friend's subaru problems

[rijndael]

It has the most additives

Please provide evidence. Top Tier is not a maximum amount.

 

[Donald]

It has the most additives, usually the lowest price and has the fastest turnover guaranteeing the freshest fuel. Combine this with costco's meticulous pump filter maintenance and there is no option out there better. There may be some as good, but not better.

I think ExxonMobil probably has better additives.

 

[Japanese]

I don't think there is any difference b/w gasoline sold at different gas stations (except maybe some 91 octane, because no ethanol and some additives). Gasoline (any fuels) in the US is federally regulated, isn't it?
I used to fill up only at Mobile for years, but for the last couple of years I fill up wherever is the cheapest - currently at a small family business gas station. There is no difference in my car's behavior or performance.
Maybe once in a while is good to fill up with 91 because there is no ethanol and to clean up the fuel system, but not sure how beneficial it is.
So, for me there is no top tier gas.

 

[Nukeman7]

Please provide evidence. Top Tier is not a maximum amount.

See the COSTCO link in Post #9 above. Or Post #21 in this previous BITOG thread.

 

[badtlc]

I don't think there is any difference b/w gasoline sold at different gas stations (except maybe some 91 octane, because no ethanol and some additives). Gasoline (any fuels) in the US is federally regulated, isn't it?

Yes, there are differences and even each brand admits this. Now if you want to say that they all use the same base gasoline (not additives/detergents) that is mostly true. The only difference is the additives and detergents.

Is it govt regulated? yes, it is. BUT having said that the federal minimums are insufficient and was proven so over 2 decades ago. This is why BMW and other manufacturers got together with QuikTrip and Chevron to create Top Tier certification program. You have to increase additive levels above federal minimums and provide a guaranteed level of cleaning to be Top Tier certified. Top Tier certified fuels are tested and have to meet performance standards.

 

[badtlc]

Please provide evidence. Top Tier is not a maximum amount.

There is a long thread on all the various brands and their detergent levels on the fuel section. There are even links provided to the different levels. Top Tier is a minimum, not a maximum. Not all brands go above Top Tier requirements and those that do exceed the Top Tier standards do so by varying amounts. The only brands that advertise the same levels as costco are BP and Shell and that is only in their premium. Costco provides the same level in 87 octane as well as 91. Phillips66/conoco provide more additives in their 87 octane than Shell and BP but they do not include as much as those two in their 91/93 octane. Phillips66 provides the same levels for all octane grades.

 

[Zee09]

Friends don't let friends buy Subarus

 

[rijndael]

There is a long thread on all the various brands and their detergent levels on the fuel section. There are even links provided to the different levels. Top Tier is a minimum, not a maximum. Not all brands go above Top Tier requirements and those that do exceed the Top Tier standards do so by varying amounts. The only brands that advertise the same levels as costco are BP and Shell and that is only in their premium. Costco provides the same level in 87 octane as well as 91. Phillips66/conoco provide more additives in their 87 octane than Shell and BP but they do not include as much as those two in their 91/93 octane. Phillips66 provides the same levels for all octane grades.

I've seen the linked marketing information, not evidence, about who had the most. What Nukeman7 linked to above said Shell beat Costco anyway.

It's so much easier (and more reasonable) to just say something like "Costco has great gas" rather than saying something like "It has the most additives" or "There is not a better gas out there". Not everything needs a Trump'ian language on it.

 

[D60]

On the occasions a mouse gets in our lower kitchen cabinet, the wife insists everything must be run through the dishwasher because hand washing with hot water and soap is not enough -- according to her.

I point out we're a little spoiled here in the States and much of the world still doesn't have a dishwasher or quite possibly even hot water, but mice are pretty much present everywhere. This argument falls on deaf ears.

Similarly, much of the country doesn't have access to any stations with Top Tier fuel. Somehow all those backwoods bumpkins (I identify as such) keep motoring down the road. Amazing.

 

[Zee09]

Over analyzing is a BITOG stronghold ....

 

[Robert2468]

haha. friends don't let friends buy Subarus!!!!

when she bought the car, i told her to get a toyota or honda

we had a great Honda Accord for years, until car wreck. on my third Acura RDX

GREAT cars
best,
bob

 

[SubieRubyRoo]

good friend does not know about cars. she has a 2021 Forrester, she got new, has 35,000 miles. dashboard lit up. dealer says there is carbon on some valve, causing misfire cylinder 3. she faithfully changed synthetic oil at the dealer. he asked about gas. she gets I think Costco gas. car is at dealer to fix.

dumb questions:

1. did she do something to cause this, or is this engine design?

2. I told her I use top tier gas, regular grade, I have two acura RDX cars. would that help?

3. I DO like Hondas and Toyotas for longevity. i told her to think about getting a honda or toyota.

would love any and all ideas.

best,
bob

1. No.
2. Costco exceeds Top Tier.
3. Subarus have received top resale value almost as many times over the past 15 years as both of those.