2007 Solara Convertible, ?premium gas

[vicdreyer]

Hi,

I've got the 2007 Toyota Solara SLE convertible and have been using regular gas since I purchased it in October and it runs just fine.
I noticed some owners are running premium gas in similar models.

Is premium recommended for this car?

Thanks,

Vic

[PXLpainter]

Yes - Premium is recommended for the V6 (SLE) high compression engine (10:1) - check the owner's manual.

I only run premium - performs well and no loss of torque or pinging - and I know it will burn more efficiently so my emissions and cat work well.

When you add up the cost of running premium over regular over a year, it's a couple hundred bucks - which I think is money worthwhile knowing I'm give the engine what it needs.

[vicdreyer]

Is there any precautions I should know about when switching from regular to permium (i.e. should the tank be completely empty first, should I run any additives, etc?)

Thanks,

Vic

[PXLpainter]

I would maybe run an injector cleaner through a tank full, run it dry, then fill up with premium and disconnect the Neg. terminal on your battery for about 30 minutes and reconnect. This will reset the computer in your car.

Drive it aggressively for that first tank - the computer will make adjustments to the fuel and driving style.

See if you notice any performance or mileage changes after a few tanks.

[saxman28]

Originally Posted by vicdreyer

Hi,

I've got the 2007 Toyota Solara SLE convertible and have been using regular gas since I purchased it in October and it runs just fine.
I noticed some owners are running premium gas in similar models.

Is premium recommended for this car?

Thanks,

Vic

Hi,

not needed - I was told by Toyota - 87 octane - ok.

Alan Russell

[se2006]

Waste of money using premium gas, the Dealer recommend 87 octane. This not a performance car no matter what you think.

[PXLpainter]

You guys are trashing your engines... unless you drive like Grandma.

High compression engines like the 3MZ (10:1 compression ratio) need higher octane for proper performance.

No - it's not a sports car, but it is still a precision engine - which is why they last so long.

Run what you want in your car - hell, put diesel in it if you want - I don't care what you do to your car! I'm going to listen to the manufacturer (not the dealer who wants my service and to buy a new car from them in a couple years).

[coal miner]

I have an 06 V-6 convertable with an automatic. My drivers manual recomends 89 octane for best performance. I never used it as it runs fine on regular. But than I am an easy driver. Of course, high octane is best for the V-6. Wait till they start using this menthanal gas & other gas made from corn & old cooking oil! I hate to think of us having to use cheap fuel but its coming? Coal miner in Florida

[kedruff]

I received my 2008 SLE ragtop. The owner's manual says 87 octane in two places, minimum. I was quite surprised, actually, as I had expected to have to put 91 in it...

[se2006]

Use regular on my 2006 SE and get 19 MPG city and 26/27 highway. This engine dose not require premium gas per the manusal.

[PXLpainter]

Guys - read your manuals better!

It specifically states that you CAN use the 87 but that 91 or higher is preferred!

I guess it depends on performance and longevity of you ride... if you drive like Grandma and are just leasing your car and don't care if it lasts over 100k then by all means, keep pumping the cheap stuff into it.

High compression engines (like the 3.3 V6, rated at 10:1 compression) need the higher octane to perform well.

[kedruff]

3MZ- FE engine: Select Octane Rating 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher. For improved vehicle performance, the use of premium unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating of 91 (Research Octane Number of 96) or higher is recommended

From the Solara manual, emphasis mine... My reading of that is that if you want to race your car, use 91. If you want to jack-rabbit start, use 91. If you want to show off with a "fast" car and get speeding tickets, use 91. If the young lady beside you has a midnight curfew and it's 11:55 and you're 8 miles away, use 91.

If, however, you want to enjoy the fact that it's below 80 for the first time in a week, there's not a cloud in the sky and you can see every star above the tree line, and the young lady beside you is staying in your bed all night no matter what time you get back, 87 octane is just fine.

[PXLpainter]

Originally Posted by kedruff

From the Solara manual, emphasis mine... My reading of that is that if you want to race your car, use 91. If you want to jack-rabbit start, use 91. If you want to show off with a "fast" car and get speeding tickets, use 91. If the young lady beside you has a midnight curfew and it's 11:55 and you're 8 miles away, use 91.

If, however, you want to enjoy the fact that it's below 80 for the first time in a week, there's not a cloud in the sky and you can see every star above the tree line, and the young lady beside you is staying in your bed all night no matter what time you get back, 87 octane is just fine.

Touche

I guess if you're worried about the little old lady's wig flying off you better keep it under 40 and use that 87 octane then! LOL!!

As for me, I'll keep using the recommended 91 - since obviously I've spent $$ on an MAFCi intake, headers and exhaust and suspension components... not trying to impress anyone else - just enjoying the ride!

[kedruff]

LOL... very nice, pxl... Over here on the right coast there's not too many places to open up the throttle and whip around the corners... Now if only i could figure out how to bypass Toyota's STUPID, STUPID, STUPID nanny "features"....

KD

[PXLpainter]

^^ Agreed... I am seriously considering doing a manual tranny swap some day and bypass this "slushbox" they call a "sport-shift auto" once and for all!