BatmobileX

Precisely how I feel about it. If it makes a difference in performance/gas mileage I'll pay it but if not I'll use that $200 a year for something else.

LeoDLion

I usually use 93 octane but on occasion will pump 87. I do not notice any difference in as far as driving the car. Perhaps the mpg is better with 93.

markrivers

Ask yourselves this. When you first drove the RX out of the dealer's lot. It has a full tank of gas right?
Do you think the dealer placed a premium or just the regular unleaded?
Hmmm..

EMSLEXUSRX

Yeap, I used the 87 octane on my '07 RX, and I've been using it on the 2010 RX, and will probably continue doing so if I purchase any more RX's in the future!!

Now, the 2002 Nissan Maxima, that's a different animal. Drove that car for four years and couldn't put anything less than midgrade in that car, or else you would definitely hear the pinging!!

BatmobileX

So I guess as long as we can be sure that using the 87 is not doing systemic damage to the engine, it seems reasonable to experiment to see what works best for you.

wjhenning

I use 87. Premium might give slightly better mileage but the price differential makes the lower octane more desireable. No harm will come to the engine since ignition timing is computer controled.

py0413

my dealer also told me I can use 87 on my 2011 if I want to and all that will happen is to lose a few HP. I wonder if something happens what will they do about the warranty part.

markrivers

my dealer also said the same thing.
Now, what exactly do you mean by " if something happens?"
there's no way no prove that you were using 87 vs 91 octane gasoline for x amount of time.
AND with the dealer trying to save money in every corner they can..
WHAT kind of gasoline do you think you have when you drove from the dealer's lot the first time?
( remember that FREE full tank of Gas?)
i'm willing to bet they have the regular unleaded ( 87)

py0413

I used to work at car dealership and normally we'd fill cars with regular gas on deliveries; however, when it comes to selling performance cars, we always use premium grade. Dealer doesn't care about spending that $60 for gas. After all, it goes to their tax deductions anyways.

While you think dealers are trying to save every bit of money, they are trying their hardest to reach your pocket with their greedy hands. If by any chance, they can prove that you cause a damage because of not following the owner's manual instructions, you are pretty much guaranteed to be hit by a heavy pile of bills. I have seen cases that they blame on people using aftermarket air filter, light bulbs, brake pads and would not honour the warranty afterwards. We are all pretty sure those parts will probably never cause any damages to your vehicle but that's how they play the game.

I am gonna ask the service department again tomorrow when I go pick up my car and see if they can show me some written down info stating that it is ok to use regular grade gas on 2010/2011 RX models.

BlueSurf

I have a 450H bought it in 8/10, now it has 12,000 miles on it. I used 87 octane from the fourth week. The mechanics and the salesman told me the dealership puts it into their cars (loners etc). I have never had an issue or a peep out of the car. Its a choice, Coke or Pepsi.

markrivers

bottomline is, do what you're comfortable with.
OR ask your lawyer to draft a piece of paper saying it's ok to use regular gasoline (87) and ask your Service department head to sign..
i'm pretty sure they will remember you by name every time you're there.

tapau

Just got back from the dealership where I asked the 87 or 91 octane question for my 2011 RX 450h. They said if I wanted to that I could use 87, it would not damage the engine in any way, but it would loose 4 mpg. They said not to bother with 89 octane it's either 91 and above or not. So if you have a 2011 it's your choice.

InRBigness

Do you mean 4 horsepower or MPG? My understanding from talking to the GM at my dealer is that they changed the gas requirement at the cost of the 4hp as a selling feature. They sacrificed the horsepower number in favor of less expensive cost of ownership. It was in his words a marketing decision.

Does this mean that you can safely use it in your 2010-2011 Rx's, is your choice. They have not made any changes to the motor or the software apparently so I would think so. I look at this like the change to 10000K oil changes if you use the Toyota synthetic 0w-20 oil.

markrivers

^ i can't agree with you more.

tapau

I'll ask again, but he said 4 miles per gallon.