Manufacturer fuel recommendations

[johnboy60]

Fiat recommends premium unleaded gasoline. Is it a must?

[rrucker]

No, it'll run on 87.

[Mr. Pickles]

Best fuel econ for me has been with hightest. The fuel door says it runs 87 but recommends 91.

[kerry]

If you want more power, extend engine life, and make at least a minimal nod toward the planet's air quality, use premium - a few hundred extra bucks over the life a $20K car doesn't seem like a big deal to me...

[sjmst]

It runs fine on 87. 91 is not a must. I almost always use 91 though, and to me it does seem to run with a bit more pep.

[rtwolfe]

Agree with the more pep comment. I always use BP 93. The highest octane here in Minneapolis. But I want more 'fun' from my Fiat vs 'economy'.

[johnboy60]

Money isn't an issue.I was just curious. It seems Mini owners have an ongoing debate about using premium in their cars. I wondered if the same debate was being held by Fiat owners.

[F500]

I've used Shell 93 octane. the only exceptions were the original full tank provided by the dealer (87 octane Marathon) and 2 tanks I tried Shell 87 octane for comparison.

IMO the car runs better on 93 BUT because it does, I'm on the gas more and probably lose what mpg gain I might get with the higher octane.

around here its only about $1.50+ per tank more difference.

but I HAVE noticed a difference between Shell and other brands. haven't tried this with my 500, but my previous car....a Charger, I used BP for a couple years and when I switched to Shell, my mpgs DROPPED about 10%. went back to BP and it was right back up there were I was. I think Shell uses more additives........

[smark]

I run 91 octane. That's as high as it gets here. My gas milage, is always higher when I use a higher octane.

[andyandrews]

It's a must where I live, because we only get 90% gasoline in each gallon.