Does Anyone Use Regular Gas?

[ulflyer]

In an earlier thread I asked if anyone had tried mid-grade and several reported they were using it and one said he was using regular. I'd like to focus this thread on regular gas to see if anyone has been using it for any length of time and how does it affect their mileage?

To start it off, I came across this two year old item:

"The ForTwo will run on regular, Smart president Dave Schembri said, but in order to achieve the best power and efficiency, 91 octane is recommended. That puts a damper on the mileage figures. Smart isn't the only one who does it — Mini, too, recommends premium fuel for the Cooper. Both brands cast their cars as premium niche vehicles."

Smart ForTwo: 40 MPG Highway, But it Uses Premium - KickingTires

[Big Panda]

No, sorry....I've only used 93 Octane BP Ultimate.

Even if my tank was bone dry, it would only be about a $2 difference in the cost of a fill-up, so it's not worth it to me to use a lower octane.

I can swing the extra $2/wk....my smart and piece of mind is worth it.

[jetfuel]

...I did for two tanks...best mileage so far...back to mid grade on this tank.

jetfuel...let's see how it goes

[Kazuano]

I used regular gas one time when I wasn't paying attention. I was only half empty at the time so I only put about 4 gallons of regular in. The mileage dropped about 4 mpg for that tank. Convinced me. I pay more attention now.

[SmartDigger]

Originally Posted by jetfuel

...I did for two tanks...best mileage so far...back to mid grade on this tank.

jetfuel...let's see how it goes

You got the best milage out of 87oct. or 89 oct. I was going to try 89 on my next tank.

[chieftmc]

but I'm with Panda on this one

For the $2 a tank, it's just NOT worth it to me!

93 Shell V-power or BP 93.....................


chief....... heading home in the morning....... watch out jetfuel

[The Rigger]

Originally Posted by chieftmc

but I'm with Panda on this one
For the $2 a tank, it's just NOT worth it to me!
93 Shell V-power or BP 93.....................

Me too. I figure if the car maker and engine maker specify premium fuel, that's good enough reason for me to burn it.

[Big Panda]

Originally Posted by ulflyer

"The ForTwo will run on regular, Smart president Dave Schembri said, but in order to achieve the best power and efficiency, 91 octane is recommended. That puts a damper on the mileage figures. Smart isn't the only one who does it — Mini, too, recommends premium fuel for the Cooper. Both brands cast their cars as premium niche vehicles."

Yea, I know Dave said that, but ask him to 'put it in writing' and see what he says.

[ulflyer]

Rigger: Did the engine maker call for premium? One item that really got me interested was during a recent web search on the motor, I came across an article on Mitsu building the 3 cyl engine and it gave the specs. Bore, stroke, compression, torque, etc compared precisely with what the handbook lists. Most interesting to me was an additional spec which said regular fuel. I have since searched all over for it but been unable to find it again.

I just find the topics of fuel, as well as oils, filters, etc interesting and theres lots of folks with good info on these forums that I feel I can learn from. Not trying to convince anyone to use anything other than what the book calls for.

[Old smart]

Originally Posted by ulflyer

One item that really got me interested was during a recent web search on the motor, I came across an article on Mitsu building the
3 cyl engine and it gave the specs. Bore, stroke, compression, torque, etc compared precisely with what the handbook lists. Most interesting to me was an additional spec which said regular fuel. I have since searched all over for it but been unable to find it again.

I just find the topics of fuel, as well as oils, filters, etc interesting and theres lots of folks with good info on these forums that I feel I can learn from. Not trying to convince anyone to use anything other than what the book calls for.

In Japan (like Europe), "regular gas" is 95 RON, equating to North American 90.5 pump octane.