Poll: Turbocharged gasoline engine fuel requirements

[pb4uski]

Didn't vote, because I don't currently have a turbo, but near the top of my "next car" candidate list is the Subaru Ascent (4cyl turbo), and it only requires 87 octane.

Do you frequently have more than 4 people in your car? That is the only reason I can imagine people would buy that vehicle.

We currently have an Outback and love it. However, 4 people and 4 sets of golf clubs is doable, but a bit inconvenient compared to our friends' Explorer and Enclave... so I'll consider the Ascent, Atlas, Pilot and other 3 row seating vehicles when we trade in the Outback.

Also, there are times when it would be nice to have the extra seating.... say, when there are six of us going out to dinner or an event and parking will be hard to find then one vehicle is better than two... also, you only need one designated driver.

 

[COcheesehead]

My Rubicon turbo manual says to use at least 87, but for optimal use 91.

 

[xretro]

plus 1 on tier-1 gas! no matter what grade you use.

 

[aaronc879]

plus 1 on tier-1 gas! no matter what grade you use.

I never even heard the term "tier-1" gas before reading this thread.

 

[explanade]

Me neither.

Maybe it's gas which is fortunate enough not to have corn ethanol?

No that was a federal mandate so that crap is in nationwide.

 

[ERD50]

Here ya go:

http://bestride.com/wp-content/uplo...uel-Requirement-2016-and-2017-model-years.pdf

I'll leave it to someone else to sort turbo/non-turbo and %.

-ERD50

 

[mystang52]

Audi says premium gasoline.
Bogleheads say Tier-1 gasoline.
So, premium Tier-1 is what I buy.
At <250 gallons (US) per year, I don't care about price.
If I cared about price, I would buy from Costco instead of Valero (which is way more convenient).

Quite a few years ago I bought an Infiniti G35 coupe that required premium. It took about 2 fill-ups before I no longer worried about paying the extra $$ for premium. I now drive an Audi Q5, 2.0 Turbo that requires 91 Octane Premium, But around here Premium is 93 Octane. I only fill up with Top Tier gas (per Audi recommendations).

If my last fill-up was with Premium, AND I'm near a Top Tier gas station when my tank is half-full, I'll fill up with 89 Octane mid-grade. I don't go crazy about this, though.

Audi's (and all German cars, I believe) are reportedly very expensive for repairs. So for me using Audi recommended brands and Octane levels is a preventive measure. ....and I use about 700 gallons a year.

 

[skipro33]

I'm looking at getting a 2019 Subaru Ascent. Comes stock with a 2.4L turbo motor and states it takes regular fuel.

 

[ncbill]

I'm looking at getting a 2019 Subaru Ascent. Comes stock with a 2.4L turbo motor and states it takes regular fuel.

Plan on paying full price.

Went with a relative to look at a 2019 Forester...those are popular but the dealer literally can't keep a single Ascent on the lot.

Might have something to do with the 14" of snow we got last Sunday...

 

[aaronc879]

Plan on paying full price.

Went with a relative to look at a 2019 Forester...those are popular but the dealer literally can't keep a single Ascent on the lot.

Might have something to do with the 14" of snow we got last Sunday...

Who are all of these people who can afford to spend $40K on a car?

 

[skipro33]

Who are all of these people who can afford to spend $40K on a car?

I applied for SS early.

 

[dvalley]

I'd be surprise if not all new engines can compensate for lower grade fuel by dynamically adjusting the ignition timing. The reason you need higher octane in turbo engines is due to higher temps and increased pressures inside the cylinders. Lower octane burns too quickly causing pre-detonation. Higher octane allows for optimum timing which results in better output/performance. However, going from 93 to 87 isn't going to cause any issues other than lower performance which you might not even notice unless you're really pushing it (towing, drag racing, WOT uphill etc).