I just picked up my 03 and I was told to put Premium gas into it. The manual, however, says to use 87 octane or higher gas. "For improved performance, use of 91 octane or higher gas is recommended." What is this 'improved performance'? I'm guessing that I can put 89 into it without any problems once the break-in period is complete, assuming it doesn't knock.

 

it also depends on what altitude you are at. The higher above sea level you are the lower octane you can run (to a point)

 

Do you have the V8?

 

I'm at sea level (for now) and I do have the V8. I find it interesting that they only 'recommend' 91+. All of my 91+ octane cars "REQUIRE" it.

 

I noticed in the new Fourwheeler magazine (Feb. 03) the 4Runner and the Lexus both are listed as using 91 Octance fuel. Also, both are using the V-8.

Martin

 

The 6 cylinder requires 92, while the V8 doesn't. Must be due to the higer compression of the 6. Someone looking for economy is going to get a little cheated on the 6, when they could go for the 8 and not have to use 92.

 

So does that mean that using 89 on the V8 is safe? That's basically what I'm getting at. There is a big price difference between 89 and 93. Where I live, there is no 91 option.

 

You only need to run 87 for the V8. The manual says 87, then you are doing no harm.

 

I'm using 87 and the dealer told me to use 87. I put in 93 and noticed no difference. At $.20 more a gallon (for the 93), I'm sticking with 87. Coming up on 1000k, I'm going to use some 93 and see if it gets better MPG (I doubt it.) But, it's worth a try.

 

I would say it depends on if you lease your 4Runner or not, my Mustang GT was a lease and I only put 87 octane in it. Paying for expensive stuff for a car you don't own is dumb.

 

I 'own' my 4Runner, but my ownership period might be limited. I still like to take care of anything I put serious money into. I'm glad people are saying they've been putting 87 in without problems because my dealer told me 91+, which contrasts what the manual says. I'm going to stick with the manual and save some money with this thirsty beast.

 

I've got almost 3K on my 03 and have run 89 octane in it since I got it. It runs fine, no pinging, even when I'm hard on the throttle.