I knew since this car first came out that it took premium, but I was reading an article that had clips from the owners manual that says that 93 octane was "recommended" and did not use the words "required" like I have seen talking about other cars. Im kind of surprised that this car would require premium, and out of fear of not getting a reliable answer from a salesman at the dealer, id hold you guys opinions higher.

So is premium absolutely a necessity, or are you just losing a little performance? I get why you would need it in a s/c or t/c car but I do not understand why its a necessity in a 2 liter 4 cyl 200 hp car?

 

Because the compression rate is at 12:5:1, to prevent detonation..High compression engines should always have premium..

 

100%, higher compression ratio is the reason for the higher octane requirement.

 

Well some areas dont have 93. Some places have 87,89,91. So thats why it says recommended. But always use the highest you can get.

 

You should use premium.. however.. all modern cars have knock sensors that will detect detonation and retard timing.. This will reduce power and protect the engine.. Use premium and drive it like it was intended.

 

indeed... some states don't have 93... which is unfortunate because of potential problems.. it's still best to run premium.. even if it's only 91.

the car doesn't like anything less. it really doesn't. it'll hate you... mock you.. and drive horribly.

 

i run shell v power 91 in toronto car loves it.

 

PREMIUM 93oct on all my cars even on my wifes Corolla. On the long run the car will thank you.
I see it as a person eating McDonalds on a regular as to a person who eats healthy.

I always do some math when i see the gas prices. in my area the gas is $3.85 for Premium.
Example:
$3.85x 12 GALLONS = $46.20
$3.62x 12 GALLONS = $43.44

its just a $2.76 difference, why not go the whole way???

 

91 works fine for me.

 

I will use Premium in my new FR-S; I even use that in my Tacoma and my 73' Super Beetle. On top of which the Octane in New Mexico is slightly lower in grade than AZ where I once was.

 

91 is all that's available for me. 13,000 miles and my car runs just fine.