Has anyone switched to using regular unleaded gas? Volvo only RECOMMENDS "premium" unleaded. If people have switched over. Please tell me your results as it relates to performance. Thx

Hi Pavolvo

I drive a 2006 XC90 with the 2.5T engine.

Due to Premium Fuel not being available for some months in many parts of Australia, one has been forced to use Regular unleaded.

I have been using the regular unleaded now for over 12 months and found no reduction is performance. If I put my foot on the go pedal - the engine responds effectively.

I have been advised that if undertaking lengthy journeys - 300-400klms or more, using Premuim unleaded can result in a slightly improved fuel consumption.

I drove a 2004 T6AWD 55,000 miles during a four year lease, and used regular gas (87 octane) the entire time with no discernable loss in performance. My local Volvo service manager signed off on my choice of fuel.

on my brother and brother in laws xc90's, one is the twin turbo the other the single turbo, both had a drop of performance. granted, both of them drive like madmen, they boost those things to an inch of their lives. with super unleaded, you can feel it when they drive. your call really.

I have a 2007 XC90 that I picked up in Sweden in March/April 2007. I spent a couple of weeks driving around Europe using higher octane fuel than what is available in the US. The only difference I noticed with running 87 octane fuel in the US is a three or four mile per gallon difference (less) fuel economy.

If I am going to have four or more people in the vehicle or a load sometimes I will put mid grade or higher octane (91 or 93) fuel ... but otherwise for basic driving around the difference in the cost of the octane grades does not make it worth routine purchase of anything other than 87 octane. (And my dealer said that was OK to run as well.)

:blush: With the S80 Twin Turbo, I've found that I get 3/4 MPG Interstate increase when using 91 octane vs 87 octane. Have not checked mileage city driving as feel its not worth the effort..Stopping/ Starting and Ideling will result in poor mileage whatever your driving..I know the local dealer uses 87 octane in all there volvo's regardless of engine, turbo or non-turbo...Locally we are paying $3.53 a gallon for the 91 octane and $3.41 for the 87...For the few cents difference I believe the higher octane for the Turbo models is justified...IMHO...

I agree - if the difference in fuel prices are like what you have quoted. I filled up on 01 Sep 2008 at a local Pride station in the Springfield MA area. Here are the prices for various octane ratings:
87 = $3.439
89 = $3.589
92 = $3.639
93 = $3.689
This is one of the cheapest prices in the area. Still, the spread between 87 and 91 or 92 octane is usually 0.18 to 0.20 per gallon (even when the price was at $4.00 per gallon). That's about 6% more at today's price. Doing some math - if I normally get combined about 21 MPG and add 6% ... that would be a little over 22 MPG. I think it is not worth it for city driving - but prob worth the extra cost to use the higher octane fuel when driving mostly highway miles.

Thanks for all the replies. I have noticed a drop in MPG when using 87. I'm seeing about a 2/3 mile mpg difference on highway... City considerably less 4/5... Using mid-grade now and seeing minimal difference...