Do you use premium gas?

It’s on the 4th gen forum.

I don’t recall anyone writing that not using Premium would damage an engine……BUT if anyone is n doubt, look inside the Toyota Manual in the glovebox, under Fuels………87 octane is approved……

PS…….the ToyotaManual is a Legal document, proof read by Toyota Legal department…….

what the Toyota manual will also NOT tell you, is that the engine will give better performance with higher octane fuels……..

 

None of the comparative tests you mention have done adequate variable control to draw a reliable conclusion. And proof from someone who's trying to sell you something is no proof at all. Also it's ironic you mention the flat earthers because they're the ones who draw premature conclusions based on incomplete evidence.

 

This isn’t a court of law. The preponderance of evidence suggests more power from premium fuels on the t24. I’m good with that to the tune of $6 extra every few weeks

 

Since the Taco and the LC have the same HP/Tq ratings, they probably use the same tune. Toyota thoroughly tested this tune and has the ECM set so it gets maximum power and maximum longevity while using 87 octane. Unfortunately that setting produces audible but harmless engine knock. This noise would be considered unacceptable in a "premium" vehicle like the LC. Toyota specs premium fuel so the engine sounds like it belongs in a premium vehicle. If you want your Taco to have that "premium" sound/feel, run premium. A hybrid 4Runner gets 23/24 and the LC gets 22/25. Since the hwy numbers are (mostly) independent of the electric motor and the LC appears to be slightly less aerodynamic, you could argue the premium fuel increases mpg a little.

 

It was inferred in the post that I had quoted. Or, at least that's how I interpreted it.

But, I agree, if the engine has high enough compression, or is forced induction, IE Turbo in this case, and the ECU is able to make adjustments for different fuel octane, then it would make sense that you'd get better performance using premium.

 

Around here, premium is typically 20-30% expensive more than regular. $2.73 vs $3.39 / 2.78 vs 3.52 / 2.95 vs 3.55 to look at local Costco, Sam's, and Quiktrip.

Getting 4% more mpg for >20% more cost doesn't seem like a good return on my money.

If the visceral aspects are worth it to people, that's their prerogative, but unless the mpg increase outpaces the cost increase, there's not a good strictly-economic reason to choose premium.

 

Nobody makes their decisions based on strict economics or we wouldn’t have the trucks we have.

 

Agreed! I can’t even believe this thread has gone on this long.

 

That's a silly response.

By your pseudo-logic we'd all be driving trailhunters or whatever the top end tundra might be.

We all make some decisions on emotion, yes - and many also make a lot of decisions on pure economics.

Particularly if there's not some other strong emotional factor.

 

... and that it even exists disproves @OpeCity's assertion that nobody looks at economics

because otherwise everyone would be buying premium gasoline.

 

I think what he was trying to say is cars in general today are already overpriced. We all overpaid for our Tacomas. Now you’re going to penny pinch on $20?

 

Penny pinching on $20 here and there and everywhere that it's not providing a personal benefit worth the cost is exactly how I can afford any Tacoma I want.

I know spendthrifts who are forever one missed paycheck away from financial disaster.

It's about being discerning on what unnecessary stuff I choose to spend on and what I choose not to.

"Oh, you've already spent $60k, what's another $20 a week?" is great until that $20 multiplies and you don't know why you never have any money in the bank and can't afford that nice vacation you've always wanted to take.

If the added cost of premium is worth it to you, go for it. But at least don't make silly arguments to justify it.

 

I never made that assertion. I said that we don’t use it as our sole guide

 

Virtually none of your decisions are made on pure economics.

 

Bro if spending $20 additional a week is going to break your bank then you already made a bad financial decision with your Tacoma. That’s all I’m going to say on this thread.

it’s like some fools here that drop $60k on their dream Tacoma and they want to mod but don’t have any money left over to get bigger wheels or tires and they are driving around in their dinky stock tires and wheels. They also made very bad financial decisions. But whatever makes them happy right?

 

If court or TW is where you find truth, I got a bridge to sell ya. Talk to my lawyer.

 

I filled up this morning with 93 octane. It was my fourth tank in a row of the good stuff.

My next tank will be the lowly 87 octane.

Stay tuned…

 

Some people just HAVE to get the last word.

 

And now it's Friday.

In here we pick our octane and brand of oil based on grandad's farm wisdom and will defend these to the death. The god of V8s demands no less.

 

I didn’t read 10 pages but does the hybrid require premium? Our LC does.