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Fuel Type for RX 400h

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Old 02-17-16, 08:05 AM
  #16  
alex1372
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My 400h is almost at 140K and I used regular since I got it. Averaging 27MPG driving in Chicago and burbs
Old 03-22-16, 05:40 PM
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SEW
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Our 2006 RX400h AWD (135,000 miles) seems to get the same mileage ~26.4, on 87-93 octane. However, when using 91 Octane with no ethanol , it goes up to 27+ which is understandable since ETOH has less BTUs per volume. This is all with gentle driving. I expect the highest performance (acceleration) would come from 93 octane with 10% ETOH.
Old 04-04-16, 06:58 PM
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KC2go
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Thanks to all for the helpful postings. Looking to purchase '08 RX400h from Elite Dealer this week. Will be checking back frequently for continuing guidance, news, and commentary.
Old 12-25-16, 07:43 PM
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WolfyLS460
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I always used 91 octane but started using 89 a few days ago. Did not notice ANY difference in performance or mpg (26).
Old 02-09-17, 03:36 AM
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I'm using Premium 95 in the land of Oz.
Old 02-12-17, 12:34 PM
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theory816
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You guys are going to shorten the life of your engine by not using the correct gas.

The gas grades combust differently.

28MPG is what you should be getting on the rx400h even without driving efficiently.

Last edited by theory816; 02-12-17 at 01:21 PM.
Old 07-24-17, 10:31 PM
  #22  
TommyTT
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Originally Posted by theory816
You guys are going to shorten the life of your engine by not using the correct gas.

The gas grades combust differently.

28MPG is what you should be getting on the rx400h even without driving efficiently.
Go here:
Old 07-25-17, 09:13 AM
  #23  
WolfyLS460
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Still using 89 octane and getting 27mpg combined (30+ freeway)
I'm actually more worried about the hybrid battery giving up than the engine.
Old 07-25-17, 05:42 PM
  #24  
TommyTT
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Watch this one. Reckon RX400h batteries would be same.

How Long Do Prius Hybrid Batteries Last

Old 07-26-17, 04:58 AM
  #25  
takeshi74
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Originally Posted by theory816
28MPG is what you should be getting on the rx400h even without driving efficiently.
Not if you drive the way I do and under the same conditions.
Old 08-15-17, 05:37 PM
  #26  
davintosh
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We've had our 2006 RX400h for about a month now, and didn't think much about fuel octane until recently. The manual says, "Select Octane Rating 87 or higher. For improved vehicle performance, the use of premium unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating of 91 or higher is recommended." From that I figured 87 (10% ethanol blend) was ok, and was getting between 22-23 mpg mixed driving, but mostly around town, and babying it. I thought I'd try premium, and put 93 in it the last two times I tanked up; it's now averaging 25.6, even with some more "spirited" driving. I was always pretty skeptical whether octane made much difference, and have rarely seen much difference in other cars that I've owned, but apparently these things like the good stuff. I need to run some numbers to see if it's worth the extra 30-50 cents a gallon to get an extra 3 mpg.
Old 08-17-17, 05:13 AM
  #27  
takeshi74
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Don't conflate higher octane with good. A vehicle will only benefit if designed to run on higher octane.
Old 08-21-17, 07:07 PM
  #28  
theory816
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Originally Posted by TommyTT
That's not a very credible source of info on gas.

The gas cap says in large letters: PREMIUM FUEL ONLY.
Old 08-21-17, 07:45 PM
  #29  
TommyTT
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Believe what ever you want. I use 87 in mine and get 24-30 mpg and no knocking.
Old 08-21-17, 07:54 PM
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ukrkoz
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Originally Posted by theory816
That's not a very credible source of info on gas.

The gas cap says in large letters: PREMIUM FUEL ONLY.
Hmmm... My clone HiHy has same 3.5L engine, right? And runs on 87 doing 30.8 mpg as I type? All it says is Unleaded Fuel Only.
Maybe they simply use door from RX350?


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