using regular gas

Post by ***@unknown.com
A recent article in the Washington Post said that most cars whose manuals
say they require premium gasoline run just fine on regular gas. They did
not mention anything about possible damage if any.
Anyone know if there are any problems with using regular gas in a Lexus?
Jeff

been using reg in mny05 rx 330 since day 1, no issues, 60k+ miles
__________________________________________
Never argue with an idiot.
They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

sapper

2008-07-18 13:54:19 UTC

Post by jdoe

The fuel recommended for my 05 RX330 is Regular. It was one of the
considerations I had when I bought this instead of one of its
competitors.

By the way, took in my RX for Service, and the service advisor said
that they'd put tire pressure at 35 psi (manual says 30 psi). They
used to put it at 32, but I guess with gas being where it is 35 is
better!

Bob_R

2008-07-14 01:09:01 UTC

I think the knock sensors will prevent any damage. Been using regular in my
'01 RX300 for 158k miles and it's still running fine (knock on wood).
Bob

DaveW

2008-07-14 01:31:52 UTC

Ray O has pointed out in the past that while there may be no
noticeable difference in performance, it's a good idea to check out
the gas mileage for a couple of tankfuls. It's possible that any
savings in price per gallon may be offset by a small decrease in your
average mpg when using regular gas.

Ray O

2008-07-14 03:36:16 UTC

It is nice to know somebody pays attention to my posts!

--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Bob_R

2008-07-14 04:02:01 UTC

It is nice to know somebody pays attention to my posts!
--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

There's more than one of us who pays attention. Thanks for all the
information you post.
Bob

Ray O

2008-07-14 04:29:12 UTC

It is nice to know somebody pays attention to my posts!
--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

There's more than one of us who pays attention. Thanks for all the
information you post.
Bob

You are always very welcome!

--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

DaveW

2008-07-14 19:36:40 UTC

On Sun, 13 Jul 2008 22:36:16 -0500, "Ray O"
<rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:

<snip>

Post by Ray O
It is nice to know somebody pays attention to my posts!

This newsgroup would be nearly worthless without you. There are lots
of people who are self-proclaimed experts on usenet, and only a
handful who really know what they're talking about and go out of their
way to inform people. Offering to dismantle your own visor to help a
total stranger was way beyond the call of duty!

Thanks for all the info you post here.

Ray O

2008-07-15 03:49:10 UTC

Post by DaveW
On Sun, 13 Jul 2008 22:36:16 -0500, "Ray O"
<snip>

Post by Ray O
It is nice to know somebody pays attention to my posts!

Well, I didn't take it completely apart, just far enough to figure out what
was holding it together ;-)

--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

mcbrue

2008-07-15 05:12:54 UTC

Yes, Ray O, your excellent contributions are deeply appreciated.
I think the real answer to this depends on the difference between
regular and premium gas. Here regular is about 380 today and premium
runs about 405. So if I get 15 mpg around town, then if I switch to
regular, I need to get more than 380X15/405 or about 14.1 mpg to save
anything by going to the lower grade. My problem is that I find
variations bigger than this in my milage from one tankfull to the
next. So I stick with the high priced stuff.

Ray O

2008-07-15 05:42:06 UTC

Post by mcbrue
Yes, Ray O, your excellent contributions are deeply appreciated.
I think the real answer to this depends on the difference between
regular and premium gas. Here regular is about 380 today and premium
runs about 405. So if I get 15 mpg around town, then if I switch to
regular, I need to get more than 380X15/405 or about 14.1 mpg to save
anything by going to the lower grade. My problem is that I find
variations bigger than this in my mileage from one thankful to the
next. So I stick with the high priced stuff.

I wish premium was only $4.05 where I am! Regular is $4.30, with mid-grade
20 cents more and premium another 10 cents above mid-grade.

I've tried 4 or 5 tanks of mid-grade, I'll have to calculate cost per mile
again and see if there is any savings from premium.

I've been getting between 17.6 and 18.1 MPG around town in my 2001 LS 430, I
was getting between 18.6 and 18.9 with premium so there is a slight MPG
penalty with mid-grade. My mileage is pretty consistent except when I take
a highway trip of 30 minutes or more during the tank, when my tank MPG goes
to about 20.1. On long trips where the entire tank is highway, I get about
25 MPG if I don't use the cruise control, and around 24 MPG if I use the CC.
If my wife or kids drive the car, fuel economy goes down by at least 1 MPG.

I suppose if I slowed down and wasn't passing people around town all the
time and kept my highway speed below 80, I could probably get a little
better fuel economy, but old habits die hard.

--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

kitzler

2008-07-15 13:01:52 UTC

Post by Ray O
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Just would like to add that a trip computer alone can save you 10% in
gas by making you drive more sensibly.... my '06GS300 AWD also
indicates mpg on the display located inside the speedometer.
Unfortunately, this Lexus gadget reads constantly high by 1.5 mpg,
whereas my '05 Avalon's mpg reading is right on the money. On another
note, I had a pleasant surprise, I switched to regular around 20K
miles based on a Lexus rep's recommendation, but my mileage did not go
down overall, true the city mpg is slightly lower, but the highway mpg
is just as high if not higher. On a recent trip (July Fourth weekend)
through PA and NJ, I saw my mpg reading reach 34 mpg (meaning 32.5
actual). When I finally bought gas, it confirmed, I had done the trip
from Deep Creek Lake MD to Fishkill NY, 422 miles on about 13.1
gallons. I was driving with the traffic, mostly over the speed limit
by 5-10 mph. This is just for the record. Last year, using some Hi
test and lots of Reg gas, I averaged 27.1 mpg actual, with mostly
highway driving and very little city driving. I have the data to back
all this up and I do not drive like a slow poke, as a matter of fact
my Lexus likes to be around 60-65 mph, does a car have a
personality!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

/Kitzler

DaveW

2008-07-15 15:09:17 UTC

On Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:42:06 -0500, "Ray O"

Post by Ray O
I wish premium was only $4.05 where I am! Regular is $4.30, with mid-grade
20 cents more and premium another 10 cents above mid-grade.

Self service premium where I am (East Hampton, NY) is $5.14 this week.

Post by Ray O
I've been getting between 17.6 and 18.1 MPG around town in my 2001 LS 430, I
was getting between 18.6 and 18.9 with premium so there is a slight MPG
penalty with mid-grade. My mileage is pretty consistent except when I take
a highway trip of 30 minutes or more during the tank, when my tank MPG goes
to about 20.1. On long trips where the entire tank is highway, I get about
25 MPG if I don't use the cruise control, and around 24 MPG if I use the CC.
If my wife or kids drive the car, fuel economy goes down by at least 1 MPG.

My '04 GS430 is consistently 18 city/21 hwy with premium, which is,
surprisingly, just about the same as my '02 GS300 was.

Anonymous

2008-07-15 16:40:37 UTC

I wish premium was only $4.05 where I am! Regular is $4.30, with mid-grade
20 cents more and premium another 10 cents above mid-grade.
I've tried 4 or 5 tanks of mid-grade, I'll have to calculate cost per mile
again and see if there is any savings from premium.
I've been getting between 17.6 and 18.1 MPG around town in my 2001 LS 430,
I was getting between 18.6 and 18.9 with premium so there is a slight MPG
penalty with mid-grade. My mileage is pretty consistent except when I
take a highway trip of 30 minutes or more during the tank, when my tank
MPG goes to about 20.1. On long trips where the entire tank is highway, I
get about 25 MPG if I don't use the cruise control, and around 24 MPG if I
use the CC. If my wife or kids drive the car, fuel economy goes down by at
least 1 MPG.
I suppose if I slowed down and wasn't passing people around town all the
time and kept my highway speed below 80, I could probably get a little
better fuel economy, but old habits die hard.
--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

I've been entertained by this "regular gas" thread
recently, and I have two small comments.

1). This is the first time I've ever seen my suspicions
corroborated, that say I can get better fuel mileage
without a cruise control, that with one. (Noted
from the previous comment(s)).

2). My other suspicion is that the performance of
these vehicles using regular/premium etc. is a
lot more related to *actual* gas in the ground,
rather than the vehicles reaction. IOW, the real
octane in the ground, as well as, the age of the
fuel, temperature, holding tank age/condition,
dispensing equipment condition, etc., etc.

Additionally, I was recently told by a local gas
company representative that a 6.5 ounce variance
on a 10 gallon volume, was allowed to remain in
compliance to local weights and measures.

That seemed quite high to me, but if correct, will
certainly affect mpg calculations. Especially, if
one frequents different stations.

Ray O

2008-07-17 06:28:14 UTC

"Anonymous" <***@com.com> wrote in message news:pq4fk.14388$***@nlpi070.nbdc.sbc.com...
<snipped>

Post by Anonymous

Post by Ray O
I've been getting between 17.6 and 18.1 MPG around town in my 2001 LS
430, I was getting between 18.6 and 18.9 with premium so there is a
slight MPG penalty with mid-grade. My mileage is pretty consistent
except when I take a highway trip of 30 minutes or more during the tank,
when my tank MPG goes to about 20.1. On long trips where the entire tank
is highway, I get about 25 MPG if I don't use the cruise control, and
around 24 MPG if I use the CC. If my wife or kids drive the car, fuel
economy goes down by at least 1 MPG.
I suppose if I slowed down and wasn't passing people around town all the
time and kept my highway speed below 80, I could probably get a little
better fuel economy, but old habits die hard.
--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

I think that the cruise control tries to make too many throttle adjustments
to maintain speed, instead of letting speed creep down a little on uphill
stretches and build up on downhill stretches.

Post by Anonymous
2). My other suspicion is that the performance of
these vehicles using regular/premium etc. is a
lot more related to *actual* gas in the ground,
rather than the vehicles reaction. IOW, the real
octane in the ground, as well as, the age of the
fuel, temperature, holding tank age/condition,
dispensing equipment condition, etc., etc.
Additionally, I was recently told by a local gas
company representative that a 6.5 ounce variance
on a 10 gallon volume, was allowed to remain in
compliance to local weights and measures.
That seemed quite high to me, but if correct, will
certainly affect mpg calculations. Especially, if
one frequents different stations.

I have no information with which to back up or refute that suspicion, but I
tend to agree.

--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

St. John Smythe

2008-07-17 11:56:02 UTC

Post by Anonymous
Additionally, I was recently told by a local gas
company representative that a 6.5 ounce variance
on a 10 gallon volume, was allowed to remain in
compliance to local weights and measures.
That seemed quite high to me, but if correct, will
certainly affect mpg calculations. Especially, if
one frequents different stations.

I have no information with which to back up or refute that suspicion, but I
tend to agree.

Sounds reasonable. Let's see...128 ounces in a gallon, so 1,280 ounces
in 10 gallons...

Dividing 6.5 by 1280 gives 0.51% (approximately). Half a percent
relates to about $0.02 per $4.00 gallon, which seems like a fair amount
of tolerance, given the relative crudity of the dispensing system
(accuracy of the meter, gas remaining or not remaining in the hose,
etc.) Actually, on thinking about it, I'd be pretty happy if the pumps
at the local station are actually that close.

--
sjs

Anonymous

2008-07-17 16:54:22 UTC

I have no information with which to back up or refute that suspicion, but
I tend to agree.

Sounds reasonable. Let's see...128 ounces in a gallon, so 1,280 ounces in
10 gallons...
Dividing 6.5 by 1280 gives 0.51% (approximately). Half a percent relates
to about $0.02 per $4.00 gallon, which seems like a fair amount of
tolerance, given the relative crudity of the dispensing system (accuracy
of the meter, gas remaining or not remaining in the hose, etc.) Actually,
on thinking about it, I'd be pretty happy if the pumps at the local
station are actually that close.
--
sjs

Yeah, at $.02, it doesn't sound like much. A lot less
than the 6.5oz/1,280oz ratio. At least to me.

But, consider:

Fuel dispenser volume shorted on a 10 gallon fill:
(200 mile trip / ((1,280oz - 6.5oz) / 128oz)) = 20.102080mpg

Fuel dispenser volume equal on a 10 gallon fill:
(200 mile trip / ((1,280oz - 0oz) / 128oz)) = 20.000000mpg

Fuel dispenser volume longed on a 10 gallon fill:
(200 mile trip / ((1,280oz + 6.5oz) / 128oz)) = 19.898950mpg

Of course, your manual calculation would always net to 20mpg.
But, behind the curtain, the values are quite(relatively speaking)
different.

Jay Somerset

2008-07-18 02:15:31 UTC

[snip 3 levels]
I've been entertained by this "regular gas" thread
recently, and I have two small comments.
1). This is the first time I've ever seen my suspicions
corroborated, that say I can get better fuel mileage
without a cruise control, that with one. (Noted
from the previous comment(s)).
2). My other suspicion is that the performance of
these vehicles using regular/premium etc. is a
lot more related to *actual* gas in the ground,
rather than the vehicles reaction. IOW, the real
octane in the ground, as well as, the age of the
fuel, temperature, holding tank age/condition,
dispensing equipment condition, etc., etc.
Additionally, I was recently told by a local gas
company representative that a 6.5 ounce variance
on a 10 gallon volume, was allowed to remain in
compliance to local weights and measures.
That seemed quite high to me, but if correct, will
certainly affect mpg calculations. Especially, if
one frequents different stations.

Get real! 6.5 oz in 10 gal is about 1/2 of one percent. The error
here is absolutely trivial, and of no consequence to your
calculations.

--
Jay (remove dashes for legal email address)

ACAR

2008-07-21 00:58:08 UTC

On Jul 15, 1:42 am, "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:
snip

On long trips where the entire tank is highway, I get about
25 MPG if I don't use the cruise control, and around 24 MPG if I use the CC.
If my wife or kids drive the car, fuel economy goes down by at least 1 MPG.
I suppose if I slowed down and wasn't passing people around town all the
time and kept my highway speed below 80, I could probably get a little
better fuel economy, but old habits die hard.
--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Thanks for all your very professional replies to this and other
newsgroups.

FYI-
1998 Sienna, 3.0 V6, 215,000 miles
Last Xmas I took a little trip to West Palm Beach, FL from the
Baltimore, MD area. I drove straight through each way. I noticed that
my best fuel economy was achieved on 87 Exxon purchased in North
Carolina, in both directions. I suspect the fuel blend is different
there. I get nearly the same mpg (22-25 highway cruising) from the
Sienna (on 87 octane) as you get from the LS but I've gotten better
(27/28 mpg from several tankfuls) when I was driving across the high
plains of Wyoming at around 75 mph. For commuting I can't measure a
consistent benefit of higher octane fuel but on the highway with a
loaded minivan premium does deliver more mpg.

YMMV

Ray O

2008-07-21 03:29:10 UTC

"ACAR" <***@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:17f1c728-4fe2-49e1-9680-***@a1g2000hsb.googlegroups.com...
On Jul 15, 1:42 am, "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:
snip

Post by Ray O
On long trips where the entire tank is highway, I get about
25 MPG if I don't use the cruise control, and around 24 MPG if I use the CC.
If my wife or kids drive the car, fuel economy goes down by at least 1 MPG.
I suppose if I slowed down and wasn't passing people around town all the
time and kept my highway speed below 80, I could probably get a little
better fuel economy, but old habits die hard.
--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Thanks for all your very professional replies to this and other
newsgroups.

***********
You're welcome!

************

FYI-
1998 Sienna, 3.0 V6, 215,000 miles
Last Xmas I took a little trip to West Palm Beach, FL from the
Baltimore, MD area. I drove straight through each way. I noticed that
my best fuel economy was achieved on 87 Exxon purchased in North
Carolina, in both directions. I suspect the fuel blend is different
there. I get nearly the same mpg (22-25 highway cruising) from the
Sienna (on 87 octane) as you get from the LS but I've gotten better
(27/28 mpg from several tankfuls) when I was driving across the high
plains of Wyoming at around 75 mph. For commuting I can't measure a
consistent benefit of higher octane fuel but on the highway with a
loaded minivan premium does deliver more mpg.

YMMV

**************
That is great mileage for a Sienna! You must have a steady foot, which I
believe is the trick to maximizing fuel economy.

My weakness is when I am following a vehicle that blocks my view, like an
SUV, van, or truck. Rather than drafting a vehicle that is probably doing a
good job of cutting the air ahead of me, I just have to get around them in
order to have a clear view of the road ahead.

--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Jeff@unknown.com

2008-07-14 02:16:15 UTC

Post by ***@unknown.com
A recent article in the Washington Post said that most cars whose
manuals say they require premium gasoline run just fine on regular
gas. They did not mention anything about possible damage if any.
Anyone know if there are any problems with using regular gas in a Lexus?

Thank you all.

Jeff

unknown

2008-07-20 03:05:01 UTC

Oy-schtupping-vey, here we go again. Thinking absolutely nothing of
ponying-up serious gelt for a fine luxury automobile and then pissing and
moaning about the cost differential for the **Manufacturer-recommended**
fuel. You guys in your custom-taylored Armani suits, wearing JC Penny
underwear.

Get a life! If you can't afford the fuel then you sure as hell can't
afford the car. Quit trying to impress the Jones'es. They don't give a
rat's ass what you drive.

--
Hooked On Ebonics, Lesson 6: Use the word "rectum" in a sentence.
RECTUM: I had two Cadillacs an my ol' lady rectum both.

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jdoe

2008-07-20 11:58:31 UTC

you are the fool who pisses money away for no reason, the money saved
ny not using premium can be spent on other things. Most people who
have been able to accumulate money are usually pretty frugal, that is
one reason they were able to afford a lexus in the first place
__________________________________________
Never argue with an idiot.
They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

unknown

2008-07-20 14:16:43 UTC

Post by jdoe
you are the fool who pisses money away for no reason,

You mean like buying a car, which in the final analysis you really can't
afford, for the "status symbol" associated with ownership, then having to
urinate in the tank? Uhuh.. I see people like that every day. Sounds a
little like having a Country Club membership to brush elboes with the
social elite on the golf course, but then waving-off from joining us
afterwards in the 19th hole because you're afraid you actually might be
expected to take your turn at buying a round and you know your credit card
is max'd out. Uhuh..

Post by jdoe
the money saved
ny not using premium can be spent on other things.

Like buying Kroger's "Select" grade of beef, hamburger so lean it looks
like sausage and store-brand soda and canned goods? Thanks just the same
but my kids said they don't like to eat at your house. Everything tastes
like plastic.

In my opinion, the Lexus owner who pours 'regular' into a tank clearly
marked for 'premium' is the same petty cheat who buys cheap booze at the
liquor store & pours it back into the expensive brand-name bottles. Trust
me, we can tell the difference and so too can your car.

Post by jdoe
Most people who
have been able to accumulate money are usually pretty frugal, that is
one reason they were able to afford a lexus in the first place

Lexus ownership is no symbol of wealth or achievement. Anyone with good
credit can buy a Lexus. In fact today the dealerships are so hungry to
make a sale to anyone with a heartbeat that you don't even need good
credit. However, "affording" it is an entirely different matter. If Lexus
ownership means tightening the belt to shave on the quality of other goods
and services that comes along with the price of the ride, then in my view
you should be driving a Hyundai. People like that don't deserve a Lexus.

---
There's a red carnation on the can
cause it's the best milk in the land.
No tits to twitch, no chips to pitch,
just punch two holes in the sonuvabitch.

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01dyna

2008-07-20 16:17:55 UTC

Post by unknown
Lexus ownership is no symbol of wealth or achievement. Anyone with good
credit can buy a Lexus. In fact today the dealerships are so hungry to
make a sale to anyone with a heartbeat that you don't even need good
credit. However, "affording" it is an entirely different matter. If Lexus
ownership means tightening the belt to shave on the quality of other goods
and services that comes along with the price of the ride, then in my view
you should be driving a Hyundai. People like that don't deserve a Lexus.
---

holy crap dude. You've got serious anger and/or envy issues. Get over
it.

FWIW, our taxes alone is more than triple the national income average
but if my car doesn't require premium to run efficiently, then I'll
use less.

Wealth gives me options. Options come from knowing where to spend
my money and where not to. Given a choice, I'd rather spend the money
on good and frequent synthetic oil changes rather than high octane
fuel when it does nothing for either performance, longevity or mpg.

Maybe it's *you* who thinks it makes you look big and important
pouring high octane in your tank at the gas station. I don't have
such an identity issue.

jdoe

2008-07-20 17:55:28 UTC

Post by jdoe
you are the fool who pisses money away for no reason,

only the foolish make so many ill informed and absurd assumptions, not
that you care but my lexus is my "banger" I only let my kids drive it
or I use it on shopping center runs.
If you really knew any people of means you'd know that the people who
really do have money spend it wisely and the ones who are putting on
aires, like you are rarely have a pot to piss in

__________________________________________
Never argue with an idiot.
They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

unknown

2008-07-20 23:42:31 UTC

Post by jdoe
only the foolish make so many ill informed and absurd assumptions, not
that you care but my lexus is my "banger" I only let my kids drive it
or I use it on shopping center runs.
If you really knew any people of means you'd know that the people who
really do have money spend it wisely and the ones who are putting on
aires, like you are rarely have a pot to piss in

Oh I think my analysis was a lot closer to being spot-on than anyone cares
to admit. Not picking on you personally as an example, but precisely at
those who do 'put on aires' to make others believe they are more
successful than they really are and in fact the very pot they piss in is
leveraged practically to the point of crumbling under the weight of the 2
mortgages on it.

If you cannot afford the gasoline, you cannot afford the car. Period.

I retired this past May after 33 years with the same company as a licensed
Professional Engineer, starting out as a 'summer hand' on an offshore oil
rig. I took a 2-year leave of absence in 1980/81 to get my masters in
civil engineering, then came back and advanced over the years to the
position of Senior Engineer with 4 direct reports and 16 people under
them. Try as I may I'm consistently an 8 handicap on the golf course but
am pretty proud that all 5 of our kids graduated from college. We haven't
as much in savings as I'd like to have but everything we do have today is
ours. If it's in the driveway or garage or in our home or worn on our
backs, it's not leased or financed or on plastic. It's all paid for.

--
Hooked On Ebonics, Lesson 1: Use the word "forclose" in a sentence.
FORCLOSE: If I pay alimony dis mont I gots no money forclose.

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bluto

2008-07-21 00:11:01 UTC

My owners manual states 87 octane minimum while the dealer mechanic
recommended 91-93 octane (I'm not biting the semantics thread of
premium/super/regular). I have run both 87 and 91-93 and have let the car
decide which one and it prefers the 91-93 octane. It gets slightly better
mileage (both city & highway) and did not have the hesitation problem which
thread was so prevalent the past couple of years. The RPM's are also lower
for equivalent MPH.

I don't know about the other posters in this thread but I agree with you in
that many people I know driving the "upscale" autos cannot afford to
maintain them or don't know how to maintain them. I am seeing many more
posters asking for help and having responses telling them to read the owners
manual. A good friend who is a BMW mechanic (he specializes and dealers go
to him when they get the tough ones) will not service a new customers car
without reviewing their service records for oil changes and other periodic
required maintenance. No records, no service. I asked him why and he said if
they could not afford to perform the required maintenance then they did not
know how to properly maintain a car and he did not want to have them as
customers.

If you cannot afford the gasoline, you cannot afford the car. Period.

Oh I think my analysis was a lot closer to being spot-on than anyone cares
to admit. Not picking on you personally as an example, but precisely at
those who do 'put on aires' to make others believe they are more
successful than they really are and in fact the very pot they piss in is
leveraged practically to the point of crumbling under the weight of the 2
mortgages on it.
If you cannot afford the gasoline, you cannot afford the car. Period.
I retired this past May after 33 years with the same company as a licensed
Professional Engineer, starting out as a 'summer hand' on an offshore oil
rig. I took a 2-year leave of absence in 1980/81 to get my masters in
civil engineering, then came back and advanced over the years to the
position of Senior Engineer with 4 direct reports and 16 people under
them. Try as I may I'm consistently an 8 handicap on the golf course but
am pretty proud that all 5 of our kids graduated from college. We haven't
as much in savings as I'd like to have but everything we do have today is
ours. If it's in the driveway or garage or in our home or worn on our
backs, it's not leased or financed or on plastic. It's all paid for.
--
Hooked On Ebonics, Lesson 1: Use the word "forclose" in a sentence.
FORCLOSE: If I pay alimony dis mont I gots no money forclose.
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Jay Somerset

2008-07-21 13:04:40 UTC

Post by bluto
My owners manual states 87 octane minimum while the dealer mechanic
recommended 91-93 octane (I'm not biting the semantics thread of
premium/super/regular). I have run both 87 and 91-93 and have let the car
decide which one and it prefers the 91-93 octane. It gets slightly better
mileage (both city & highway) and did not have the hesitation problem which
thread was so prevalent the past couple of years. The RPM's are also lower
for equivalent MPH.

Oh, come on now! That is ridiculous. There is no relationship
between engine performance and/or octane and the ratio of engine
revolutions to tire revolutions.

Perhaps you also upped the tire pressure by 5+ psi? That might make a
very slight difference due to the greater tire circumpherence, but I
doubt if you could even notice it.

[snip]

--
Jay (remove dashes for legal email address)

DaveW

2008-07-21 00:55:42 UTC

Post by unknown
I retired this past May after 33 years with the same company as a licensed
Professional Engineer, starting out as a 'summer hand' on an offshore oil
rig. I took a 2-year leave of absence in 1980/81 to get my masters in
civil engineering, then came back and advanced over the years to the
position of Senior Engineer with 4 direct reports and 16 people under
them. Try as I may I'm consistently an 8 handicap on the golf course but
am pretty proud that all 5 of our kids graduated from college. We haven't
as much in savings as I'd like to have but everything we do have today is
ours. If it's in the driveway or garage or in our home or worn on our
backs, it's not leased or financed or on plastic. It's all paid for.

I've followed the thread, and even with all this personal information,
I still don't understand what makes you so resentful.

01dyna

2008-07-21 02:18:43 UTC

I've followed the thread, and even with all this personal information,
I still don't understand what makes you so resentful.

As a member of ASME, I know for a fact that "Senior Engineers" don't
make anywhere near what would be consider "wealthy". As far as his
"direct reports", four isn't that much, nor is 16 "people under them".
Anyway, I've owned five late model Lexues (2 GX's, 1 ES, 1 LS and an
RX). And with the exception of the GS's, the only difference I've seen
in everyday driving between 87 and 91 octane was in my wallet.

I'll add the caveat that is in *my* area under *my* driving
conditions. As always, YMMV.

J***@unknown.com

2008-07-21 18:32:04 UTC

Post by 01dyna
As a member of ASME, I know for a fact that "Senior Engineers" don't
make anywhere near what would be consider "wealthy". As far as his
"direct reports", four isn't that much, nor is 16 "people under them".
Anyway, I've owned five late model Lexues (2 GX's, 1 ES, 1 LS and an
RX). And with the exception of the GS's, the only difference I've seen
in everyday driving between 87 and 91 octane was in my wallet.
I'll add the caveat that is in *my* area under *my* driving
conditions. As always, YMMV.

I am now driving a 2007 GS350 so I'm interested in your statement "except
for the GSs". How was your experience different with different fuels in the
GSs?

I believe it was stated in this thread that using regular instead of Premium
will not "harm" the engine. Is that known to be true?

Also, why would Lexus make their cars potentially less attractive to buyers
by saying they require premium if they do not really and can work just as
well with regular? Is it true that they say regular fuel for cars bought in
Euope?

Jeff

St. John Smythe

2008-07-22 00:34:22 UTC

Post by J***@unknown.com
Also, why would Lexus make their cars potentially less attractive to buyers
by saying they require premium if they do not really and can work just as
well with regular?

You may want to reexamine your premise, Jeff. The requirement for
premium fuel makes the Lexus *more* attractive to some buyers.

--
sjs, just sayin'

j***@hotmail.com

2008-08-05 07:03:29 UTC

Sure, only clueless buyers purchase cars based on "premium fuel."

"I personally use regular even though my owner's manual says you'll
get better performance with premium," says Lewis Gibbs, consulting
engineer and 45-year veteran at Chevron oil company. He's chairman of
Technical Committee 7 on Fuels, part of the Society of Automotive
Engineers (SAE) Fuels & Lubricants Council. Gibbs knows gas.

"My wife runs midgrade (89 octane) in her car, and it's a turbocharged
engine" meant for 91-octane premium, he says.

You may want to reexamine your premise, Jeff. The requirement for
premium fuel makes the Lexus *more* attractive to some buyers.
--
sjs, just sayin'

01dyna

2008-07-24 00:55:34 UTC

Post by J***@unknown.com

I am now driving a 2007 GS350 so I'm interested in your statement "except
for the GSs". How was your experience different with different fuels in the
GSs?

..sportier car = lead foot. ;-). Seriously, I think the engine in the
GS's are more "sport tuned" and I *do* notice less knocking and
better throttle response. Top end speed or anything else? Probably
not much difference.

Having said all that, I think the *quality* of the fuel, regardless of
the octane level is probably a better indicator of drivability and
knocking than anything else.

Post by J***@unknown.com
I believe it was stated in this thread that using regular instead of Premium
will not "harm" the engine. Is that known to be true?

..every car manufactured since..oh gawd..mid 80's have anti-knock
sensors. Timing is automatically adjusted by the computer to adjust
for varying levels of octane.

Post by J***@unknown.com
Also, why would Lexus make their cars potentially less attractive to buyers
by saying they require premium if they do not really and can work just as
well with regular? Is it true that they say regular fuel for cars bought in
Euope?
Jeff

...marketing?

Elmo P. Shagnasty

2008-07-25 19:37:06 UTC

Post by 01dyna

...marketing?

They're not making their cars look less attractive to buyers. They're
actually making the cars look MORE attractive to buyers. "Oh, look at
me and my car! It REQUIRES "premium" fuel!!! See? I must buy premium
everything! Therefore I must be a premium human being!"

It's all psychology.

Note the Honda Accord, aimed at the average Joe. Spec in the owner's
manual says regular gas--but engineers claim the fuel map is such that
using premium gains you 10hp.

But they can't say that, because they want the Accord to be the midrange
car. Then they put the same engine into the TL, and say "must use
premium".

It's all a mind game.

j***@hotmail.com

2008-07-29 03:27:49 UTC

Hee hee hee. That's a good one!

Sure, Lexus can't compete with true luxury brands if they don't charge
$130 for an oil change ($25 across the street at Toyota) or just say
their engines use cheap regular gas just like the Corolla. Too many
Lexus owners are clueless that they're driving the likes of nicely
dolled-up Camrys. Some strangely are actually proud of it!

They're not making their cars look less attractive to buyers. They're
actually making the cars look MORE attractive to buyers. "Oh, look at
me and my car! It REQUIRES "premium" fuel!!! See? I must buy premium
everything! Therefore I must be a premium human being!"
It's all psychology.
Note the Honda Accord, aimed at the average Joe. Spec in the owner's
manual says regular gas--but engineers claim the fuel map is such that
using premium gains you 10hp.
But they can't say that, because they want the Accord to be the midrange
car. Then they put the same engine into the TL, and say "must use
premium".
It's all a mind game.

DaveW

2008-07-29 17:51:22 UTC

Post by j***@hotmail.com
Hee hee hee. That's a good one!
Sure, Lexus can't compete with true luxury brands if they don't charge
$130 for an oil change ($25 across the street at Toyota) or just say
their engines use cheap regular gas just like the Corolla. Too many
Lexus owners are clueless that they're driving the likes of nicely
dolled-up Camrys. Some strangely are actually proud of it!

You're becoming a caricature of yourself, john. Let's recap:

Elmo posts that Honda are putting the identical engine in a Honda and
an Acura and requiring different fuels.

Your natural conclusion? That this is more evidence that Lexus owners
are clueless!

You are nothing if not consistent. You even found a way to slip the
"dolled-up Camry" in there. You must be really proud of that one to
use it so often, even when it has nothing to do with the thread you
post it to.

What do you drive, john?

Post by j***@hotmail.com

They're not making their cars look less attractive to buyers. They're
actually making the cars look MORE attractive to buyers. "Oh, look at
me and my car! It REQUIRES "premium" fuel!!! See? I must buy premium
everything! Therefore I must be a premium human being!"
It's all psychology.
Note the Honda Accord, aimed at the average Joe. Spec in the owner's
manual says regular gas--but engineers claim the fuel map is such that
using premium gains you 10hp.
But they can't say that, because they want the Accord to be the midrange
car. Then they put the same engine into the TL, and say "must use
premium".
It's all a mind game.

01dyna

2008-08-01 23:15:55 UTC

Elmo posts that Honda are putting the identical engine in a Honda and
an Acura and requiring different fuels.
Your natural conclusion? That this is more evidence that Lexus owners
are clueless!
You are nothing if not consistent. You even found a way to slip the
"dolled-up Camry" in there. You must be really proud of that one to
use it so often, even when it has nothing to do with the thread you
post it to.
What do you drive, john?

A dolled up blow up doll.

jdoe

2008-07-21 10:37:07 UTC

Post by unknown
If you cannot afford the gasoline, you cannot afford the car. Period.

you just don't get it, it is not about being able to afford the gas,
it is about not buying into the marketing hype that premium is better
for your car, in the case of a lexus it just isn't true and spending
the money for premium is just a needless waste of money.
and nobody gives a hoot about your resume!
__________________________________________
Never argue with an idiot.
They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

J***@unknown.com

2008-07-20 17:37:13 UTC

It's not really a question of affording or not. This is my 3rd Lexus and
I've owned 2 Porsches prior to that. So obviously that is not the problem.

It's a valid question as to whether it is wasteful to enrich the oil
companies if it is not really necessary. Why throw away money or overpay
for anything? That would be just stupid.

Jeff

Post by ***@unknown.com
A recent article in the Washington Post said that most cars whose
manuals say they require premium gasoline run just fine on regular
gas. They did not mention anything about possible damage if any.
Anyone know if there are any problems with using regular gas in a Lexus?

j***@hotmail.com

2008-07-29 03:32:10 UTC