I been using reg gas last year. I haven't driven since fall. To keep the ls out of the salt I've been driving my truck, which uses reg. Went for drive today and noticed a dollar diff between reg and prem. Car has been running just fine on reg. Milage and power are probably down a bit, but not noticeably. Is reg ok or should I spring for another twenty a thankful? Does running reg cause any warm?

 

It typically won't do any harm, but it doesn't save you any money either. The car will compensate for the lower octane by retarding timing and adding fuel to make a richer mixture. So, reduced performance and lower fuel economy. No point to it, really.

 

Doing a little math. If reg sells for $3.50 a gal and prem sells for $4.50 a gal as I saw today. That's a 28% increase in price. I got 24 mile/gal today. I would have to get 30.9 mile/gal to break even on the price difference. Not in my wildest dream can I imagine that kind of milage. I've never seen anywhere close to that running on prem. Performance wise, who knows. It winds out to red line with no coughing or sputtering. Guess, it's probably down a tenth or two in the quarter mile. I can live with that. Back in prehistoric days of the 70s and 80s I wouldn't have considered anything but prem for everyday driving and Sonoco 260 for the strip. Today thank you electronics. Yay.

 

Something to also consider, or another way to look at it. How much extra does it cost you per year to use premium? If you drive 3k a year, the extra cost is minimal, if 20k a year, much more will be spent on premium. I fall into the low miles category so I always use premium. I'd rather buy my coffee at the quickie mart vs Starbucks and save more money doing that. In the big picture, it doesn't matter to me.

 

I know the ole debate about regular or premium has been around forever. In these parts, the difference in price is far less than a dollar. But for me, even if it was a dollar or more, I'd still swing for the premium as I do with my current car.

 

I maintain my cars according to the manufacturer's specifications. They say premium, I use premium. Personally I don't understand caring enough about a car to NOT drive it to keep it clean, yet not caring enough about it to use the right fuel, but thats me.

 

I checked with Gas Buddy, the going price is $1.00 a gal in this area. If I pump in 20 gals of reg, I can bust a gut on coffee and donuts and still keep some bucks in my pocket. I've got an RX, SC and LS, that all seem to be happy with reg. I do use Toyota trans fluid but that is it. I won't pay the crazy prices for anti freeze, batteries, wiper blades, tires, cleaners, oil, filters, belts, brakes, suspension parts, wheel bearings and exhaust etc. As an ex. I replaced my wiper blades for $1.26 for both right and left sides. What does Lexus charge? Savings are how I can afford a Lexus.

 

But…can you really afford a Lexus then? If you have to use the wrong fuel and discount parts?

I have no problem using aftermarket parts, if they are better, but they may or may not be. The Lexus wiper refills for instance are like $10, and they’re excellent. I’ve never found better wipers and I’ve tried.

Toyota’s coolant is a specialized coolant, you have to make sure you use a compatible coolant.

 

Like most subjects that are debated, there's no one absolute right answer. Do what makes you happy.

 

Thats for sure lol

The reality is, the car will likely be fine whatever you use. I personally prefer to use the best fluids and fuels and parts available to maintain my cars. I spend time researching the best oils, filters etc which may be OEM or they may not. Fuel I only use top tier fuel, and I use what the manufacturer specifies. I enjoy maintaining my cars well.

 

I feel the same way. The adage of "pay me now or pay me later" is something I've found to be wise as I'm now 64 and have had to "pay later" several times in life.

 

To lexus fanatic. Next week I'll be 76. I'm Vietnam veteran. I worked to get two college degrees, while working full time. I'm retired living on a pension. I like having the best things that I can afford. If I have to watch my pennies I will do that. Since I'm not allowed to own a Lexus, what should I be allowed to own.

 

Nobody is saying you shouldn't be "allowed to own a Lexus", I just don't agree with the idea of putting substandard parts, fluids and fuel into a great car like an LS460. You posted a question here, and I answered it. If you weren't interested in entertaining the suggestion that you should run the specified fuel, why ask?

In reality, the cost delta between the right fluids, parts and fuel is really not that much. How often do you change your coolant? How often do you change the oil? You really can't spring for $20 additional once a year to run the best oil? Do you really only have to spend $1 on wiper blades? I just don't get it. I don't have to get it though, whatever works for you works for you but I have an opinion on it and I'm going to share it.

I have a friend who has, just herself, she's single, a $90,000 Range Rover Sport, and a $140,000 Porsche 911...she buys the cheapest no name fuel and was complaining she couldn't use her crappy little gas station because their Premium is 91 and her 911 requires 93, she refuses to run premium in her Supercharged Range Rover. Its not about financial resources, I just don't get it.

 

When premium was 5-10 cents a gallon more than regular (not that long ago) it made sense to use premium gas. When it $1 more per gallon, it doesn't make much sense - modern cars run fine on regular. I get an average of 25mpg (1/2 city, 1/2 highway on regular). At an average of 12,000 - 15,000 miles a year, regular gas costs $450-$600 a year less than premium. That's basically free maintenance on a Lexus (look at the dealership "Cost of Ownership" plaques)!

 

I still run premium...

Do Shell stations around you all do 20c Tuesdays? Premium fuel is 20c off a gallon on Tuesday’s. I tend to fill up Tuesdays regardless of how much gas I have left to take advantage of that.