Premium fuel really needed?
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 42
Likes: 1
From: Washington
Premium fuel really needed?
It seems that the LX570 and the LC have the same engine. Similar power and torque ratings that could be differentiated by intake and exhaust differences. Compression ratio is the same. However, the Lexus lists as requiring Premium, while the Toyota lists as needing only Regular. Does anyone know if there is an actual need for Premium?
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 297
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
I bought by 570 from the same person i bought my 470 from. He told me at the time the 470 could run on 87 octane, and thats what i did for 4 years. However, he told me i could not do the same thing with the 570, and it actually did require the premium fuel. Just my $.02
Maybe someone can chime in who has been running 87 or 89 in their 570?
Maybe someone can chime in who has been running 87 or 89 in their 570?
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 374
Likes: 1
From: California
As was the case with the LX470, your LX570 will run w/o any problems on regular unleaded. It won't make quite as much power but the difference probably isn't something you'll be able to feel. You also probably won't get quite as good MPG but again, these things get such ****ty mileage the difference doesn't matter.
The onboard computers on these vehicles automatically adjust timing, etc. of it senses pinging, etc.
The onboard computers on these vehicles automatically adjust timing, etc. of it senses pinging, etc.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 42
Likes: 1
From: Washington
As was the case with the LX470, your LX570 will run w/o any problems on regular unleaded. It won't make quite as much power but the difference probably isn't something you'll be able to feel. You also probably won't get quite as good MPG but again, these things get such ****ty mileage the difference doesn't matter.
The onboard computers on these vehicles automatically adjust timing, etc. of it senses pinging, etc.
The onboard computers on these vehicles automatically adjust timing, etc. of it senses pinging, etc.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,618
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From: NYC/ATL
Toyota designed these engines to run on premium, then put the fail safe on them to protect them in the long run, cause not everyone is gonna put quality gas in them.
If you look in any Toyota Owners Manual it usually says, for added performance use premium, your actually suppose to run cars on the highest octane possible.
With that said, watch ur gas mileage, and not just on one tank, do like a consistent 10 tanks, with similar driving patterns, my 03 4.7L V8 got better gas mileage on premium then regular, regular would net me about 300 a tank b4 I refilled and premium for net me 400 a tank before I refilled.
Also be aware that if your running regular and then the dealer wants to offer you a fuel injector service, for say 200 bucks, you just defeated the purpose of using regular so you might as well use premium.
The LX570 is an awesome vehicle and does not deserve to have anything less then premium put in it, and those guys driving Tundras and LC, most use premium, not all, but they say the opposite, it has the same compression ratio as the Lexus, so why don't we use premium.
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Rookie
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: SA
The one I have runs on 91 octane (bought from the Middle East), and no one told me that info, the manual itself states that the owner should fuel the tank by 91 octane. My 1998 LC (4,7 L) has the same fuel prerequisite as the '09 LX570 I'm driving.
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Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 374
Likes: 1
From: California
Similar but not the same. There's the answer. 89 vs. 91 isn't going to make a huge difference in power or torque when you're starting out with appx. 380 bhp.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: NYC/ATL
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 42
Likes: 1
From: Washington
In the Seattle area, I believe we have 87, 89, and 92. In any case, I suspect that Lexus chose to require Premium since from a marketing perspective, Premium = better and people who buy the LX aren't generally concerned about the cost of gas.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2
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From: va
conservative toyota crowd?...the Land Cruiser is 80+ thousand dollars...there is nothing conservative about an 80 grand car...trying to down grade toyota owners...when the dude drives a 03 Lexus...I own a 2013 White land cruiser and put regular 87 gas in Bolivia.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,314
Likes: 542
From: Florida
The bottom line is that it will cost you a additional 4-6 bucks per tank to use a higher octane fuel. If it makes you feel better, by all means do it. If we pay this much for a vehicle, we should do what makes us feel good.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 626
Likes: 12
From: DE
However, I suspect there is something 'technical' ... i.e., non-marketing about Lexus engines that is an advantage over similar Toyota engines, which warrants premium fuel. It may be undetectable in the short-term, but may result in a long-term advantage ... durability, emissions, etc. More to the point ... if the manufacturer specifies it, why would you not do it ... especially during the warranty period?
So, if it "makes us feel good" to follow the manufacturer's specifications, we should ... and I do!
Regards,
SaniDel