@roadburner said:
My FIL had one of those Rivieras; totally underwhelming. In terms of fit, finish, quality of interior trim, audio sound quality, etc., my wife's 318ti of the same vintage beat it hands down. I owned/loved a 1967 Riviera and to call that bar of soap on wheels a Riviera bordered on sacrilege...
You sound like Isell. He had the same opinion of the previous generation Rivieras. I kind of like the quirky looks of those early 90s models and last generation as well. The top line model had a turbo 3.8L with 260hp., not bad for it's day.
What struck me was the total detachment from reality that someone would value ANY 15 yo car with 200k miles at $30,000.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
@snakeweasel said:
I am just wondering if that is a typo and the seller meant $3,000.
that was my first thought. I think it's a $1,500-$2,000 car, with that sort of mileage on it.
Comparing it to a $70K Jag? Really? I like Rivs. Have driven quite a few, including a couple of the late '90s vintage. To me, they're probably the pinnacle of GM's styling of that era. They couldn't in any way, shape or form mimic a Jag, BMW, Audi etc of the same vintage.
@bwia said:
Oops, in my above post, I meant CUV, not CUE.
Stick, my daughter just bought a 2015 Acura RDX. Although she likes a lot she, however, misses the space she enjoyed of her large Honda minivan.
Does the RDX take premium or regular gas? I refuse to buy a car that requires premium. The RDX looks like something I would be interested in, but not if it requires premium.
Gas is relatively inexpensive here - right now regular is anywhere from $3.30 to $3.50/gal. I just hate to pay that extra $0.20/gal or so for premium. I'm semi-retired and try to get by as cheaply as possible. I used to have an E-Class Merc that took premium and I cringed every time I filled it up. Of course, some would say if you can afford a Merc, you can afford premium gas. Point taken. But, I was working full-time then.
Thanks for the word on the RDX. I appreciate the response. That's a shame for cheap ol' me.
@thebean said:
Gas is relatively inexpensive here - right now regular is anywhere from $3.30 to $3.50/gal. I just hate to pay that extra $0.20/gal or so for premium. I'm semi-retired and try to get by as cheaply as possible. I used to have an E-Class Merc that took premium and I cringed every time I filled it up. Of course, some would say if you can afford a Merc, you can afford premium gas. Point taken. But, I was working full-time then.
Thanks for the word on the RDX. I appreciate the response. That's a shame for cheap ol' me.
Larry C
Buy the Honda CRV. Uses regular and will save you thousands in purchase price. Top rated with great re sale value. Scaling back doesn't have to be painful.
@thebean said:I used to have an E-Class Merc that took premium and I cringed every time I filled it up
I am not sure, but this thought struck me and others can comment. My 535 takes mid grade gas and lets say it costs about 7 or 8% more than regular gas.
Is it possible, that because the engine is running at peak performance (since it needs premium fuel) and is more finely engineered, that the car could easily get an extra 10% more mileage.
I get 28 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg mixed driving, which I think is pretty good for 300 hp and a pretty heavy car. Would I get that same mileage with a car with a less efficient engine that runs on regular fuel?
@thebean said:
Does the RDX take premium or regular gas? I refuse to buy a car that requires premium. The RDX looks like something I would be interested in, but not if it requires premium.
Thanks in advance for your answer.
Premium is recommend but my daughter uses regular with no adverse effects. The gas mileage has been about 26 on average. On the highway, with no traffic, fuel economy has been about 30 with a high of 32 mpg.
My daughter drives the base model (sans tech package) but I believe the all-wheel drive model requires (?) premium. Nonetheless, the RDX sips premium at a frugal rate considering the size and power of the 273-hp V6 engine. With all wheel drive, MPG is about 1 mpg less.
Yep, $1500 is about market correct for that Buick.
@graphicguy said:
Comparing it to a $70K Jag? Really? I like Rivs. Have driven quite a few, including a couple of the late '90s vintage. To me, they're probably the pinnacle of GM's styling of that era. They couldn't in any way, shape or form mimic a Jag, BMW, Audi etc of the same vintage.
But that's like saying "plugging it in is the convenient way of overcoming the inconvenience". Why buy a problem just because you can solve it?
Even if you have an air compressor in your garage, you wouldn't buy tires that go flat everyday.
@snakeweasel said:
Well if you can take that "average" car and plug it into a gas pump in your garage at night and drive off each morning with a full tank I think it will.
@thebean said:
Gas is relatively inexpensive here - right now regular is anywhere from $3.30 to $3.50/gal. I just hate to pay that extra $0.20/gal or so for premium. I'm semi-retired and try to get by as cheaply as possible. I used to have an E-Class Merc that took premium and I cringed every time I filled it up. Of course, some would say if you can afford a Merc, you can afford premium gas. Point taken. But, I was working full-time then.
My Regal Turbo takes premium and while I hate to pay for gas as much as anyone, I knew that fact going in and it hasn't bothered me too much. If anything I have peace of mind that the fuel I put into it is about as good as I can get (I use V-Power whenever I can get it). I retired at the end of May and find I am barely driving at all now compared to when I was working. I doubt I will need to fill up more than once a month now, if that, so the cost of premium isn't really an issue.
Off the wall (that never happens here, right?), but most here now I'm newly betrothed. Combining two households into one has been an......ummmmm......daunting......interesting task.
Sometimes it's funny what you uncover. Found some old Sony Beta tapes of different TV shows I had apparently wanted to keep, but never bothered to watch again.
Just a quick glance using the Sony Beta recorder/player stored with the tapes revealed how far both audio and video technology has come. The Beta tapes were supposed to be the best video you could buy at the time. Looks like garbage now, though.
Anyway....car commercials......who was the manufacturer who used these catch phrases?
-"Dogs love trucks".....
-"You have my word on it".....
-"If you can find a better car, buy it"......
Your 535i requires premium (91 Octane or greater), you put 89 (mid grade) in it.
I just double checked....the gas door says use minimum 89 octane fuel. The 2008 328 had to have 91 Octane. I think it is something BMW worked on to try to get the cost of fuel down.
@graphicguy said:Sometimes it's funny what you uncover. Found some old Sony Beta tapes of different TV shows I had apparently wanted to keep, but never bothered to watch again.
GG, Brings back memories. I remember the first VCRs were about $1000 in 1980 dollars. Now look what you can get for a fraction of the price. I doubt if you are going to want to bother seeing any of those old shows...thay just aren't the same.
"You have my word on it"..... -"If you can find a better car, buy it"......
The second one is Lee Iacoca for (I think) Plymouth/Dodge...
The first one lets try Joe Izusu just for fun. If you don't know Joe Izusu...you're too young.
Your 535i requires premium (91 Octane or greater), you put 89 (mid grade) in it.
Help me understand this a little better, is 89 premium or regular? If the manufacturer says requires premium, and you use 89 octane, would that invalidate your warranty?
Reminds me of the old Miller Lite beer commercial: great taste or less filling.
@bwia said:
Help me understand this a little better, is 89 premium or regular? If the manufacturer says requires premium, and you use 89 octane, would that invalidate your warranty? Reminds me of the old Miller Lite beer commercial: great taste or less filling.
89 is mid-grade, 91 is premium. I understand that some stations back east offer 93 octane, and regular unleaded is usually 87. Except for high altitude states - here in Colorado regular is 85, mid-grade is 87 but premium is still 91. In New Mexico, it's 86/88/91.
Not so certain about the warranty issue - but, why chance it? Both my wife's CX-7 and the daughter's MINI take premium. I only use Shell V-Power in the Mazda, while the daughter gets her gas from whatever station is most convenient - but she still uses 91 octane.
@ab348 said:
. I retired at the end of May and find I am barely driving at all now compared to when I was working. I doubt I will need to fill up more than once a month now, if that, so the cost of premium isn't really an issue.
I have three cars in the driveway that take premium. Two are mine and I spent almost $90 filling them up yesterday.
I'm jealous of anyone who is retired. I received my first social security check today and believe me if I had that Canadian free health insurance I'd be typing this from a beach near St. Petersburg.....or maybe from driver100's couch.
As it is I'll have to keep working until Medicare kicks in.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
@ab348 said: . I retired at the end of May and find I am barely driving at all now compared to when I was working. I doubt I will need to fill up more than once a month now, if that, so the cost of premium isn't really an issue.
@oldfarmer50 said: I have three cars in the driveway that take premium. Two are mine and I spent almost $90 filling them up yesterday.
I'm jealous of anyone who is retired. I received my first social security check today and believe me if I had that Canadian free health insurance I'd be typing this from a beach near St. Petersburg.....or maybe from driver100's couch.
As it is I'll have to keep working until Medicare kicks in.
Speaking of retirement, was it difficult for you guys to make the social security decision? Start taking benefits early (62 to 65), at full retirement age (66), or to delay to age 70?
A friend of mine who is 66, and who does not plan to retire until 68, is agonizing over whether he should take benefits now or wait until when he retires at 68 when the benefits will be 16% higher.
According to the social security administration, it does not really matter when you start taking benefits because your cumulative amounts will be the same. Anyone care to share their experiences or wisdom on this subject?
@bwia said:Help me understand this a little better, is 89 premium or regular? If the manufacturer says requires premium, and you use 89 octane, would that invalidate your warranty? Reminds me of the old Miller Lite beer commercial: great taste or less filling.
That's funny about the Miller commercial.....great taste or less filling.
Regular gasoline has 87 Octane. Premium fuel can have 89 Octane and a higher grade of Premium fuel has 91. Most cars that need Premium fuel do need higher grade 91. I think bmw realized people don't like paying for 9
92. full 91 Octane Premium fuel, so they tuned the cars to 89 Octane. My car definitely says to use 89 Octane. Everything I have read says using a higher octane fuel than specified is a waste of money.
I would still be interested in knowing if higher octane fuel equates to better mpg, and may actually end up costing less.
Michael, I will agree with you except on one fine point and it is interpretation. To me, regular grade fuel is normally 87 Octane where I drive, by definition if I pay more for fuel then 89 or 91 Octane fuel is Premium fuel....that is I am paying a Premium if I use it. I agree 89 is mid range Premium, and 91 is high test Premium, but both are Premium Fuels.
On the inside of the door panel I am advised to use 89 Octane Fuel.
Also, one an Exxon station was out of 89 and 91 so I used 87. I didn't notice a difference but mileage didn't seem as good (hard to judge, could be traffic or weather). But, I wouldn't do that normally to try to save a few bucks. Though, I think I read under non stressful conditions the computer system can probably work with that.
nyc...only by my definition...if 87 is regular, anything I pay for above that is a Premium fuel. 89 is mid range premium, 91 is high test premium, and Sunoco goes up to 94 I believe...to me those are all premium by definition...if you pay more you are paying a premium.
@bwia said:A friend of mine who is 66, and who does not plan to retire until 68, is agonizing over whether he should take benefits now
This is drivers basic rule. If you can live nicely without taking early retirement then you may as well wait. If it will make your life better now, then take it now. With my luck, if I wait, something will happen and I will never collect on my pension money. Secondly, you will recieve a few years worth of payments, which will take a few years to catch up if you leave your payments until later. The driver says, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, especially when it comes to anything having to do with the government.
NYC...driver....Mako...you're all right....even Joe Isuzu.
Got some X-Files on tape.....American Gothic (really dark and only lasted a couple of seasons.....right up my alley).....In Living Color (young Wayans, Jim Carrey, Jaimie Fox, Jennifer Lopez.....funny stuff).
Picture and sound are pretty bad compared to even the worst video programs of today.
@oldfarmer50 said:I had that Canadian free health insurance I'd be typing this from a beach near St. Petersburg.....or maybe from driver100's couch
As it is I'll have to keep working until Medicare kicks in.
"Free" health care does have it's advantages. Remember, we do pay for it through premiums and taxes, it isn't really free, however, if you need something done in almost every case you won't pay. It's nice to know you won't be receiving a $100k bill in the mail, or, that a child who needs an operation won't be denied because of a money issue.
So, yes, you probably could be in St Petersburg for the winter.....I am not so sure about being on my couch though.
I decided to go for it as early as possible because I want to use the money to enjoy myself while I still can. I sure don't intend to have extra money later in life only to give it to a nursing home or funeral parlor.
My only tough choice is weather to keep working full time. As it turns out I'll have to give back most of my benefit because I'll make way over the $15k limit. Most people say I'm nuts but I'd rather have even part of the money now. It'll balance out later because I'll get more when I reach 66 and my pension from work will be higher as well.
Everybody's situation is different.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Regarding Canada Pension (like Social Security). I turn 58 next week so I won't have to make that decision for a couple of years. My pension is "integrated" with CPP so when I turn 65 it goes down and the CPP makes up the difference to keep me whole, so if I take it at age 60, I will be enjoying 5 years of extra money but at age 65 I take a hit for the rest of my life. I'm thinking I'll take it at 65 right now.
According to the social security administration, it does not really matter when you start taking benefits because your cumulative amounts will be the same
I dunno, I think I'd do the math. First question is do you need the difference in monthly payment now or do you expect to cash in your chips fairly early? If not, I'd either run a present value or a compound interest extrapolation over a high and a low death age estimate. Even if the cummulative payments are equal, the compounded value over time will not likely be (but if the monthly cash payouts are equal cumulatively and you don't need the cash, but invest the difference instead, you might end up better off over your remaining lifetime with a decent investment return). Finally, by waiting your surviving spouse (if applicable) will get a higher survivor's payout if that is going to be higher than what they would get on their own. All things being equal, personally I'd probably hold out for the later, but higher payment. But everyone's financial situation, or priorities, are different and no one size fits all. Good luck! Ultimately it's really about living your remaining years, not maximizing investment returns.
Most sites that talk about Octane do call 87 octane regular, 89 mid grade (though to me it is still premium because I am paying a premium for it) and some say over 90, some say 91, and this one says 92 or 93 Octane rating is premium.
What are octane ratings?
Octane ratings measure a gasoline's ability to resist engine knock — a rattling or pinging sound that results from premature ignition of the compressed fuel-air mixture in one or more cylinders. Most gas stations offer three octane grades: regular (usually 87 octane), mid-grade (usually 89 octane), and premium (usually 92 or 93). The ratings are posted on bright yellow stickers on each gas pump.
Calling 87 regular, and 89 mid-range and 91 Premium is about the same as what the car rental companies call different size cars;
The Ford Focus is a terrific car. But anyone who's driven one knows that while it may be economical, reliable and peppy, there is one thing that it is not: intermediate sized. Even if Enterprise Rent-A-Car calls it that.
That's just one example of the confusion consumers face when trying to find the right car to rent. Unfortunately, the rental industry continues to struggle with product standardization so you're often left scratching your head when comparison shopping from site to site and weighing one firm against another. To make matters even stickier, with a few exceptions it's virtually impossible to secure a specific make and model at most rental companies.
Class warfare
On its website, Enterprise defines the intermediate class as "Chevy Cobalt, Ford Focus, or similar" and provides this description: "Larger than an economy and compact car rental, our standard cars [sic] balance the space and budget to give you a great deal on your car rental."
The problem is that Budget and Hertz—which both feature Ford vehicles—list the Focus as a compact, one step below intermediate or midsize. Similarly, the Cobalt is called a compact by Alamo, Avis, and National
I guess we could say a rose is a rose, or something like that.
I know my Dad is waiting until he is 70 1/2 to start taking SS. He still plans on working full time too. I think my Mom (who is 66) has started to collect off my Dad's SS without him getting penalized.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I'm sorry, but I simply just do not see the reason for all the hand-wringing over a car that uses premium. Lets say that you drive 15,000 mile/year and your car gets 28 mpg. You'll use 536 gallons every year. Assuming the delta between regular and premium is 30 cents/gallon will mean that using premium will cost you an extra $161/year- a whopping 44 cents per day.
Oh the horror...
(Mandatory Disclosure: All of my cars except the '02 and Jeep require 91/93 octane gas; the ti did not need it until I fitted the Turner/Conforti chip)
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
The RDX recommends premium for best performance, but regular is ok. I often use regular and notice no difference. Just took a trip today and got 32 mpg on I think mid grade.
@roadburner said:Assuming the delta between regular and premium is 30 cents/gallon will mean that using premium will cost you an extra $161/year- a whopping 44 cents per day
Good calculation using the Driver Type Method of breaking it down to see how little it really costs.
The article says it may cost $3 more to buy 15 gallons of gas, which is only $150 a year if you buy a tank a week...similar to RRs findings.
It answers my question, some cars could actually save you money if you use premium fuel though it isn't called for...the engine just runs more efficiently on it. Rare, but happens.
Assuming the delta between regular and premium is 30 cents/gallon will mean that using premium will cost you an extra $161/year- a whopping 44 cents per day.
Oh the horror...
Roadburner , That savings represents 161 pulls on a dollar slot machine so please don't minimize the impact on my budget. The real killer in car ownership is depreciation not fuel costs. Most people prefer not to focus on that part of the equation and I don't blame them.
Both my last & current vehicles recommend but don't require premium. With my last car I did a prolonged test & ran regular for several weeks. What I found was that while the power difference was slightly noticeable (but insignificant WRT real world driving), the car got about 1/2 MPG worse fuel economy on regular. At the time the price delta between RUG & PUG was about 20 cents a gallon; it was effectively a wash. So I stayed with PUG.
And nowadays I just don't drive that much. 38K miles over 54 months so 8400 miles/year. Fuel cost isn't a significant part of monthly budget so I stick with PUG even though the price diff is now more like 40 cents a gallon.
"Alright, where are Mike and Imid? You two have a lot of good comments and information to offer, and we miss hearing from you."
Got a call from my son-in-law that my daughter passed away. She was suffering from breast cancer and I had no idea she was that bad off. I had just spoken to her 2 weeks ago and she said the chemo was working at reducing the matasticing of the cancer.
So I ran up to Chicago for the funeral. I just got back this evening. My two grand kids were in hysteria, needless to say. My SIL didn't want me to know that she had taken a turn for the worse last week.
It's a terrible thing to have to bury one of your children. My wife passed away in 1997 from breast cancer. It obviously runs in the family.
I met my son at Ohare as his flight arrived an hour before mine from California. What an awful shock! It seems the breast cancer had spread to her liver and then to her brain. My daughter and SIL kept that info from me because, according to my SIL, there was nothing I could have done.
I'm still upset I could not have seen her before she died. She was 42 years old. What a terrible thing to happen.
My son is still in Chicago and is flying here Monday. I had to get back to take care of my Dad.
It's going to take me quite a while to recover from this!
Comments
> Hey Driver, Mike, Sandy....
>
> What are you folks smoking down in Florida?
Don't worry oldfarmer I emailed him and told him he and a few to many zeros in the asking price.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
You sound like Isell. He had the same opinion of the previous generation Rivieras. I kind of like the quirky looks of those early 90s models and last generation as well. The top line model had a turbo 3.8L with 260hp., not bad for it's day.
What struck me was the total detachment from reality that someone would value ANY 15 yo car with 200k miles at $30,000.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
> What struck me was the total detachment from reality that someone would value ANY 15 yo car with 200k miles at $30,000.
I am just wondering if that is a typo and the seller ment $3,000.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
that was my first thought. I think it's a $1,500-$2,000 car, with that sort of mileage on it.
Comparing it to a $70K Jag? Really? I like Rivs. Have driven quite a few, including a couple of the late '90s vintage. To me, they're probably the pinnacle of GM's styling of that era. They couldn't in any way, shape or form mimic a Jag, BMW, Audi etc of the same vintage.
Does the RDX take premium or regular gas? I refuse to buy a car that requires premium. The RDX looks like something I would be interested in, but not if it requires premium.
Thanks in advance for your answer.
Larry C
@thebean
You live in Texas. I thought gas was cheap down there.
I think his RDX sucks down Premium.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Gas is relatively inexpensive here - right now regular is anywhere from $3.30 to $3.50/gal. I just hate to pay that extra $0.20/gal or so for premium. I'm semi-retired and try to get by as cheaply as possible. I used to have an E-Class Merc that took premium and I cringed every time I filled it up. Of course, some would say if you can afford a Merc, you can afford premium gas. Point taken. But, I was working full-time then.
Thanks for the word on the RDX. I appreciate the response. That's a shame for cheap ol' me.
Larry C
Buy the Honda CRV. Uses regular and will save you thousands in purchase price. Top rated with great re sale value. Scaling back doesn't have to be painful.
I am not sure, but this thought struck me and others can comment. My 535 takes mid grade gas and lets say it costs about 7 or 8% more than regular gas.
Is it possible, that because the engine is running at peak performance (since it needs premium fuel) and is more finely engineered, that the car could easily get an extra 10% more mileage.
I get 28 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg mixed driving, which I think is pretty good for 300 hp and a pretty heavy car. Would I get that same mileage with a car with a less efficient engine that runs on regular fuel?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Premium is recommend but my daughter uses regular with no adverse effects. The gas mileage has been about 26 on average. On the highway, with no traffic, fuel economy has been about 30 with a high of 32 mpg.
My daughter drives the base model (sans tech package) but I believe the all-wheel drive model requires (?) premium. Nonetheless, the RDX sips premium at a frugal rate considering the size and power of the 273-hp V6 engine. With all wheel drive, MPG is about 1 mpg less.
Here is a link and specs for the 2015 RDX. http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/article.aspx?id=7676-en
Good luck with your purchase.
Yep, $1500 is about market correct for that Buick.
"My 535 takes mid grade gas"
Your 535i requires premium (91 Octane or greater), you put 89 (mid grade) in it.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
RE: An EV with 200 mile range:
But that's like saying "plugging it in is the convenient way of overcoming the inconvenience". Why buy a problem just because you can solve it?
Even if you have an air compressor in your garage, you wouldn't buy tires that go flat everyday.
My Regal Turbo takes premium and while I hate to pay for gas as much as anyone, I knew that fact going in and it hasn't bothered me too much. If anything I have peace of mind that the fuel I put into it is about as good as I can get (I use V-Power whenever I can get it). I retired at the end of May and find I am barely driving at all now compared to when I was working. I doubt I will need to fill up more than once a month now, if that, so the cost of premium isn't really an issue.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Off the wall (that never happens here, right?), but most here now I'm newly betrothed. Combining two households into one has been an......ummmmm......daunting......interesting task.
Sometimes it's funny what you uncover. Found some old Sony Beta tapes of different TV shows I had apparently wanted to keep, but never bothered to watch again.
Just a quick glance using the Sony Beta recorder/player stored with the tapes revealed how far both audio and video technology has come. The Beta tapes were supposed to be the best video you could buy at the time. Looks like garbage now, though.
Anyway....car commercials......who was the manufacturer who used these catch phrases?
-"Dogs love trucks".....
-"You have my word on it".....
-"If you can find a better car, buy it"......
-"Like a Rock".....
"Dogs love trucks" - Nissan
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I just double checked....the gas door says use minimum 89 octane fuel. The 2008 328 had to have 91 Octane. I think it is something BMW worked on to try to get the cost of fuel down.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
GG, Brings back memories. I remember the first VCRs were about $1000 in 1980 dollars. Now look what you can get for a fraction of the price. I doubt if you are going to want to bother seeing any of those old shows...thay just aren't the same.
Good luck getting your stuff sorted and combined.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
"You have my word on it"..... -"If you can find a better car, buy it"......
The second one is Lee Iacoca for (I think) Plymouth/Dodge...
The first one lets try Joe Izusu just for fun. If you don't know Joe Izusu...you're too young.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Help me understand this a little better, is 89 premium or regular? If the manufacturer says requires premium, and you use 89 octane, would that invalidate your warranty?
Reminds me of the old Miller Lite beer commercial: great taste or less filling.
89 is mid-grade, 91 is premium. I understand that some stations back east offer 93 octane, and regular unleaded is usually 87. Except for high altitude states - here in Colorado regular is 85, mid-grade is 87 but premium is still 91. In New Mexico, it's 86/88/91.
Not so certain about the warranty issue - but, why chance it? Both my wife's CX-7 and the daughter's MINI take premium. I only use Shell V-Power in the Mazda, while the daughter gets her gas from whatever station is most convenient - but she still uses 91 octane.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
@driver100
Is 89 in Canada considered Premium?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Boy you guys are generous. I'd offer scrap value for a car with that kind of milage. I'll call you when I want to dump my hi-milage hoopties.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I have three cars in the driveway that take premium. Two are mine and I spent almost $90 filling them up yesterday.
I'm jealous of anyone who is retired. I received my first social security check today and believe me if I had that Canadian free health insurance I'd be typing this from a beach near St. Petersburg.....or maybe from driver100's couch.
As it is I'll have to keep working until Medicare kicks in.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Ahh --- looking forward to the "golden years" when medicare kicks in and your knees, hips and shoulders kick out.
Speaking of retirement, was it difficult for you guys to make the social security decision? Start taking benefits early (62 to 65), at full retirement age (66), or to delay to age 70?
A friend of mine who is 66, and who does not plan to retire until 68, is agonizing over whether he should take benefits now or wait until when he retires at 68 when the benefits will be 16% higher.
According to the social security administration, it does not really matter when you start taking benefits because your cumulative amounts will be the same. Anyone care to share their experiences or wisdom on this subject?
That's funny about the Miller commercial.....great taste or less filling.
Regular gasoline has 87 Octane. Premium fuel can have 89 Octane and a higher grade of Premium fuel has 91. Most cars that need Premium fuel do need higher grade 91. I think bmw realized people don't like paying for 9
92. full 91 Octane Premium fuel, so they tuned the cars to 89 Octane. My car definitely says to use 89 Octane. Everything I have read says using a higher octane fuel than specified is a waste of money.
I would still be interested in knowing if higher octane fuel equates to better mpg, and may actually end up costing less.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Michael, I will agree with you except on one fine point and it is interpretation. To me, regular grade fuel is normally 87 Octane where I drive, by definition if I pay more for fuel then 89 or 91 Octane fuel is Premium fuel....that is I am paying a Premium if I use it. I agree 89 is mid range Premium, and 91 is high test Premium, but both are Premium Fuels.
On the inside of the door panel I am advised to use 89 Octane Fuel.
Also, one an Exxon station was out of 89 and 91 so I used 87. I didn't notice a difference but mileage didn't seem as good (hard to judge, could be traffic or weather). But, I wouldn't do that normally to try to save a few bucks. Though, I think I read under non stressful conditions the computer system can probably work with that.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
nyc...only by my definition...if 87 is regular, anything I pay for above that is a Premium fuel. 89 is mid range premium, 91 is high test premium, and Sunoco goes up to 94 I believe...to me those are all premium by definition...if you pay more you are paying a premium.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
This is drivers basic rule. If you can live nicely without taking early retirement then you may as well wait. If it will make your life better now, then take it now. With my luck, if I wait, something will happen and I will never collect on my pension money. Secondly, you will recieve a few years worth of payments, which will take a few years to catch up if you leave your payments until later. The driver says, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, especially when it comes to anything having to do with the government.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
NYC...driver....Mako...you're all right....even Joe Isuzu.
Got some X-Files on tape.....American Gothic (really dark and only lasted a couple of seasons.....right up my alley).....In Living Color (young Wayans, Jim Carrey, Jaimie Fox, Jennifer Lopez.....funny stuff).
Picture and sound are pretty bad compared to even the worst video programs of today.
"Free" health care does have it's advantages. Remember, we do pay for it through premiums and taxes, it isn't really free, however, if you need something done in almost every case you won't pay. It's nice to know you won't be receiving a $100k bill in the mail, or, that a child who needs an operation won't be denied because of a money issue.
So, yes, you probably could be in St Petersburg for the winter.....I am not so sure about being on my couch though.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I decided to go for it as early as possible because I want to use the money to enjoy myself while I still can. I sure don't intend to have extra money later in life only to give it to a nursing home or funeral parlor.
My only tough choice is weather to keep working full time. As it turns out I'll have to give back most of my benefit because I'll make way over the $15k limit. Most people say I'm nuts but I'd rather have even part of the money now. It'll balance out later because I'll get more when I reach 66 and my pension from work will be higher as well.
Everybody's situation is different.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
"......I am not so sure about being on my couch though. "
Better lock your windows then.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
No. Here on the east coast, Premium is 91 except at Irving stations, which claim 92 octane.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Regarding Canada Pension (like Social Security). I turn 58 next week so I won't have to make that decision for a couple of years. My pension is "integrated" with CPP so when I turn 65 it goes down and the CPP makes up the difference to keep me whole, so if I take it at age 60, I will be enjoying 5 years of extra money but at age 65 I take a hit for the rest of my life. I'm thinking I'll take it at 65 right now.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
According to the social security administration, it does not really matter when you start taking benefits because your cumulative amounts will be the same
I dunno, I think I'd do the math. First question is do you need the difference in monthly payment now or do you expect to cash in your chips fairly early? If not, I'd either run a present value or a compound interest extrapolation over a high and a low death age estimate. Even if the cummulative payments are equal, the compounded value over time will not likely be (but if the monthly cash payouts are equal cumulatively and you don't need the cash, but invest the difference instead, you might end up better off over your remaining lifetime with a decent investment return). Finally, by waiting your surviving spouse (if applicable) will get a higher survivor's payout if that is going to be higher than what they would get on their own. All things being equal, personally I'd probably hold out for the later, but higher payment. But everyone's financial situation, or priorities, are different and no one size fits all. Good luck! Ultimately it's really about living your remaining years, not maximizing investment returns.
Most sites that talk about Octane do call 87 octane regular, 89 mid grade (though to me it is still premium because I am paying a premium for it) and some say over 90, some say 91, and this one says 92 or 93 Octane rating is premium.
What are octane ratings?
Octane ratings measure a gasoline's ability to resist engine knock — a rattling or pinging sound that results from premature ignition of the compressed fuel-air mixture in one or more cylinders. Most gas stations offer three octane grades: regular (usually 87 octane), mid-grade (usually 89 octane), and premium (usually 92 or 93). The ratings are posted on bright yellow stickers on each gas pump.
Grades of gasoline
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Calling 87 regular, and 89 mid-range and 91 Premium is about the same as what the car rental companies call different size cars;
The Ford Focus is a terrific car. But anyone who's driven one knows that while it may be economical, reliable and peppy, there is one thing that it is not: intermediate sized. Even if Enterprise Rent-A-Car calls it that.
That's just one example of the confusion consumers face when trying to find the right car to rent. Unfortunately, the rental industry continues to struggle with product standardization so you're often left scratching your head when comparison shopping from site to site and weighing one firm against another. To make matters even stickier, with a few exceptions it's virtually impossible to secure a specific make and model at most rental companies.
Class warfare
On its website, Enterprise defines the intermediate class as "Chevy Cobalt, Ford Focus, or similar" and provides this description: "Larger than an economy and compact car rental, our standard cars [sic] balance the space and budget to give you a great deal on your car rental."
The problem is that Budget and Hertz—which both feature Ford vehicles—list the Focus as a compact, one step below intermediate or midsize. Similarly, the Cobalt is called a compact by Alamo, Avis, and National
I guess we could say a rose is a rose, or something like that.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I know my Dad is waiting until he is 70 1/2 to start taking SS. He still plans on working full time too. I think my Mom (who is 66) has started to collect off my Dad's SS without him getting penalized.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I'm sorry, but I simply just do not see the reason for all the hand-wringing over a car that uses premium. Lets say that you drive 15,000 mile/year and your car gets 28 mpg. You'll use 536 gallons every year. Assuming the delta between regular and premium is 30 cents/gallon will mean that using premium will cost you an extra $161/year- a whopping 44 cents per day.
Oh the horror...
(Mandatory Disclosure: All of my cars except the '02 and Jeep require 91/93 octane gas; the ti did not need it until I fitted the Turner/Conforti chip)
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
The RDX recommends premium for best performance, but regular is ok. I often use regular and notice no difference. Just took a trip today and got 32 mpg on I think mid grade.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
For social security, there are some good free online calculators. Handy for deciding when to start. Will look for links when I get home.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Good calculation using the Driver Type Method of breaking it down to see how little it really costs.
A good article on this topic at Edmunds;
edmunds.com - save-money-on-gas-stop-buying-premiuml
The article says it may cost $3 more to buy 15 gallons of gas, which is only $150 a year if you buy a tank a week...similar to RRs findings.
It answers my question, some cars could actually save you money if you use premium fuel though it isn't called for...the engine just runs more efficiently on it. Rare, but happens.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Assuming the delta between regular and premium is 30 cents/gallon will mean that using premium will cost you an extra $161/year- a whopping 44 cents per day.
Roadburner , That savings represents 161 pulls on a dollar slot machine so please don't minimize the impact on my budget. The real killer in car ownership is depreciation not fuel costs. Most people prefer not to focus on that part of the equation and I don't blame them.
Both my last & current vehicles recommend but don't require premium. With my last car I did a prolonged test & ran regular for several weeks. What I found was that while the power difference was slightly noticeable (but insignificant WRT real world driving), the car got about 1/2 MPG worse fuel economy on regular. At the time the price delta between RUG & PUG was about 20 cents a gallon; it was effectively a wash. So I stayed with PUG.
And nowadays I just don't drive that much. 38K miles over 54 months so 8400 miles/year. Fuel cost isn't a significant part of monthly budget so I stick with PUG even though the price diff is now more like 40 cents a gallon.
You didn't buy that BMW on Craigslist did you? If you did it could be a knockoff !!
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
lol..........but other people noticed this and are writing about it too;
2012 535 goes from 91 octane required to 89
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
"Alright, where are Mike and Imid? You two have a lot of good comments and information to offer, and we miss hearing from you."
Got a call from my son-in-law that my daughter passed away. She was suffering from breast cancer and I had no idea she was that bad off. I had just spoken to her 2 weeks ago and she said the chemo was working at reducing the matasticing of the cancer.
So I ran up to Chicago for the funeral. I just got back this evening. My two grand kids were in hysteria, needless to say. My SIL didn't want me to know that she had taken a turn for the worse last week.
It's a terrible thing to have to bury one of your children. My wife passed away in 1997 from breast cancer. It obviously runs in the family.
I met my son at Ohare as his flight arrived an hour before mine from California. What an awful shock! It seems the breast cancer had spread to her liver and then to her brain. My daughter and SIL kept that info from me because, according to my SIL, there was nothing I could have done.
I'm still upset I could not have seen her before she died. She was 42 years old. What a terrible thing to happen.
My son is still in Chicago and is flying here Monday. I had to get back to take care of my Dad.
It's going to take me quite a while to recover from this!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Mike,
I am SO sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine losing a child.
May your happy memories of your lives together be a comfort to you.