Does Gas matter???

Sorry I haven't really searched much on this topic (suspect there is a thread somewhere) and I hope I'm not opening up a can of worms by asking...

I just bought my 2018 Taco a few weeks ago and it's time for my FIRST fill-up.

I always buy 87 octane in my used sedans (this Taco is my first NEW car)...and want to continue doing so because I am a cheap-skate. (I had an 87 4-Runner that never gave me any fuel system issues)

What are the pros/cons of high/low fuel octanes in today's taco engine?

As well, do you guys run those expensive pour-in cleaners thru the fuel system occasionally? I suspect the fuel system would get dirtier with 87 gasoline...? Recommendations??

Be gentle with me and this noob question.
Thanks all.

 

runs fine on 87.

but if you want to upgrade your ECU software for driveability improvements, then you'll have the option for either 91/93oct or 87, and then it matters. referring to the OV Tunes, your can find threads here in 3rd gen. 91 performs differently than 87 in that case.

 

Run 87, and rest a little easier at night knowing your wallet won't try to kill you in your sleep.

 

My truck runs like shit on 87. It lugs and chugs terribly. 93 makes it run smooth as silk.

 

Anything above regular: Pros - Truck performs exactly the same as regular. Cons: Less gas money.

I run regular, which around here is 85. Runs perfect.

I don't run any fuel additives. History says they either don't work or may even cause more damage/gunk. Go to a quality gas station. Most use good detergents that will leave your engine clean.

 

235K miles of Costco 87 in my 01. Not a single issue.

My 17 PRO and 18 SR both get 87 Costco. I run the same in my LX570

If you see the gas that are being put in Hilux and Land Cruiser around the world, and still seeing 400K miles without needing an overhaul, you will realize that we over maintain our cars in the USA..and any USA gas is fine for our Toyota vehicles....

 

Toyota’s run fine on 87,we can argue how they fudge the numbers anyway. If thy don’t, run well it’s a tuning or maintenance issue more likely than a gas issue typically.

 

I believe, if the LX is anything like the LC, Premium is recommended. I still ran regular in the LC without issues. Even towing heavy loads, no pinging.

 

Yes it is. But I have been running 87, on all my LX, since my first LX 450 in the 90s....

Heck my new RCF is getting 87 too. And I know manual says 91. Oh well.

I only run 100+ octane when I am at the track, and actually using the higher octane. Rest of the time, 87 in everything.


When in Idaho, I even run 85.

 

I would love to find Ethanol Free Gasoline to put in my Truck...

 

I tried 91 in the Tacoma for a few tanks, no difference in MPG or power. The Highlander needed 91. I always thought it was underpowered.

 

Only place by me that has it is a Marina. That is not the place to buy gas...

 

I looked on some website before and the closest place to me was almost 100 miles, might have been a Marina too lol.

 

Thanks everyone...Looking forward to the $60+ dollar fill up of 87 later today...
(I'm used to a meek $25-30 dollar fill-up on my 05 Honda accord, along with 2 weeks between fills...steep Tacoma learning curve here!!)

 

I have always wondered about 85. Given that the manual says at least 87 I run the midgrade around here.

 

Waste of money in a car but in small engines like my atvs I only run non ethanol since they tend to sit longer. Ethanol definitely affects the small engines

 

I put 2700 miles on my 17 PRO with 85 in it, while driving through Idaho and the states around it. No issues at 85MPH in the 6MT.

 

Yeah - you and me both. Some trucks do this and some don't - I've driven friends (and am in a loaner now while my diff is getting replaced) and they run decent on 87 no problem. My truck feels 1000lbs heavier on 87 and gets that slight miss feeling when it lugs in 5th or 6th and I'm trying to accelerate at slow speeds. on premium this isn't an issue...

 

Yeah, my chainsaw, lawn mower, and pressure washer all recommend e free gas. Lawn mower and pressure washer deal with it. I buy the canned stuff for my saw.

 

OP. While we are obsessing about gas. I try to keep my tank above 1/4 full. The fuel pump is in the gas tank and the gas keeps the pump temp down.