regular vs premium price differential

[Mosey]

Hi all,

Today I filled up at a West Michigan Costco and the price differential between regular and premium was 80 cents. That got me wondering what is the price differential were the extra fuel economy from premium makes it worth while? I fully recognize the benefits from premium and I usually run premium, but at 80 cents a gallon extra I just don't see it worth while.

For some reason West Michigan gets to pay extra compared to the east side, by as much as 50 cents per gallon.

Thanks for your input.

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[bgalakazam]

I get premium only in europe, 91-93 equivalent. If you have turbo, you probably should be running premium. I have the 5.0 and once I am back in the states I’ll just do 87-89 probably. But many turbo cars require premium, Ford I think only recommends it. I dislike turbos for many reasons, fuel type being one.

I don’t believe in cheaping out on fuel, especially on new cars and expensive cars. If vendor calls for or recommends premium, use it. Or buy a smaller car with more efficient engine.

 

[My 2ND Ford]

Hi all,

Today I filled up at a West Michigan Costco and the price differential between regular and premium was 80 cents. That got me wondering what is the price differential were the extra fuel economy from premium makes it worth while? I fully recognize the benefits from premium and I usually run premium, but at 80 cents a gallon extra I just don't see it worth while.

For some reason West Michigan gets to pay extra compared to the east side, by as much as 50 cents per gallon.

Thanks for your input.

The price difference here in NY can vary from as little as .60 cents to over $1.00. I have had high pressure turbos for years and have only run 87 octane. I will use premium when I tow my snowmobile trailers, but that is the only time I will splurge.

 

[Moe7]

It's only been 20 more at Sheetz here for a while now (87 vs 93); no brainer for me at that price difference, if for the performance alone.

 

[Grafx36510]

The price difference here in NY can vary from as little as .60 cents to over $1.00. I have had high pressure turbos for years and have only run 87 octane. I will use premium when I tow my snowmobile trailers, but that is the only time I will splurge.

I can back that up. In my neck of NY, the difference between regular and premium is between 80¢ and $1.50. And if I cross the Hudson, all grades are about $1.10 cheaper. I typically use mid-grade.

 

[Blueshound]

Connecticut about a dollar more for premium. Not worth it from a cost perspective.

 

[Porpoise Hork]

Hi all,

Today I filled up at a West Michigan Costco and the price differential between regular and premium was 80 cents. That got me wondering what is the price differential were the extra fuel economy from premium makes it worth while? I fully recognize the benefits from premium and I usually run premium, but at 80 cents a gallon extra I just don't see it worth while.

For some reason West Michigan gets to pay extra compared to the east side, by as much as 50 cents per gallon.

Thanks for your input.

Most end up spending on average $15-40 more per tank to run 93 vs 87. Is the increase worth it? Depends. For most with a turbo you will see a nice bump in performance and maybe at best a 5% improvement in MPG for summer gas blend, less on winter blend. Other factors to consider are driving habits. If you are heavy footed and dip into the boost frequently then running 93 might be of better benefit than if you are more conservative behind the wheel rarely generating high boost. Lastly the budget. For most, running 93 adds around 2.5K to the annual fuel costs compared to 87. If your budget is very tight, that increase in fuel cost may cause you to go over or have to cut back in other areas.

In Houston it's about .45-.55 more per gallon for 93 than 87. I still run 93 but will drop to 87 if I need to if gas prices spike up.

 

[Blackout150]

Wow. At my Costco in California it’s only $.30 more. Then again we pay the highest for gas

 

[Porpoise Hork]

Wow. At my Costco in California it’s only $.30 more. Then again we pay the highest for gas

What are you paying per gallon? Were at 2.45/2.85 here at Sam's Club.

 

[Blackout150]

What are you paying per gallon? Were at 2.45/2.85 here at Sam's Club.

Lol. I wish. It’s actually low right now because the went to winter blend. $3.79 for regular and $4.08 premium. Was over $5 a month or so ago for regular. That’s also Costco. Add another 50 cents for regular gas stations. We were at $6 during the summer

 

[Zyvin]

I have ran a few tanks of premium only and have seen zero difference in mpg on the 3.5.

My turbo car; however, loses about 1.5 mpg using regular. But that’s what happens when your wife offers to fill up your car. You get the cheap stuff.

 

[My 2ND Ford]

It's only been 20 more at Sheetz here for a while now (87 vs 93); no brainer for me at that price difference, if for the performance alone.

Jeeze, don't we wish. During the summer I paid $5.50 a gal premium for the motorcycle. It requires premium , you don't want to hear the noises the engine makes on regular!

 

[My 2ND Ford]

What are you paying per gallon? Were at 2.45/2.85 here at Sam's Club.

We are about the same price difference here in NY, but our Sam's is 40 min away. Too far for frequent fill up's. I paid $3.41 a gal a week ago. Edit, Sam's is down to $3.25 gal

 

[My 2ND Ford]

I have ran a few tanks of premium only and have seen zero difference in mpg on the 3.5.

My turbo car; however, loses about 1.5 mpg using regular. But that’s what happens when your wife offers to fill up your car. You get the cheap stuff.

The only time my turbo Volvo loses MPG on regular, is when I visit my brother in law in western Ny and I buy gas on the reservation , then the mpg tanks.

 

[Porpoise Hork]

I have ran a few tanks of premium only and have seen zero difference in mpg on the 3.5.

My turbo car; however, loses about 1.5 mpg using regular. But that’s what happens when your wife offers to fill up your car. You get the cheap stuff.

It took years for mine to finally acknowledge that hers NEEDS 93 octane. Does she put it in? NOPE.

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