium. This works out to $40 exactly. That assumes that your mileage doesn't drop due to retardation of timing to prevent detonation (ping).

I doubt that the engine will suffer; certainly the knock sensors, ECU, and timing won't care. But you've not really saved any significant amount, compared to the cost of your vacation and, especially, the cost of your car. I don't mean this to sound arrogant in any way, but if $40 matters, you are not only in the wrong car but the wrong automotive segment entirely!!! This is NOT something that you can afford!! The car costs too much, the maintainence is too much, the insurance is too much, and (least of all in cost of ownership) the gas mileage is too poor!

Didn't mean to turn this into a social criticism of your lifestyle but I don't think you've quite thought it through.

 

yes...eat from the dollar menu all the way there to save a couple of bucks, don't cheat the car, your stomach can b fixed with my lanta, but the engine would cost u a whole lot more , have fun and enjoy your vacation