I have decided to try regular unleaded gas in my 8 (my next fill-up). I have spoken to a few people and they claim that it's cheaper (obviously) and that you can even get better mileage. The sticker and manual claims that premium is recomended (not required?) The fact that it's all fuel and must be burnt seems pretty tempting. Any feedback guys??

I'm going to try mid grade and slowly move down to regular. Let us know how it goes! One guy in the US said he heard pinging. I'm not sure though, the manual does say it's ok.

I'm going to try it as well. If I get better mileage all the better! Than this car won't have any faults (IMO) except for this VERY annoying rattle on my driver door!

Originally posted by Wing
One guy in the US said he heard pinging.

*rolleyes* oh suuuure... if his motor is still running now, he didn't hear it knocking.

Make sure and tell the person you eventually sell your 8 to what you've done, because I wouldn't touch one that ran on anything under the rated octane level.

You're going to get carbon build up in the engine, not to mention that you are going to pile miles on the car using untested gas on an admittedly brand new engine. The Premium Octane rating is on the car for a reason.

Not to sound like a total dick, but this is one of those cases where "if you can't afford the gas, you shouldn't get the car"...the gas costs are hurting me on my car too, but I was mentall prepared for it going in.

Again, not trying to sound like a snobby ass (no one likes to waste money after all), it is just my opinion.

The owner's manual approves the use of regular gas:
You may use a regular unleaded fuel with Octane Rating from 87 to 90 (91 to 95 RON) but this will slightly reduce performance.
Modern engines have knock sensors and are programmed to cope with lower octane gas.

That said, if I wanted to trade performance for lower fuel costs, I would have bought a Protegé5.

(p.s. Deep Blue, the traffic in your city sucks.)

YIKES! Did you see gas prices today! 78.9 for REGULAR!

I might be WALKING!

hah, it was 85 cents here on the weekend. it was just under a dollar for premium.

i'm glad i walk to work.

It's easier for him to say go ahead because it's not his.


I would stick to the supreme or high octane. It's just better for the engine. THe car will run a lot cleaner and will be more responsive.

I don't think i'm willing to try this regular gaz. But i'm happy someone does and tells us all about it. :-)

Gaz in Mtl area was .89$ for the premiun this past WE. it's now at .85 $ !! Sucks big time that i don't have shares of oil cie.

Originally posted by Deep Blue
Make sure and tell the person you eventually sell your 8 to what you've done, because I wouldn't touch one that ran on anything under the rated octane level.

You're going to get carbon build up in the engine, not to mention that you are going to pile miles on the car using untested gas on an admittedly brand new engine. The Premium Octane rating is on the car for a reason.

Not to sound like a total dick, but this is one of those cases where "if you can't afford the gas, you shouldn't get the car"...the gas costs are hurting me on my car too, but I was mentall prepared for it going in.

Again, not trying to sound like a snobby ass (no one likes to waste money after all), it is just my opinion. Well, affording the gasoline in my case is no issue at all. In fact regular unleaded is within the rated octane level!! And if this automobile is already having issues with power and whatever then this might be last rotary we see. So I probably won't sell it. Also, regular unleaded may not be as "pure" as premium but it contains a few more lubricants and oil which is good for the rotary!!!!

And if this automobile is already having issues with power and whatever then this might be last rotary we see. So I probably won't sell it.

You cannot be serious? These issues are not going to jeaperdize the rotary in any way. Cheer up , This is a great car and you will get plenty when you sell it. If you are so unhappy you should maybe sell it now and get a great price.

Originally posted by Wing
YIKES! Did you see gas prices today! 78.9 for REGULAR!

I might be WALKING!

...dude, that's not that bad. filled the echo with 87 at 85.5.

wakeech, but you'll get LOTS of Km's with that gas, I should buy a new echo hatch for daily driving ;)

Actually it hasn't been that bad, I did a 100Km trip on Sunday (filled up sat). That took just a tad more than 1/4 tank. I'm not at 190Km driving to work and back M-T and not even 1/2 a tank gone yet.

Originally posted by Wing
I should buy a new echo hatch for daily driving ;)

yeah, those look really awesome. i'd sooo buy that over any other compact hatch.

Originally posted by f1michel
And if this automobile is already having issues with power and whatever then this might be last rotary we see. So I probably won't sell it.

You cannot be serious? These issues are not going to jeaperdize the rotary in any way. Cheer up , This is a great car and you will get plenty when you sell it. If you are so unhappy you should maybe sell it now and get a great price. Who said I'm unhappy? Why would I sell it when I clearly stated that I probably won't?? Hopefully these issues won't "jeaperdize" future rotary engines!! :p