NO! I have posted a thread on the octane usage necesary and the results in my 07 CX7 that we just turned in back in Nov. I never once ran anything higher than 89 octane and had ZERO problems with the car, at all! I am in very good standing with my dealership and the service department and have had numerous conversations about the octane and negative effects on the 07. THe 08 had optional octane choices and the 09 is not high octane mandated. Again, 24k miles in 18 months and zero problems running 89 octane and sometimes even 87 octane. We averaged 22 MPG and while my wife was driving it after I got the Speed3 she actually got 28 MPG on the freeway going to Northern Michigan. Not to bad considering. I will say this... Do not buy a CX7 unless it is the AWD model. We thankfully had the AWD but have a friend with an 08 FWD and they hate it in the snow and slush. Horrible balance.
What color are you looking at? Wonder if it is ours. LOL... Not likely but could be. We had a black sport AWD with Tan interior. If it is you got a great car, I take really good care of my cars. All mobil 1 full syn oil changes at 3k no matter what, K&N drop in filter (oil reduced) and BRAND new tires.