I find that the better performance at freeway speeds and slight increase in mileage makes it almost a wash in cost. What I'm saying is that its well worthwhile to run premium. But you really have to test this for yourself. Driving conditions and driving style have a lot to do with this too. Run regular for a month and keep track of the mileage. Take note of how it behaves when you Punch it". Then run premium for month and keep a log of mileage. Run through some of the same "punch it" tests and see if you find there is a difference.

 

Premium fuel in a 2.2 is just wasting money. I drove from Detroit to Birmingham Alabama with my Panel, loaded with tools. Premium got me about .1 mpg more than regular, statistically insignificant.

For the trip, average speed was 68 mph, and economy was 30.4mpg using regular. Premium gave me 30.5mpg.

 

I asked the dealer that when we bought ours in '05, and he said regular would be more than adequate... besides, we couldn't afford 93.

 

Agreed. That's because the computer isn't tuned to take advantage of it. The only time you should consider using premium is if your manual say you can, or you've had the PCM tuned and the tuner says you need it.

 

What? I didn't see where any other information was asked for. I knew there would be lots of information givers and opinions expressed, so I just answered the question.

 

Something to consider....you always hear the performance is better with 93..true,especially when its programed to run it.But, there are those here who own a 2.4 by chance and not choice. If they had a 2.2 instead then the performance issue would totally be thrown out as its a lower powered vehicle to start with.So to lose a few HP running 87 is no loss to these guys.Consider this next time somebody asks if its ok to run 87..Plus they probably drive them "normally" anyways which really negates any performance factor ( RE: when I punch it with 93 I can definitly feel the difference..)Getting from point A to point B is the main objective here, while maintaining a budget.

 

My testing experience was similar with respect to octane. For me some brands seem to make a bigger difference. I found I do fine with regular from Irving and most other brands but Shell has noticeably less umph and poorer mileage.

 

Interesting, cause Shell does the same in my buggy..& I use 93 as well..

 

Premium 100% of the time in my '08 SS. Gas cap says "premium recommended" and I'm all about it. Last car I owned ('94 Toyota Tercel w/ built JDM engine swap) also always got premium.... I'm used to it. I just hope the price doesn't skyrocket going into summer this year.

 

Only the non SS engines should ever use regular.