Crap gas? Quick poll.
 

As premium fuel hits $4, even $5, yes five bux a gal for Exxon premium here in DC,
I am seeing even more traffic at the always-packed discount independents.

But...I've noticed my base Box does not like indie gas. It seems to run ok, but I'm pretty sure am losing 3-4 mpg when I use it. For real.

Which to me means the car is adjusting for a far lower actual octane level
by enriching substantially.

Is it just not that good, is it fraud?

Your experiences, knowledge?

Are you purchasing the same octane rating at each station?

My Jeep threw a 'fuel quality' code the other day. I usually fill up at an unbranded station that is $0.25/gal cheaper.
Could be the sensor.
Filled up this week at Exxon and reset the code. We'll see if it comes back.

http://www.toptiergas.com/

I stick to these gasolines whenever I can.

I always
 

I always buy the highest octane fuel available.

Let me rephrase:

Does anyone here think that discount, independent, gas is inferior?

Why?

Yes, they are. I personally have had issues with Costco gas and as I suggested, stick with toptier gas. The additives do seem to make a difference in keeping your fuel system cleaner.

Shell VPower! Only other option I'll put in is Exxon. 93 is the highest octane I've found in San Antonio. I can definitely feel a difference between a "Shell" tank of gas and say a "Valero" 93-octane. Sounds weird being the same octane, but something just feels different.

The Techron has proven results as well.

I've found the same thing, but your lucky at $5, were at £1.35 ($2.09) per liter...!!

I get around 16mpg on standard fuel but 22mpg on higher octane

:-)

Like another poster said, Shell VPower, thing runs like a thoroughbred after filling her up with that stuff.

When it comes to gas, there's no point in looking to save pennies on the dollar, it's an unnecessary headache.

I buy cheap-ass 89 octane. No issues, but I'm not a hot-rod driver. Also, I'll never start the car unless it will get fully warmed up. I save the adrenaline for 2 wheels.

I don't think the gas is truly inferior at all. It will lack the proprietary additive pkgs. from the name brands, but the gas itself was all cracked in the same batch at the refinery.

The issue I have with some Indies stems from the last spike in price - '06 (Katrina).

Just past dusk, going past an Indie (which I had used in the past for the DDs), which is fronted on a main street, but nestled between 2 quiet side streets, I saw the owner standing next to a parked car in the middle of the lot, an odd placement.

I was stopped at a red light and while watching him (nervous, darting glances side-to-side, etc.), I noticed a garden hose running from the spigot on the wall of the station, going to where this guy was standing. The parked car acting as a screen to the busy thoroughfare.

Curious, I turned the corner and sure 'nuff, the guy had the underground tank open and was pumping tap water into it!

A few hundred gallons @$5 per in a 20k gal. tank would be a fairly dilute mix and likely be compensated for by a modern car's ECU, the car owner none the wiser, but a quick, tax free, $1 Large for the station owner.

Now I have a friend who owns 2 BP stations, these are equipped with tank sensors which link back to the BP depot who use the data for scheduling resupply and computing franchise fees. But, the sensors and software also measures the moisture content of the tank as well, which prevents him from doing the same thing - there's a data trail.

At times of high prices, the temptation can rise to make an otherwise honest operator take advantage of the situation.

But, the name brand franchises have systems in place which unintentionally discourage this, the Indies do not.

Cheers!

Up here in to we have 94 octane if you want it. This is only fuel I use on a regular basis in the Boxster

I use Costco 93, usually half a tank and once that's done I cycle in some of the BP or Exxon stuff. Costco has 93 at $3.40. Exxon 93 is $3.67.
Amazingly the lines are still long despite the high prices for either. Obviously there has been an uptick in consumerism. If we get involved in the Lybian conflict hold onto your hat. Hello $6...although that will probably crush demand, slow the economy and we'll be back at $4.