oops....Fuel question

[Chach1185]

Hey all, This is my first post and first few times on the forum. I'm soon to be 21 years old any parents are buying me a car, yes i know i'm spoiled. They really like the cx-7 ALOT, but when they found out iit only takes premium feul they really turned away from it. Should i really let this hinder the choice of vehicle? Is it really that big of a deal, and also i've read about if you used reg. fuel and what it'd do to the car. Are the stories true? Thanks everyone!

-Tosh

p.s. i posted this in the wrong section before...please ignore my ignorance :-\

 

[buit9110]

don't put fewer octanage than 93, this engine is very picky with its fuel, the stories are true.

 

[02589]

removed

 

[CX7_Scott]

Wait - the book says 91 Octane... not 93.

Most stations in this area offer only three grades; 85, 89 & 93... but Sunoco has 91 which I've been using... when I can't get to a Sunoco, I use 93 from whatever station I'm at.

 

[Zoom49]

Wait - the book says 91 Octane... not 93..

Yes that is because 91 is the highest available fuel in all of California (except racing fuel). Even if you dont live here but take a trip you still get maximum performance. I fill with premimum at each fillup.

 

[mwr577]

Wait - the book says 91 Octane... not 93.

Most stations in this area offer only three grades; 85, 89 & 93... but Sunoco has 91 which I've been using... when I can't get to a Sunoco, I use 93 from whatever station I'm at.

I asked my dealear about this and was told that at least in my area (central IL) the 89 with ethanol is ok. She uses 89 with ethanol then every 3rd tank runs a load of 91-93 in her speed6 and has had no probles with it and sees no issues with runing the cx7 that way.

 

[ProtoType5]

p.s. i posted this in the wrong section before...please ignore my ignorance :-\

You're ignorance is excused....If I were you, I'd be getting the MazdaSpeed3, but that's just me...Anyway, with any turbocharged engine they will recommend the high octance fuel, it reduces pre-detination or "knock"...The fact that your parents are buying you a $40K vehicle makes me think you shouldn't be too worried about the "cost of fuel"...and it's available at all stations...So have fun with your new ride...Let us know what you think...

 

[jmhumr]

Hey all, This is my first post and first few times on the forum. I'm soon to be 21 years old any parents are buying me a car, yes i know i'm spoiled. They really like the cx-7 ALOT, but when they found out iit only takes premium feul they really turned away from it. Should i really let this hinder the choice of vehicle? Is it really that big of a deal, and also i've read about if you used reg. fuel and what it'd do to the car. Are the stories true? Thanks everyone!

-Tosh

p.s. i posted this in the wrong section before...please ignore my ignorance :-\

I had the same concerns, especially after it was so often the #1 "con" in CX-7 reviews. But after owning mine for a couple months, here's the deal...

Performance-wise: Yes, it makes a big difference, don't skimp on the fuel. I always put the highest grade available at the gas station in.

Cost-wise: No, it doesn't make a big difference. Pull out your calculator. Right now gas in my area is $2.20 for 87-grade and $2.45 for 93-grade. Assuming 10k miles per year and 21 MPG, that difference only costs me $120 per year. Only $10/month? You can easily be frugal for a couple days per month to make that up.

Bottom line, don't let it dissuade you from buying a CX-7.

 

[G-Papi]

I asked my dealear about this and was told that at least in my area (central IL) the 89 with ethanol is ok. She uses 89 with ethanol then every 3rd tank runs a load of 91-93 in her speed6 and has had no probles with it and sees no issues with runing the cx7 that way.

Here we have 87, 89, and 93.
The book says 91
I use 93
I notice a power loss at 89.
My $.02

 

[Platonium]

Premium fuel is a waste of money for machines that do not require it for their best/most efficient operation. This is one of those vehicles. All turbocharged engines are octane sensitive. This one having such a high static compression ratio is ESPECIALLY sensitive to lower octane gas. Though, the ethanol 89 may be enough to quell knock (ethanol reduces precombustion and cools the intake charge) you will still not get the best power and efficiency. The costs amortized over time are nothing.