Boyd

Well, maybe times have changed. My 2006 RX330 manual states clearly "Premium unleaded, octane 91 (research number 96)". It goes on to say, if that is not available, you may use 87 (research 91). Also, when I open the fuel door it states unleaded premium fuel only.

Oh well,

Boyd

If you get a chance, could you please type in the whole paragraph re: octane? I'd like to compare it to the 2005 version that I quoted above.

Thanks,

Ben

OK Ben,

Here ya go, right from the manual.

"GAS STATION INFORMATION

_ Fuel selection:

Premium unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating of 91

(Research Octane Number 96) or higher required for

optimum engine performance. However, if such premium

type cannot be obtained, you may use unleaded gasoline

with an Octane Rating as low as 87 (Research Octane

Number 91)."

The key phrase there is "for optimum engine performance". But, "if such premium type cannot be obtained". So, they are heavily suggesting premium.

24mpg!?!?!?! If that's what using premium gets me, I won't say another word. I average 18mpg. Using your calculations and $.30/gal increase for premium, I'm looking at $250 extra over the course of a year. And for what? To think I'm doing myself a favor? Unless someone can show me proof of either an considerable increase in performance, or mileage, then I'm doing myself a bigger favor by putting that $250 in my pocket. Running 87 will not harm your engine in any way. So don't think that using 93 is going to make it last longer. That being said, I'm filling up with 93 tomorrow to start my first test. And keep in mind that this test will be taking place under ideal weather conditions...Little to no need for AC and no need to idle the truck to warm it up in the morning. We'll see, but I'm not expecting much.

And lastly, the manufacturers recommended fuel is 87!

Well, maybe times have changed. My 2006 RX330 manual states clearly "Premium unleaded, octane 91 (research number 96)". It goes on to say, if that is not available, you may use 87 (research 91). Also, when I open the fuel door it states unleaded premium fuel only.

Oh well,

Boyd

Not to beat a dead horsepower, no pun intended. Do the math on my previous post. Let's say you get 24 miles per gallon. Divide 15,000 miles by 24 miles per gallon and you get the gasoline required for 15,000 miles, you would burn 625 gallons. Where I live the premium is 20 cents more than regular. Hence, 625 gallons times 20 cents = $125.00 per year. Is it worth the savings to disregard the manufacturer's recommended fuel? Do you think they're getting a kickback from the oil companies? There has to be a good reason.

Boyd

I don't really know what the fuss is about. Where I live, in S.CA the difference between regular and high octane only amounts to about $100 per year based on 15,000 miles! So, why not stick with what the factory says, high octane?

Gary,

Thanks for the research.

Boyd

Torque stear...??

Could very well be, just wondering if others had experienced this.

Whenever I put the pedal to the floor to accelerate rapidly, especially at low speeds, my RX 330 with FWD (front wheel drive) pulls to the left. At higher speeds it's not quite as noticable. I have 10,000 miles on the vehicle and haven't really noticed this before. The dealer had to replace the left front tire (manufacturer defect) and the service manager said that might have something to do with it and it would probably return to normal after a few miles. Has anyone else noticed this pull to the left?