[tmwei396]

So the cheaper gas is actually more expensive

Not really. Actually the cheaper gas may not be as cheap is more accurate. On average the cost difference between "Regular" and "Premium" fuel is about $0.50/gallon. In NJ 87 octane gas is around $2.22-2.29/gal and 91/93 octane is anywhere around $2.79-2.89/gal. So unless the % decrease in fuel economy is greater than the % increase in the prices (which it's not) then dollar per mile it is still "cheaper" to use regular gas. However, I'm still only using premium gas in my CLA as I'm not as concerned about saving a few bucks as I am about the health of the engine.

 

[tmwei396]

Agree on most points... My son's driving the Acura RDX with the turbo 4 , and actually if he does not lug too much stuff in the trunk and just use it as a daily driver, he actually saves more money putting in regular gas, although premium gas was recommended. There is a definite drop in performance, but not enough to make driving the vehicle boring. So unless he guns the engine all the time, he gest about the same gas mileage as with premium.

However, we planned a driving trip into the rockies this summer, and we will definitely put in premium gas , as there will be a lot of driving up inclines and winding roads. Also, will need the extra acceleration power to pass slow moving vehicles on sloping inclines.

I hear you but my comment was only based on cost. No doubt you'll take a hit on performance when using regular and you can't make up for that no matter what you do. But I was only responding to the suggestion that "cheaper gas is actually more expensive" when it really isn't when you're comparing cost per mile.

 

[tmwei396]

When something breaks in the car and MB would refuse warranty repairs for "not following fuel recommendations" and you end up doing repairs out of pocket then the cheaper gas is more expensive in the long run.

I think I made it clear in the post you quoted that despite lower cost per mile by using regular gas I still won't use it and continue to use premium for the health of the engine. My point was to show that the increase in fuel economy by using premium isn't enough to offset the price difference compared to the lower priced and degraded fuel economy from using regular gas. In no way did I suggest nor intend to suggest that anyone should use regular gas in our cars.

 

[tmwei396]

It's good that car manufacturers are making turbo engines that can run and do recommend using either regular or premium without compromising warranty. I think Hyundai/Kia also has a turbo that runs on regular.