Official 986 Fuel Survey

[Samson]

I used to get 93 at BP, but over the past year they have been about $.30/more gallon compared to the rest of the stations in town. I stick to Shell 91 these days.

I have always used 93 octane. I also try to buy gas without ethanol. I found a Mobil station in Wisconsin that has 93 octane and 0% ethanol. They charge a little extra, but the prices are still lower than the Chicago area gas prices. Plus I get slightly better gas mileage. The station is on my weekly return route back home.

Don't forget our engines are very high compression ratios...I think 11:1. So, high octane is pretty critical. The engine could go "booom"! Not likely, but it can happen. Just not worth the risk.

[mikefocke]

Page 174 owner's Manual. 93 preferred.

The lower you go the less power and mileage. But in normal driving, 91 isn't going to hurt...91 is the best I can find around NC (and their mid-grade is 89, not on the survey). In my wife's Acura, I alternate 91 and 89. In the P-car, since it sees so few miles, I do stick with 91 so far but I wouldn't hesitate to mix in a little 89 on a flat ground long trip.