Premium gas vs. Regular gas

[EthanDM]

I have a 3.2L 2009 A4 and I am wondering whether I should fill it with premium gas or regular gas. In the manual it says that it is recommended to fill it with 91 but it can run on a minimum of 87, with reduced engine performance. I have heard that the car would run fine on 87, but I just want to play it safe. So what should I fill it with?

[s42k5b]

is the car leased?

[EthanDM]

No it is not.

[haus4]

its really up to you in the end and what you do with your car. If you get on it every now and then and are more of a driver, then put good gas in it. If your wife is gona drive it and put put around town, then put 87. But ill say this -

Do you like to eat crappy food at the time? If no, then I hope you know the answer

[s42k5b]

No it is not.

i would run 91 or 93 in it

[Charlescrs6]

I could never justify not putting premium in. Premium on average is maybe .35 more per gallon. I have a 17 gallon tank so on average it's about 6 bucks more per fill up. I'll take that..

[fetus4cletus]

The car has oc sensors, so it knows when you put 87 in, and it changes the timing accordingly. I personally use 87.

[BLACKa4QUAT]

regular gas has less detergents and additives in it. i would only put premium, to me it is worth it, but with the 3.2, its less picky than the 2.0t. whenever i ran 87 in my 1.8t b6 before, i could tell the loss in power, along with a big loss in fuel economy (without changing my driving style). in fact, fuel economy wise, it was better to use premium, timing doesnt get retarded with premium.

so, the loss in fuel economy in 87 may actually make it a bad monetary choice, stick with the 91 or 93, or get a honda. audi is a premium car for a reason.

[KiloByte]

The car has oc sensors, so it knows when you put 87 in, and it changes the timing accordingly. I personally use 87.

You bought a $46k Audi and you're worried about paying a few cents more for fuel the car was really designed to run on?

[fetus4cletus]

LOL @ a few cents. Lets do some math here about a few cents; around here, the jump from 87 to 89 is 15 cents, then another 15 cents from 89 to 91. So for a 17 gallon tank, lets call it a $5 difference between 87 and 91 for 300 miles. If I keep my car for 120,000 miles, that's $2000. So for the life of your car, you'll spend $2000 more than me. But if it makes you feel better that you use premium, and your farts don't stink, then by all means, go ahead. :)

And don't give me the "OMG, your engine will blow up" excuse either. :)

[Blake P]

LOL @ a few cents. Lets do some math here about a few cents; around here, the jump from 87 to 89 is 15 cents, then another 15 cents from 89 to 91. So for a 17 gallon tank, lets call it a $5 difference between 87 and 91 for 300 miles. If I keep my car for 120,000 miles, that's $2000. So for the life of your car, you'll spend $2000 more than me. But if it makes you feel better that you use premium, and your farts don't stink, then by all means, go ahead. :)

And don't give me the "OMG, your engine will blow up" excuse either. :)

I think your argument just helped reinforce the reason I'll only use premium. A couple grand over the life of my car to get the most out of it is a small price to pay.

[Kerschera4]

I think your argument just helped reinforce the reason I'll only use premium. A couple grand over the life of my car to get the most out of it is a small price to pay.

x2
there are so many easier ways to save a couple bucks. Treat your car right.

[fetus4cletus]

Or a couple thousand. I'd love to hear what you think you're getting for the "most out of it".

[Teet]

x2
there are so many easier ways to save a couple bucks. Treat your car right.

x3 I have drove with my car 40k miles and i just 1 time tried regular gas and it´s not worth it - loss in power and doen´t save any buck. With regular consumption is bigger in any time.

[KiloByte]

LOL @ a few cents. Lets do some math here about a few cents; around here, the jump from 87 to 89 is 15 cents, then another 15 cents from 89 to 91. So for a 17 gallon tank, lets call it a $5 difference between 87 and 91 for 300 miles. If I keep my car for 120,000 miles, that's $2000. So for the life of your car, you'll spend $2000 more than me. But if it makes you feel better that you use premium, and your farts don't stink, then by all means, go ahead. :)

And don't give me the "OMG, your engine will blow up" excuse either. :)

LOL high end cars are not for you, go get a Corolla. :)

[tdn]

Or a couple thousand. I'd love to hear what you think you're getting for the "most out of it".

A cleaner engine, longer engine life. Better fuel economy or better performance when I want it.

I'm curious, do you think Audi recommends premium just for shits and giggles?

[boomer]

LOL @ a few cents. Lets do some math here about a few cents; around here, the jump from 87 to 89 is 15 cents, then another 15 cents from 89 to 91. So for a 17 gallon tank, lets call it a $5 difference between 87 and 91 for 300 miles. If I keep my car for 120,000 miles, that's $2000. So for the life of your car, you'll spend $2000 more than me. But if it makes you feel better that you use premium, and your farts don't stink, then by all means, go ahead. :)

And don't give me the "OMG, your engine will blow up" excuse either. :)

Your $2000 savings assumes no change in gas mileage which is wrong. I have had numerous audis over the years and have confirmed many, many times the improved fuel consumption numbers with premium. Since your into numbers let's be conservative and assume 1mpg better with premium (1-1.5mpg in my experience) that means 17 miles further per tank or about 2/3 one gallon less per tank. Let's be real optomistic and say $3.00 gas--2/3 would be $2 per tank saved from the overall $5.00 extra cost you quote. Therefore, extra cost is more like $1200 over the life you state. Well worth it!!

[A6.S-line]

Your $2000 savings assumes no change in gas mileage which is wrong.

+1, fetus needs to check that assumption

[yung turbo]

here a good question: Would you put regular in an s4 or m3 or a c55 or any expensive german car for that matter. why buy a 46k GERMAN car and try to save money on gas? For all that might as well get a jetta, golf, bmw 328(even this i think still need 91-up) or buy a srt8 and use 87(even these say to use 93 for ultimate performance).
BOTTOM LINE-if you cant afford the gas dont buy the car.

[piotrowr]

LOL @ a few cents. Lets do some math here about a few cents; around here, the jump from 87 to 89 is 15 cents, then another 15 cents from 89 to 91. So for a 17 gallon tank, lets call it a $5 difference between 87 and 91 for 300 miles. If I keep my car for 120,000 miles, that's $2000. So for the life of your car, you'll spend $2000 more than me. But if it makes you feel better that you use premium, and your farts don't stink, then by all means, go ahead. :)

And don't give me the "OMG, your engine will blow up" excuse either. :)

Expect more fuel byproduct buildup when using lower octane which "may" reduce engine lifetime in the future...I use 91, not for performance reasons, but because I plan to keep it until 300K miles...

[DKE Gill]

when i got my car this summer i too thought tht 93 was too expensive (back when it was like 4.80 a gallon) i asked around and ppl told me it was ok to put 87 or watever is cheap, the car will run... but i could never put anything other than 93 from shell. will you give anything but the best to ur children??? i get great mpg (28city 31highway) with the shell premium plus gas has become really cheap now days why am i even convincing you..god damn it... ok so u really want to save money, after every 3 fill ups of 87 get one of premium this will kinda help increase the engine life ... i could never do that even if i wanted to, have fun with your car

[levishness]

Who here just got the 1/4 mile track times back? Exactly. You all aren't racers. I'm new to this forum, love it and love reading all the posts. I just bought a 3.2 + my dad drives a mercedes s500 my brother drives a chevy silverado SS my fiance drives an srt8 2007 jeep

WE ALL USE 87 are you all really kidding me? it doesn't matter. altho my fiance will use 91, and doesn't want to drop down to 87 the s500 jumps, the ss truck is fine. honestly, are you all planning on keeping your cars for 15 years? please just use 87 and quit the arguing. b/c in the end, IT DOESN'T MATTER unless your trying to gain .5 second on the track. if so, yes, use premium

thanks all, happy arguing. in the end, everyone will do whatever they want. and enjoy reading and replying to what everyone else will do

[road race s4]

Gas is dirt cheap now, use 93. The price difference is usually around 20 cents between 87 and 93. So you'll spend 3-5 dollars more to fill up your tank but you car will run better and you'll get more miles out of it.

[Johnnada]

Gas is dirt cheap now, use 93. The price difference is usually around 20 cents between 87 and 93. So you'll spend 3-5 dollars more to fill up your tank but you car will run better and you'll get more miles out of it.

Correct!



Just use what your manual states you to use. I have a honda civic and I use 87, but for my A4 I use 93 only because I can't find a DAMN gas station near me that sells 91.

[Johnnada]

Who here just got the 1/4 mile track times back? Exactly. You all aren't racers. I'm new to this forum, love it and love reading all the posts. I just bought a 3.2 + my dad drives a mercedes s500 my brother drives a chevy silverado SS my fiance drives an srt8 2007 jeep

WE ALL USE 87 are you all really kidding me? it doesn't matter. altho my fiance will use 91, and doesn't want to drop down to 87 the s500 jumps, the ss truck is fine. honestly, are you all planning on keeping your cars for 15 years? please just use 87 and quit the arguing. b/c in the end, IT DOESN'T MATTER unless your trying to gain .5 second on the track. if so, yes, use premium

thanks all, happy arguing. in the end, everyone will do whatever they want. and enjoy reading and replying to what everyone else will do

We weren't completely talking about powwaaa, we were also discussing getting more miles out of a gallon, and also I do want to treat my car nice.

[Toecutter]

Who here just got the 1/4 mile track times back? Exactly. You all aren't racers. I'm new to this forum, love it and love reading all the posts. I just bought a 3.2 + my dad drives a mercedes s500 my brother drives a chevy silverado SS my fiance drives an srt8 2007 jeep

WE ALL USE 87 are you all really kidding me? it doesn't matter. altho my fiance will use 91, and doesn't want to drop down to 87 the s500 jumps, the ss truck is fine. honestly, are you all planning on keeping your cars for 15 years? please just use 87 and quit the arguing. b/c in the end, IT DOESN'T MATTER unless your trying to gain .5 second on the track. if so, yes, use premium

thanks all, happy arguing. in the end, everyone will do whatever they want. and enjoy reading and replying to what everyone else will do

I thought using higher octane was to prevent detonation. If you use a lower octane and get engine knock, that will lead to premature engine wear, correct? I think it has more to do with that than going faster.

[quattro.it]

If you are really worried about it trade-in your Audi for a pryus. My A4 runs better, has better performance, and better fuel economy with premium fuel. Yes, my car is leased.

[msharifi]

I dont care what people say about using 87 on Audi's are okay but if you have a turbo you need to use 91 or higher depending on states.

Putting 87 gives very bad MPG and loss of power. Like someone said you are more likley going to the pump twice with 87 then once with pumping 91. You dont save on putting 87. people who dont agree try it out put 91 one week and then 87 and write down your miles per tank.

[iluvTTs]

To all of those using low grade gas in your Audi: If you decide to sell your car in the classifieds, could you do the rest of us a favor, and remind us that you rocked 87 octane ?? This way folks looking to get into a used Audi won't have to deal with your damaged goods - thanks!

[moses0324]

To all of those using low grade gas in your Audi: If you decide to sell your car in the classifieds, could you do the rest of us a favor, and remind us that you rocked 87 octane ?? This way folks looking to get into a used Audi won't have to deal with your damaged goods - thanks!

why should we take care of you...what have you done for us...

[fetus4cletus]

LOL, okie dokie. You guys are really easy to rile up. And please save all the "go get a corolla if you can't afford a Corolla." I won't keep this car past the 80K mark.

"BOTTOM LINE-if you cant afford the gas dont buy the car"

Best post of this thread. If you'd like to compare bank accounts, I'd be happy to play. Pinch pennies to spend millions. :)

[piotrowr]

On 91 I'm getting about 20.8mpg city and 26.7 highway.

[b6onboost]

At minimum, use the recommended octane. Audi knows more about it than you do. They make a recommendation based on testing performance, efficiency, and durability. I seriously doubt Shell or Exxon give them a kickback for placing a 91 sticker on.

The car can run ok on 87 though. The have to allow that because some idiots will run it all the time. Just like when your dash says '0 miles til empty' there is still a gallon left...why...because some idiots still drive on 0.

/rant.

sorry, this question comes up in every new model forum. people with brand new Audis asking if they can save $3 a tank by running 87 when their car clearly recommends higher.

[EthanDM]

Alright I have been convinced, lol. I filled it with 93 today at Shell because 91 wasn't an option. I am assuming this is fine?

[PaperishPlastic]

The car has oc sensors, so it knows when you put 87 in, and it changes the timing accordingly. I personally use 87.

Are you Jewish?

[polyconsoler]

Personally, I can tell a difference in the gas in California (91) and the gas in Washington (92). The car just feels more sluggish on the butt dyno running 91. There is also a notable dip in mileage. Perhaps its how California blends its gas too.

Bottom line like someone else said, don't buy the car if you can't afford the gas. I think I spend more on insurance than I do on gas in a month...

[BLACKa4QUAT]

sorry, this question comes up in every new model forum. people with brand new Audis asking if they can save $3 a tank by running 87 when their car clearly recommends higher.

exactly. it happens all the time. i've seen it. and as i said before, and others have seen, 87 hurts mileage alot. to where the tank of premium would get you further than the tank of 91/92/93. i got horrible milage when i threw in some 87 in my stock b6 1.8t a long, long while ago, the difference from regular to premium is really apparent with a turbo, turbos like higher octane. not 100% on the n/a v-6's, but if you're putting synthetic oil into it why not spare the extra expense to put premium in, it has more detergents added than 87.

if you're doing it to save money, wouldn't it have made better sense to get some other econobox import that wants 87, gets good milage on it and is cheaper? would have saved a lot more money than buying a $46k A4....


but, to the op, as you said you have the 3.2, run a few tanks of 87 and measure how many miles you get, then try premium for a few tanks and measure how many miles you get. if 87 does infact not have a horrible impact on mileage, more power to ya!! as i said, i'm not 100% on the n/a audi's when it comes to fuel economy and regular vs premium gas. possibly some other owners would chime in. but when it comes to a turbo'd audi, nothing less than the best.

[UGwagen]

regular gas has less detergents and additives in it. .

Not necessarily anymore. VW & Audi recommends buying fuel from that meets "top tier" standards (it's in my owner's manual). This means all grades (AKI) has to meet this standard.

http://www.toptiergas.com/

And... about 95% of the time, my car gets Shell gasoline (93 octane of course)

[InTTruder]

YOu get what you pay for. Low octane = low performance. Low quality = low reliability. Your call.

[Issaquah Coug]

Sorry, I’m a numbers guy and need to have some of the numbers laid out since I'm a little slow. I've compiled bits and pieces of everyone's comments.

Assuming, premium is $0.30 more than regular, gas is low now, but was almost twice as much at certain points during 2008, let's pick somewhere in between at $3.00 for Regular. For the V6, Edmunds has a 20 mpg combined estimate, and F4C is saying only 17 mpg. Let's use those numbers, with a 1 and 2 MPG improvement with premium as others have claimed.

BASE 20 MPG:
Regular: 120,000 mi / 20 mpg = 6,000 gallons x $3.00 per gallon = $18,000 total fuel cost.

Prem. w/same MPG: 120,000 mi / 20 mpg = 6,000 gallons x $3.30 per gallon = $19,800 total fuel cost ($1,800 more than regular).

Prem. w/+1 MPG: 120,000 mi / 21 mpg = 5,714 gallons x $3.30 per gallon = $18,857 total fuel cost ($857 more than regular).

Prem. w/+2 MPG: 120,000 mi / 22 mpg = 5,455 gallons x $3.30 per gallon = $18,000 total fuel cost (premium is the same as regular).


BASE 17 MPG:
Regular: 120,000 mi / 17 mpg = 7,059 gallons x $3.00 per gallon = $21,176 total fuel cost.

Prem. w/same MPG: 120,000 mi / 17 mpg = 7,059 gallons x $3.30 per gallon = $23,294 total fuel cost ($2,118 more than regular).

Prem. w/+1 MPG: 120,000 mi / 18 mpg = 6,667 gallons x $3.30 per gallon = $22,000 total fuel cost ($824 more than regular).

Prem. w/+2 MPG: 120,000 mi / 19 mpg = 6,316 gallons x $3.30 per gallon = $20,842 total fuel cost ($334 less than regular).

How you interpret these numbers, is basically up to you. It’s your car and your money. If gas hits $4.00 again, the difference between the two is even smaller with break even with 1.25-1.50 better MPG.

IMHO, assuming you'll be getting better MPG, I'd rather pay the extra $8-900 in premium gas. You'd probably end up spending a few hundred dollars taking your car in to get checked if you if you ever have any trouble.... Why deal with an extra headache when you don't have to. You spent $35-45,000 on a car, treat it and yourself right.

My in-laws have a B6 3.0 that they used regular and started getting knocks. The dealer told them to stop using cheap gas and stick to premium. They haven't had a problem since.

Again, why would Audi say use premium, what incentive do they have? I'm sure it deters at least a few buyers from purchasing based on that alone, so why should they really care what gas we put in these things, when by doing so, they lose a few customers??